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Messages - WTunnessen

#31
Main Message Board / Haunted Engine Panel?
November 01, 2021, 11:31:05 AM
It was the night before Halloween and our engine panel appeared to show signs of paranormal activity. 

Despite being turned off and the key removed, shortly before midnight I noticed that the instruments on the engine panel where on.  This was odd because the key was not in the ignition switch and there was no clicking of the fuel pump.  Yet, the instruments were eerily glowing red (of course)... 
So, I got the key, turned the ignition switch on and off and the instrument lights (RPM, Water Temp, etc.) went off.   However, less than minute later, the panel was glowing again!

Since I was not about to have my boat commandeered by spirits, I disconnected the cable from starter battery to the engine.  The engine panel light remained off, we remained in the slip, and the Gaulois did not join the ghost ship fleet.

Considering the time of year, ghost can not be completely ruled out.  However, recently the ignition switch had been acting fussy and I suspect that could be the source of the problem.  But I'm interested in other diagnosis so that I can exorcise the problem.

PS - Engine is as M25XP and the wire harness was upgraded.
#32
Main Message Board / Re: Using a C38 cover on a C34
October 26, 2021, 08:06:18 PM
With covers, the slits/openings/zippers for the shrouds need to be in the correct place. I don't know how well the shroud "pattern" matches up between the C34 and C38.  But if they don't line up, then I think it would require some significant modifications, probably by a canvas maker.

I purchased a stock C34 cover from Fairclough in 2008. It's held up quite well but it's due to be re-stitched. So if your thinking about buying a used one, consider what other service it might need.
#33
Has anyone tried painting the plastic trim rings on the Lewmar opening ports? Mine are circa 198? and while not cracked or damaged, are yellowing and getting brittle. Been wondering if painting them could help improve their looks and also provide some protection to the aging plastic. There are aftermarket plastic trim paints sold for automobiles which seem like they could work.
#34
There are a number of full service marina's in the Solomons area, so your friend should call around for quotes. It used to be that most yards in the area would post their rates on their website, but I've noticed many places have taken their work order forms down. Since COVID, the marine service industry in the middle Chesapeake Bay has experienced huge demand, so if you need work done ASAP, the yards are going to charge premium prices - especially if they are busy and they know you won't be a returning customer. So I suspect 2K is the going rate unfortunately. To find cheaper marina services, probably need to go to Virginia.
#35
Jim- Thanks for your thoughts on the wireless. Unfortunately, I've noticed the problem when both the windex and wireless sender are pointing in the same direction. It's also pretty clear that something is up when I'm close hauled and it's telling me the wind is on a beam reach.  What I need to do is contact Raymarine and get the sender serviced!
#36
RE:  Wireless - About ten years ago I installed the Raymarine wireless wind & depth-speed package because it was a cost and time effective upgrade. Also liked avoiding running wires.  My experience with the wind instrument has been mixed. Sometimes it works great and other times the wind direction is off about 10-30 degrees. While it can be re-calibrated at the instrument easily, its still annoying and I ALWAYS check the ole wind vane for accuracy. Never had an issue with the solar cell. Depth and speed work fine. Mine is not networked with an autopilot or GPS. Been meaning to call/write customer service to see if there something else that can be done about the wind direction since I can't find much on the web about the issue. Haven't got around to it since mostly I watch the sail tell-tales. 8)
#37
I've been very happy with the loose foot and definitely have better sail control/trim than my previous traditional main. Not to mention that its a lot easier to rig and I can see the sail shape much better. Also less chaffing and staining.
#38
Main Message Board / Re: Wooden Sole Refinishing
October 12, 2021, 02:28:04 PM
Also used Minwax Polyurethane for Floors leftover from a home project and still looks good 10+ years later.
#39
RE: Starter battery -  Like few others, I relocated mine to the space under the aft cabin cushions.  I glassed in 2 pieces of wood with bolts pointing up which are fastened to a base to hold the battery.  Used Ipe wood since I had leftovers and the stuff is incredibly durable.  The starter battery is charged via echo charger from the house bank located in the head cabinet and is charged by a high output alternator when not on shore power. 
#40
Setting the anchor is generally easy:  bring the bow into wind,  stop or even drifting backwards at the point where you want anchor, go forward and drop the hook. Let ome scope out, tie it off, then go back to helm and back the boat down to set the anchor.  Then let out more scope.

Bringing the anchor up can be more challenging depending on the conditions. I don't have a windlass but only use 20 ft of chain tied to a nylon rode and a Mason 35. I'm also on Chesapeake and anchor in shallow water and mud bottoms. Never dragged yet.

If there is no or light wind, I can usually get the boat moving forward just by pulling up the rode which can be enough momentum to free the anchor. 

If there is wind, I put the boat in forward in low rpm with autopilot and then pull up the rode  quickly. Sometimes if the anchor is stubborn, I tie off the line or chain and up the rpms to free the anchor. Then go into neutral or lower the rpms with autopilot (depending on what's in front of me) to finish bring up the hook.

When I singlehand, I try to anchor in places where I will have clearance in front of me in case I have motor to free the anchor.  I have not had any difficulties anchoring solo
but the Chesapeake is easy anchoring.
#41
Even though you plan to get dinners out, bring a few back up dinner stuff just in case. You can always pre-freeze things, keep them frozen, and thaw if needed. Get an early start if you're sailing in the summer.  Herring bay to Solomons and Solomons across the Potomac are stretches where there are few options for ducking out of T-storms, so plan those sections  with weather in mind.  It's a fun trip and you will get see how the bay changes as you head south.
#42
Main Message Board / San Diego charters / rentals
July 26, 2021, 05:44:31 PM
Heading to San Diego from the Chesapeake and the family wants to go sailing. Since there will be 10 of us, including my wife's parents in their 80's, I'm thinking a catamaran with a captain makes the most sense. There appears to be a number of options but am wondering if anyone local has some recommendations or suggestions. 
#43
Main Message Board / Re: Honda 2000 generator
May 20, 2021, 06:52:51 PM
I converted mine to run on propane, so I store it down below when I bring it on board. Put my fiberglass tank in the anchor locker.  Also have a Lehr outboard, so I've eliminated gasoline completely.
#44
RE:  Access on MK 1 -  I relocated the heat exchanger a few years ago to provide better access to the transmissions and most other areas on aft part of the engine. These pictures aren't great but they give an idea of the set up. Its made changing the transmission oil much easier!
#45
Main Message Board / Re: cockpit wasp netting cover
March 22, 2021, 08:18:11 PM
Ironically, mud Doppler wasps primarily eat spiders.

I'm not sure a cockpit cover will keep them out. It might actually make it worse since they like hiding places to build their nests and cover would provide lots of shelter unless it's really tight.

I just try keep them out of the cabin and use the flip flop of death when necessary. Fortunately they are not aggressive and do not defend their nests.