Messages

Just spoke to Paulus (s/v Cool Change) yesterday (Sunday, 6/15/2014) afternoon (telephone). Paulus is single-handing s/v Cool Change and was having fairly heavy weather (40 knot winds and storm approaching) when I spoke to him.  He was heading into Detour, Michigan on the west side of the St. Marys River (which runs between Lake Huron & lake Superior). He then plans on sailing east across the river to an anchorage at Harbour Island in Potagnnissing Bay.  Harbour Island is just north Drummond Island which is one of the U.S. Islands forming the southern boundary of the North Channel (NC).  It's about 40 miles NEE from Harbour Island across the NC to Blind River, Ontario (on the north side of the NC) where Paulus usually checks-in to Canada.  We'll be joining him on s/v Weal Sea in the NC in July.  If interested, I had previously put together a short "Web Page" on the NC (following a trip there in 2003) which you can use to check out part of Cool Change's route. The route shown is the one Paulus typically follows. Here's the web address for the Main "Menu";  Click on item #10 [Photo Journal: North Channel Cruise: Part 2 (The Channel)] to see "Cool Changes" route --- Web Address:    http://home.comcast.net/~saildan/Menu/index.htm

We've been sailing Lake Michigan since 2000 and have always used VC17 on Weal Sea.  If you've used VC17 before, 2 quarts should do; we don't thin it.  Some people put it on VC17 every-other-year but we do it every year.  I recommend a foam roller. SailDan

Thanks for suggestion Ron. I agree--- will do.

Dan -
I had to replace my M35 Universal Engine on our 1994 C34 because of a crank shaft bearing problem during our trip to the Bahamas in 2006. The marina would
giving me NOTHING for my old engine or parts so I removed the starter (works great) as well as other parts and brought them home with us. [items: transmission (Hurth HD100 - a new one came with the new engine), starter, 100 AMP alternator (requires external regulator), and water pump as well as instrument panal (Guages were OK)].  If you are interested, let me know.

Has anyone rigged a "Pig Stick" and used it to raise your club Burgee above the mast?  I remember reading about it years ago but have forgotten the source / reference.

Ron & Peter
I understand and can see where that elbow sticking up could create a problem.  Good to hear that you were able to pull the aft tank Peter.  I am going to try and flush the tank first without removing it.... in fact,  I am at the boat now and flushing and draining into the bilge   Seems to be working fine.

Also discovered that the water manifold valve to the starboard tank in the cabin was open... UGH.  You can guess what happened....got some diesel into that tank was well via gravity feed from the aft tank.  I was able to pull that tank last night and am in the process of washing it out.
Dan

Stu -
OK, you are forcing me to "confess" ... I am really embarrassed but here is what happened:  It was late at night, had guests on board, I was tired, and I was trying to save a bit of diesel in a carry-on fuel tank.  Yep... you guessed it... put about a pint of diesel into the aft water tank before I realized what I had done. Stopped immediately and added liquid soap then pumped out what I could. I believe I got out most of it out.  However, I need to make sure since we use the tanks for drinking water.

I have been in contact with John Langford (Member of this assoc., C-34 Mk II, s/v Calypso) who had same problem a couple of years ago (Check his August 5, 2008 thread on this site about "diesel in water tank" - http: //c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4476.html#msg26343 ).  He also refers to Peggie Hall's article in this thread.  John gave me his cleaning procedure which seemed to work.  He did not have to remove his tank.  I am going try his "washing procedure" first.  If it does not work, I'll remove the tank and have it steam cleaned.
Dan  
(PS - I've also been in contact with Bob Kuba; We both belong to the Chicago Catalina Fleet 21)

Ron -
Thanks for suggestion.  You may be correct. I am not sure, but from Bob's photos it looks like the "90 degree elbow" (fill hose) attachment is threaded into the top tank.  I can't tell from the photos if they sealed the joint with Teflon tape, maybe 3M 4200 or something else?  If it's the tape I might be able to unscrew it.  Otherwise I'll need to use your suggestion.
Thanks,
Dan

Bob -
Fantastic photos.  I guess I recalled seeing the throttle cables, etc. in front of the tank when I removed the bulkhead in the Bahamas and got confused about the location of the rudder post.

