Topics

Woo-hoo! Scored two 40 watt panels at the Miami Boat Show. That will give me a total of 120 Watts when I install them along with my current 2 x 20 watts. Now my question. I'm not an electrical guru. Is this an adequate amount of wattage to charge me batteries while on the hook? We traditionally don't use a whole lot of juice while on the hook especially since I've converted to all LED interior and nav lights. I guess our biggest draw is either our fans or TV.

If you plan on going to this great show, stop by the Gill Booth (829/831) and say hi.

I'm curious....
Has anyone installed the Zarcor Companionway Doors on their boat? I've looked, touched, felt and almost tasted them while talking to John at all the various boat shows they attend.

I'm interested as we now live aboard, every time we go in and out we have to take the crib boards in and out. Yeah, lazy -- I know.

A 'heads up' for us men who are regular customers of West Marine. Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping .Simply going out for supplies became quite traumatic. Don't be naive and think it can't happen to you.

Here is how the scam works.

Two seriously good looking girls, 20 or 21yrs old came over to my car as I was loading my trunk.They both start wiping my windshield with a rag and Windex,with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. It is impossible not to look. When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say NO and instead ask for a ride to another West Marine.

You agree and they get in the back seat .On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.. I had my wallet stolen on December the 23rd, 26th, 28th, 30th, twice on January 2nd,4th, 5th, three times just yesterday, and very likely this coming Saturday.So tell your friends to be care

We have an issue with the Cabin Sole panel right next to the head/shower. We seem to get water overflow on that panel. It seeps under it and molds. Has anyone ever encountered this issue and what did you do to solve. I'm thinking of a couple of small drain holes into the bilge?

I have a question for those that either live aboard or go on extended cruises. Where do you find to be the best work area on the boat?

Is there a way to determine LED brightness that is comparable to the watt system? i.e 40 watt bulb?

We've been running 3-4 heaters on low through our AC system (we live aboard). That has worked fine until now. Lately, the breaker pops if it has more than 2 heaters going. Is this a sign of a breaker going bad or is it a sign of something else?

Cheers!

Man is it cold!!! It was 12 this morning. My dock lines are frozen!!!

After moving aboard, we quickly tired of relying on blackberry or work connections for our I-net access. I did a search using my laptop for local, unsecured wifi nets. NONE!

Back to do some research.... I had a friend recommend the Verizon Mifi. So, I checked it out. Well, I purchased one with a 5GB package. So far, we've been quite happy with it and it gives us access from anywhere in the boat for my laptop or my wife's netbook. Can handle up to 5 users at once with no issues.

For those who have opened up storage space under the V-berth using this modification (http://www.c34.org/projects/projects-v-berth-louvered-doors.html), I have added teak strips to the ledge that the V-berth insert sits on when in the mid-position. By doing this, I can still lower the insert to the mid-position and keep it there. When I did the original project, I couldn't lower the insert to our favorite, mid-position. Now, by adding the teak strips, it isn't any trouble at all.

Granted, the doors can't be opened but, all one has to do is raise the insert, open the door, get what you need, close the door, and then return the insert to the lower position.

Ironically, while doing this I discovered, I had used the crib board retaining pieces from one of my Catalina 22's. I had removed them from a C-22 I built as a race boat.

Has anyone ever installed a water pump accumulator? A fellow live aboard did this with his and it says it made a big difference in the cycling of the water pump.

In reading several posts here, I see dehumidifiers mentioned frequently. Is there a brand, you who use them, that you would recommend?

Anybody there, come on by the Gill booth and say hey!

Cheers!

Howdy,
I'm in a bit of a quandary.... I started to re-bed my stanchions. I pulled them, drilled the holes out and started filling with epoxy. Unfortunately, in between the first pour and my final pour, it rained. What is the best way to dry out in cool weather? Alcohol, acetone etc?

As you may have noticed, I have gone from posting to requesting info. That is due to the fact that I am now living aboard and the projects that I would have LIKED to do are now on the back burner. Now, the projects the Admiral wants me to do are on the front burner and that burner is turned up to high!!!!! 

