Topics

The rub rails on my boat work well, but they are kind of faded.  Does anyone have a suggestion of how to care for them?  I was thinking of spraying them with Armor All.  What do you think?

My brother, who ownes a Catalina 36, sent this to me.

http://realitycheck.me/resources.htm

You may already know about this site, but it is SO GOOD that you might want to bookmark it - or add it to the wiki on this site.  By the way, Lisa and I are really enjoying our new-to-us Catalina 400.  I keep on this site because of the blend of information and personality, but wish all models had such a fine resource.  Best to Y'all,

Scotty

I want to put a VHF radio at the helm of my boat.  In a post by Ron, on a thread about RAMs, he mentioned a slider switch to go back and forth between radios.  My questions are:  Can I use a splitter to connect both radios to the same antenna?  Does there have to be a slider switch?  Perhaps I would be better off putting a separate antenna on the radar pole at the stern (which is my preference).  Can I just tap into the 12 supply to the instruments, or should I run a dedicated line to it?

Unexpected changes, Paradise is for sale.  Contact Dinah at Farallons Yacht Sales in Alemeda.  This is a very well maintained vessel.

Does anyone have a Standard Horizon Remote Microphone CMP23 that they would like to sell?

Thanks,
Scotty

Looking for a remote for the Standard Horizon Intrepid +.  This is no longer carried by major suppliers.  The new one (CMP30) won't work.  Need a remote model CMP23. 
Thanks,
Scotty

I guess I'm getting old, but it seems harder and harder to get into the forepeak!  Simple solution:  I had a plastic step from a previous boat (a Catalina 30), and just put it on the floor of the forepeak.  It dosen't get in my way, and it makes a really simple step. (The red arrow points to the step).

I'm in the process of running the reefing lines back to the cockpit.  I'm using a double line system (a seperate line for the tack and the clew) which means bringing back four lines into the cockpit.  I've put cheek blocks on the boom and blocks to lead the lines to deck organizers.  By the way, I used nice roller bearing blocks to minimize friction (yikes, they're expensive!).  I added a stack of organizers to the top of the existing organizers (no new holes in the deck), and then ran the lines into the new line stoppers (Surelock FTS) which I am mounting next to the existing line stoppers.  In fact I have hollowed out space for them out of the companion-way teak, as well as making a new pad for the starboard outboard stopper.  
The existing holes for the existing hardware are just drilled to size for the bolts.  They are not oversize, filled with epoxy, then redrilled to a smaller hole.  That's how it came out of the factory, and there is no water damage or delamination issues that I can tell.  This area is also very well protected by a dodger.  So that brings me to my question:

Do you think that I should just drill and bolt the new line stoppers on (bedding them with butyl and counter-sinking the hole a bit to allow a "bowl" for the butyl)?  Or should I do the oversize, epoxy, smaller size hole method?  Is there a foam core at this part of the cabin top?  Is delamination an issue at this portion of the cabin top?

Thanks,

Scotty

I'm about to install the new windlass I bought (I ended up going with a Lewmar V1).  As per information on this website, I want to crimp and solder the connections on the cables of the battery circuit.  Can you help me find the proper technique?  Can I drill and then use a solder gun - or should I use a torch?  If I use a torch, how do I avoid burning the insulation?

I'm thinking about adding Harken jack lines to my boat.  I've read a lot about jack lines on the forum.  Thanks for the information.  My two questions are:  Do any of you have the Harken kits on your boats?  Are you happy with them?  Also, did you use the Medium size?  Oh yeah, did you install them with the upper end above or below the spreaders? (OK, four questions and counting! )

Thanks,

Scotty

My wife and I  bought C34 #480 last July.  We've renamed her "Avatar" and have brought her from Alameda where we bought her, to her new home here in Santa Cruz.  I'd love to hear from any other C34 owners in Santa Cruz.  Lisa and I have been sailing together since our marriage 32 years ago.  I grew up on boats and our last sailboat was an Islander 30.  We love our new boat!! 

I've been reading the forum for these past months and want to thank you all for the excellent information and the friendly community.  Yes, I am going over all the crucial upgrades (the traveler is through-bolted and the alternator arm is below the body) and am in the process of checking if I have the wiring harness upgrade.  The recent owners (Chris and Anne Marie) took excellent care of the boat.  I've been following strings on upgrading my anchor package (and putting on a windless), adding stern rail seats, re-doing the cabin sole, and ... well, the list goes on and on. I'm  interested in adding lazy jacks.   I'll also be joining the IC34 Association.

So Lisa and I will be sailing around Santa Cruz, wishing you all a gentle seas and a steady breeze at your backs!!