Messages

This is a little off the track, excuse me for that.  I've never been happy with my st4000+ I've tried many things, got some improvement.  So, I've decided to upgrade to the new evolution series.  Next season. That is unless something better comes around or I get talked out of it.  I would like to hear some comments on that. 
Jim

Paul,
It would help if you said what model number wheel pilot you have.  The place I would check is the flux gate compass and it's wiring.  Did you move something iron or magnetic near it?
Jim

Ken,
Yours looks like mine.  The knobs just pull off.  Then it's unscrew the working parts.  I don't know if you can hardware store the parts. 
Jim

Describe a little but about how you use the boat, recharge, etc.  That will dictate what the best battery type would be.

Words of wisdom from kk.  I don't like to give much advice on batteries for that reason.  Just want to say the original battery setup works just fine with my use.  Mostly plugged in at a dock occasionally a day or two overnight at anchor.  That includes inverter for coffee maker and microwave.  Unlike my Hunter friends I don't carry a generator to charge the batteries every few hours.  It's my 6th season on my Penn batteries, they are showing some age (using the microwave) but still good for my usage.  Maybe replace next year.  Yes, they are big and heavy.  But, only when they get changed out.

Don't know if I helped you with your decision.  Just wanted to put in my 2cents.  Talking batteries is much like a political discussion, some are very opinionated. 

Jim

Great news that Freeman Eckley is selling Catalina again.  I'll have to keep track on their web page. 

Freeman-Eckley quit selling Catalina a few years ago.  Haven't seen them for a while maybe they started selling Catalina again. 

Hi Paul,
Welcome to the group.  And Congratulations on you new, to you, boat.  Even though there is no Catalina dealer on Lake Erie Catalina's still find the way here.  I encourage you to add some information on your signature.  Helps when another member is answering questions.  You can see my info in my signature. 
Jim

Congratulations Margie!  You'r my hero.
Jim

I must have an older version because mine does not have the sheave that allows the line to exit downward

You could try taking the line and where it feeds to the cam cleat and lead it directly down.  Or skip the last pulley, it would reduce the advantage.  Might still be enough.
Jim

Has anyone with a MKll added stern cleats for tying a dinghy off the stern?  I've been tying to the swim ladder it works but could be better.  Don't want anything that would get in the way of my winter cover.  Don't want a toe stubber.  And a place that I could get to the back side of the cleat, that may be asking too much.
Thanks,
Jim

it will only let me do 1

another pic

Here are the promised pictures.  The wire sizing was done with a little tool that I got at a boat show. 
http://clamptitetools.net/
but I think a hose clamp or two would work.   The cleat  is cheep plastic thing.  It works real well for me, when I had my wife helping she had problems with the cam cleat. 
Jim

I put a small plastic cleat on the lower block.  Attached it with sizing wire, but I think one or two hose clamps may work.  Moved the line from the cam cleat and feed it down to the lower block (the one with the lifting hook).  With it that way I can have a hand on the motor and a hand pulling on the lifting line.  At any time I can just cleat it off.  Think I have pictures some where on the site but couldn't find them.  I'll send some soon.
Jim

Ben,
Part of my enjoyment of sailing is with how simple sailing is and how much there is to learn and be taught. Sometimes by your boat.  Every good sailor is always learning something.  Here is my 2 go to books and one other.

To fix or adjust most anything sailboat Don Casey's "This Old Boat"
https://www.amazon.com/This-Old-Boat-Second-Completely/dp/0071477942

For sail trim  Don Guillette's  "Sail Trim Charts & Guide"   
http://sailtrimproducts.com/products.html

For boat handling and docking...Captain Jack Klang  I've seen him at boat shows and some videos on the web ...worth looking for...try
http://kk.org/cooltools/single-handed-d/

Just a word of caution....Sailors are generally a very trust worthy group....But not with these books....put your name in the books and be very careful loaning them out.

Hope you find this helpful.
Jim