I really appreciate your 3 photos and information.  I need to clean the tank (of some nasty stuff) and, from your photos, it appears I my not have to remove the tank afterall... whew ; it looks like I can access the tank via the "filling hose" on the starboard side to pump out the tank.  I note also that you installed clean-out "access ports" on the top of the tank.  Great idea... I may do this as well.
Dan Harrington... 

I may have to remove the Aft Water Tank on my 1994 MK-I with a walk-through transom.  The rudder post is immediately forward of the tank behind the bulkhead in the aft cabin.  Question: Do you have to "drop the rudder" to remove the tank or can you slide it around the port side of the post?

This photo supplements above: s/v Weal Sea anchored in Elizabeth Town Harbour (Abacos, Bahamas) among other cruisers. Note stanchion boards with 4 water tanks on deck along with Honda 200i Generator. Extra propane tanks is on port stern pulpit seat (can't see well in photo). The Irish flag is the Admiral's along with Kinsale Yacht Club burgee. We are also flying the "Chicago All Catalina Fleet 21" battle flag.

Hey Carin, I like that propane storage tank rack on the stern pulpit.  Where did you get it? Did you manufacture it, purchase it?  If you made it, a posting on our C-34 "project page" would be nice... I'd give serious consideration to installing one on Weal Sea (See my 'temp" solutions below).

Regarding the concerns expressed as to the dangers of storing propane in confined spaces, especially below deck, the warnings should be taken seriously... DON'T DO IT.  I just returned from my annual short stint of teaching at St. Georges U. in Grenada. While there, a Grenadian sailboat blew up due to improper storage of a propane tank. Fortunately, the owner was not killed but he was still in the hospital when we left for home.

As to where to store your extra 10# propane tank, I like the setup used on Carin (above).

Here's another possible 'temporary' solution.  We had to make the same storage decision during our 2005-2006, 15-month, 7000 mile trip cruise to the Bahamas and back to Hammond, IN (FYI: 'Warts & All' journal of 1st 4000 miles of the trip: www.clrmarin.com/210.html).  We anchored out 80-90 % of the time and went through a significant amount of propane. (The Admiral of 40+ years, 'Patricia', prepared most of our meals and she loves her boiled [in the skins, of course] or baked potatoes and fresh bread.  In addition, she had to have her HOT tea a 2-3 times during the day or she became "grumpy" and would likely as not through potatoes at me... She's from Ireland!). 

Propane is readily available in the Bahamas but, if you are cruising the "Out-Islands" for a week or more, it may be hard to come by on a beautiful but deserted cay.  Thus, an extra tank is essential. We purchased our 10# aluminum tank from WM while still in the US.  Question, was where to store it?  No time to manufacture a vented storage locker on the way. Depending on conditions, we stored it in a white, sun-reflective plastic pail (with holes drilled in the sides near the bottom for water drainage) which we lashed to either one of the stern pulpit seats or to the port or starboard stanchion boards clamped to the lifeline stanchions forward of the cockpit.  (Note: Storage of the tank in a pail 'hides the ugly tank", and also prevented scratching and staining of the deck / seat associated with salt water corrosion of the aluminum tank.) The "stanchion boards" were also essential for storing our 3 extra diesel, 1 gasoline (dinghy outboard), and 4 fresh water containers. (You pay for fresh water in many of the ports in the Bahamas.  However, there are a few places where it is free, e.g. the dinghy dock in Elizabeth Town, Marsh Harbour. Thus, sailors being notoriously cheap, fill up here when ever possible.)  While all this "on-deck storage" sometimes made us look like a 'tramp steamer', we were not alone... many of the Bahamian cruisers had similar setups, including the two C-34s and one C-42 Catalinas we sailed with heading south.  Thus, we 'fit right in' with 40-50% of the other cruisers. 

We removed the stanchion boards when we returned to the Great Lakes. However, we occasionally use them when we cruise the Canadian North Channel of Lake Huron.

