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Anxious to launch? So are we and wanted to share this video for those waiting for warmer weather and melted snow at the boatyard.

Here is a youtube video by our middle son documenting his first boat,  a J-24, located on Casco Bay, Portland Maine. Also included, youngest son in a 1964, personally refurbished (including sails) Pearson Commander, and of course Dad & Mom in the 86 C-34.  Multiple friends & family share in the fun: raft ups, dock parties, evening sailing and open water  .......

SAILING 2014.  <www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlTiJtTMOFo>

Hoping for many more years of memories like this !

Gary

Wanted to share our recent Labor Day Sail / Cruise. Nine boats, all old friends 20+ years, a few wonderful new folks, and my sons, now in there own boats.
Sailing life is good!

1st night:  The Dolphin Marina and Restaurant,  Potts Harbor.
2nd night: Little Snow Island, Quahog Bay, part of the Maine Island Trail System... left the island cleaner than we found it.
Lobsters and Steamers:  Quahog Lobster Co-Op

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk9Bhx3Ed6s

Gary

Can not seem to enter the C34 search engine any longer.

I am looking for the Kubota engine number equivalent for the 1986 Universal M-25 engine so that I can purchase a glow plug.

I have a glow plug that has a broken stem so online sources for glow plugs will also be helpful. I do have the Universal glow plug number which is 299685 but need to cross reference to Kubota or to NAPA to make a purchase.

Thanks !!

Gary

I have a leak in the fresh water system in what I think is a back pressure regulator. It is located in line and before the hot water heater. I do not seem to be able to find a replacement at Hamilton's or at West Marine. Explanations for its purpose would be helpful.

A few questions...
Is it necessary?
Is the original repairable?
Are they available anywhere as a replacement part?

Thanks everyone!

Gary

Hello all: this video was taken by one of my three sons. All three are aboard a Pearson Commander recently restored and we are out for a birthday sail (race) !! Winds are about 25knots with higher gusts.

One of the great joys of a lifetime of sailing for me and my wife has been watching, sharing and helping our sons as they continue to enjoy sailing. Kegan, the Commander owner, and the youngest, will have a restoration project published in "Good Old Boat" in January.

http://vimeo.com/28037341

Gary Ambrose

I have always used the decompression lever to stop our M 25 Universal.  That is until reading the recent "Dead Battery" threads.  There the Torrenson Marine URL added by Stu indicates the correct proceedure is to use the throttle, all the way back, to what is called the "spring release position".  The Torrenson URL says that using the decompression lever for stopping the emgine will result in damage to the exhaust valves.  I do not think my throttle has this feature as in the all the way back position the engine is at idle.  No spring back position either.

We have a 1986 Universal.  What are others doing as a way to stop engine?

Thanks!

The aft engine mount bolts on our Universal M-25 always seem to be tight while the forward bolts always seem to need a fractional turn to be tight.  There are no lock washers.  One forward bolt seems close to stripping.

Question one:  do the bolts simply lag into the fiberglass stringers?  And if so, could a repair be to simply coat the bolts with wax as a releasing agent then a coat of thickened epoxy resin? Or are there other repair options?

Question two:  Should there be lock washers on these bolts?

Question three:  Has anyone sized up in diameter to recover a tight fit?  It would seem longer bolts might not work because it is not a place to redrill without engine removal.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas.

So, after the thread about "Sailing with Kids" I am wondering, as we age and continue to sail our C34's what are the early signs of concern, stories of older sailors, and strategies for controlling our boats in later years that can be shared?  How old are folks getting and still out there enjoying the sailing experience?  This may be a bit more delicate a question to ponder so thanks in advance for the willingness to respond.