So, please bear with me for the next few months until I get the priority changed.

Cheers!

Ron,
I see on the projects page you added a cabinet behind the head. I seem to recall an article in the projects page. However, I searched for that and couldn't find it. Can you enlighten me? PLEASE????????/

This may sound like a stupid question; but, I'm known for that....

I guess the sudden flurry of questions is driven by spending all my time on the boat now.

Question: How do you open and close the dorade vent?

I did a search on this topic and had 3/4 of my questions answered before I decided to broadcast my remaining, unanswered 1/4 question. My Shower hose now leaks..... Yes, found the answer to that one..... after putting on the on off valve...... Yes, found the answer to that one too and yes, Home Depot still carries it for about $4.... so I need a new hose...found that answer too.... and ordered it. Now, my unanswered question....drum roll please...... How does the shower fitting unscrew from the hose? The plastic/resin head screws off the part that fits into the sink head receptical; but, how does the hose unscrew from that? I have 2 days before the hose arrives to get the answer. Mucho thanko in advanceo!

My question is probably solved by me; but, I wanted confirmation. The pump that drains the shower pan, is that a standard water pump -- or do I have to get a specific type pump?

We had just finished moving everything out of the house and into either storage, Good Will, the dump, or the boat. We needed to go get the holding tank pumped out. So, I readied the boat for sail. I disconnected the DTV, started the motor, disconnected shore power. Having a wee bit of time before Kitty arrived from dropping off her last load, I figured I'd have a cold beer awaiting her arrival so she wouldn't feel rushed.

When she was ready, I moved forward to let loose the last of the lines holding us to our slip. At our old slip (Much smaller) the stern lines were relatively short. However, we now have a big slip and the stern lines are a lot longer. Kitty let loose the stern and put the shift lever in reverse. Looking back to the stern to gauge her progress, I noticed the stern we was moving rapidly to one side and then the motor died. I immediately knew what had happened. The stern line had fouled the prop thus causing the stern to swing in that direction and causing the motor to quit.

Having had this happen once before, I had Kitty put it in forward and then start it. Well, that almost worked; but, then the line went tight and the motor died.

I was faced with two options. One, I could go in the water with my mask, fins and snorkel; or, I could hire someone to do that for me. Being cost conscious as I am (or stupid), I had Kitty get me stuff. I figured if I took time to think about it, I'd back out. So, I lowered the swim ladder, tied a floating cushion to a line (So Kitty could drag my lifeless form to the beach), tried to spit into me mask to clean it and prevent fogging (Funny thing was, I couldn't really spit), and then I climbed in!!!! Shrinkage!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first sensation was loosing control of my breathing in the 59 degree water. Once in, I figured I could do it fairly quickly without too much trouble. The hard part was getting a good breath of air and then putting my head under very cold water. Once under, I swam rapidly to the prop and could see that it was a simple problem. I turned the prop about 10 revolutions and saw that one blade had actually snagged the loop. That's why it didn't let go when I started it in forward.

Once that was done, I rocketed to the surface and nearly flew out of the water. Once I was back in the cockpit, Kitty wanted me to change out of the cold, wet clothes and warm up in the cabin. Me being the macho man that I am, I instead opted for the Jack Daniel's method of returning warmth from the inside out! While, medically speaking, Kitty's solution was smarter and the right thing to do, I had more fun with my way.

With that out of the way, a few checks to make sure nothing was damaged, we were off on a wonderful evening cruise. I noted that after two or three Jacks, I had a pronounced Southern accent!

Life is good.,

Ok, I've bashed me brains in trying to find the project concerning adding a wee bit o teak to the head shelf that creates a dam between the sink and the storage area. I've searched the forum and wiki.

Now that we use the shower every day, I, and moor importantly -- the Admiral, see the importance of this one small modification.

Specifically, I was looking for the location of said dam.

Has anyone thought to add additional shower curtain to cover this area?

Well, we're slowly but surely getting close to moving day. We've identified the clothes and things we're taking aboard and are either storing or selling the rest! Current plan has us living on the water by Nov 1!