Note - We do store a few of the "small" propane cylinders used for our Magma Grill in our anchor locker.  The locker is vented at the bottom but, you do need check periodically to be sure its clear of debris.  Also, if you decide to store a few cylinders here, be sure the cylinders will not tangle your anchor line should an emergency anchor deployment become necessary. We had to deploy our back-up anchor during a squall in Marsh Harbour, Abacos when another boat ( a BIG "cabin cruiser" from the States) dragged anchor. There was no one on board and they had an anchor scope of only 5 to 1 during a squall! The boat hit and nearly capsized us, and then cut the rope segment of our anchor line; we carried 50 ft of chain and 200 ft of rope rode. (We had a scope of 12 to 1 and were holding firm with our Bruce. In fact our anchor was holding both boats until he sawed through our rode with his bow. In a sense, not having 'all chain' was a blessing!  If he had not cut our rode, he would have capsized us.)  Luckily,  I was able to deploy the back-up anchor (Danforth) after we were set adrift.  Scary!!

It will be interesting to hear what you finally decide.

Here is an update on the AB refrig. as promised.
1. Received a personal MSG from Robart (C-34, Ten Times, #1279) who had a similar problem to mine in 2006. He found out it was the Controller Module on the compressor and replaced it for $290, vs $1200 for Evaporator & Compressor.  I called Defender, they said 2009 price for the Controller is now $700! Oops.
2. I called "Dometic" (800-234-8778) which now own rights to Weaco / Adler-Barbour marine refrigerators. I  spoke to Jacob Prince (engineer/technician?).  He was VERY helpful and knowledgable. He suggested I try several a problem-solving tests before I ordered anything.  His 1st suggestion was to test the thermostat by bypassing it using a jumper wire to see if the compressor turned on. Wow... would you believe it, it started up immediately! Pulling the thermostat, I found that there was significant corrosion of the internal components and that the wire connectors fell apart when I remove the unit from inside of the refrig.
3. I telephoned Dometic back and got the thermostat part # = 4060204. Since Dometic is a wholesale suppler only, they suggested I call West Marine to order the part...  I telephoned Defender instead.
4. Telephoned Defender (800-628-8225).  They said they have had a number of orders for this thermostat in the past. Current price: $18.99 + shipping.  BIG DIFFERENCE between $1200, $700 or $290.  I ordered it and am waiting anxiously for its delivery so we can have some cold beer!
Dan

Gosh guys, thanks for the rapid responses and great suggestions.
I am going to try Roland Gendreau (Gratitude #1183) suggestion first since he said he had replaced the refrigeration unit on his 1992 C-34 with a walk-through transom.  From his descriptions, I get the impression that removing the stern water tanks is not that difficult.    I have not decided on a brand of refrigerator.  I am leaning to an AB since, as noted by you folks, it is a "direct replacement".  However, I will check around.  I promise to let you all know how the project goes.
Thanks again, Ken, Ken & Roland.
Dan
(Weal Sea #1289)

P.S. -- Just sailed Weal Sea down from her winter storage harbor at St. Joseph, Michigan to her new summer slip in Michigan City, Indiana. (We are not longer in Hammond, IN)  It was a beautiful day on Lake Michigan: clear skies but cool (64-68 F).  Unfortunately, the wind was only 3-4 kts out of the SE and we had to motor-sail all the entire 30 nm south. Still it was a GREAT day to be on the water again. "Life is good, especially on a sailboat"

[Adler-Barbour refrigerator]

Weal Sea's (Catalina factory installed) Adler-Barbour refrigerator finally gave up after 15 years; no complaints -- gave us great service.
My problem: I've removed the aft cabin bulkhead panel and can seen the compressor by looking over the stern water tank. It is situated immediately behind the the small closet in the aft cabin and below the "SMALL" cockpit lazzerette (with wooden floor) on the starboard side of the boat. (The 1994 C-34 with a walk-thru transom has a single lazzerette on the SB side and a propane storage locker on the port side of the walk-thru passage). 
Question: How do I access the compressor to replace it? Has anyone done this?
The only option I see is removing the stern water tank. Wow not looking forward to that; not sure how to even approach it.  I don't believe cutting out the floor in the SB lazzerette is a good option:  I am not sure I could squeeze through the hole or even remove the compressor through the hole.
Any suggestions?