We're excited AND nervous . This is a test for a few years later when we can afford to retire; or, at least semi-retire to Ft Walton and live-aboard for real. At present, we're looking at a 6 month to a year test. This will give us an idea of what we need to do in order to do it full time AND a great way to pack back the $$$ by saving on rent and other house related expenses.

Has the Projects Page disappeared?

We will be moving on to Kitty's Cat shortly for a few months while looking for a new home. Any suggestions from those who have done this before?

We're going to move from Atlanta to Ft. Walton Beach, Fl at some time in the future. My question is... Have any of you moved from an inland location to the coast before? What was the change in price of your insurance coverage?

Man, did I make my wife happy! She is an advocate of, "There can never be too many ice cubes!" So, as an anniversary gift, I picked up a small ice maker at Home Depot. It just fits on top of the starboard hanging locker. It's 110v; but, it only takes a few minutes to make a gallon zip-lock bag full of ice. I guess if we were to add an inverter... Really great accessory.

I'm adding a transducer for a new digital depth gauge. It is an inside the hull mount. What is y'all's opinion as to the best location for that?

For anyone who wants a low cost alternative to cushions for the pulpit rails, we buy a couple of Blue (Or what ever color you fancy) Noodles from Walmart. We then slit them on one side and then cut the length to fit. The nice thing about them is that you can make short cut-outs that fit between the grill mounts etc. I also use #8 Wipping Line to tie them in place. If they fall off, or get damaged, I'm only out $2.00 to replace them.

Yeah, the Georgia way. I also have seven coon dogs on the cabin top, 6 dinghy's up on blocks on the dock, have 16 chilluns, and have several 1 quart mason jars filled with a mysterious clear liquid that burns ever so nice when swallowed. Yee-haw y'all!

Does anyone know, off-hand, what size cotter pin goes in the turnbuckle for all of the stays?

I've developed leaks along my Genoa tracks and feel that I need to pull and re-bed them. I did a search for this type topic and found that it dealt mostly with sail trim. I have a couple of questions for anyone who has done this on the MkI.
1) Are there any hidden bolts? It seems that I can see or feel all of them from underneath.
2) Are there any issues I should be ready for?

I plan on pulling the track, cleaning both surfaces, oversize the bolt holes, fill with epoxy and re-drill. Any suggestions for sealant? I was planning on marine grade silicon as the 3M stuff hardens with age and cracks.

Thanks in advance....

OK, I have an 88 Mk 1. I've noticed that there seems to be water entering the shower basin through the shower drain. In tracing the hose, there are no leaks and it does have an anti siphone loop. In addition, we've noticed that when we flush the head, water bubbles up through the shower drain. Is there a one-way valve in the drain hose that may be going bad?

We will be having an October Fest at Sunrise Cove's P-Dock. Lederhosen nicht erforderlich!

The Danforth's will be hosting a raft-up on Lake Lanier. More details to follow

Second meeting to discuss the trip to OZ

August 23rd meeting at the Whyte's house to discuss the up-coming trip to Australia

Has anyone ever enlarged the four deck drainage holes (2 per side) on the C-34 Mk1? The PO had enlarged one of them on my boat. Why he didn't do all four I'll never know. However, it looks as if he enlarged them and THEN epoxied the interior of the new hole. The new hole does not accumulate water or debris like the other 3 standard holes.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

My Electrical Panel's Cabin Light Switch is going bad. Is there a direct replacement at WM or the like?

I have a C-34 Mk 1. My swim ladder, when lowered, only has one rung in the water. It is way too difficult to get on it while in the water. I belive it is the original aldder that came with the boat. Does anyone have any ideas on how to improve the situation?

I was wondering if anyone knew where to get replacement steps for a Mk 1 companion way steps? My upper step unit had a step split in half (long ways). Any ideas?

I've lost the mathematical formula for figuring the THS of the 34. Does anyone know what the Theoretical Hull Speed is of the C-34?

Now that I have all the kinks worked out of the system, do I want the cold plate to be cold but, dry? Or, would it be better to have frosty ice all over it? I went out this evening to putt around doing odd jobs on the boat. I said to meself, self I'm thirsty. I went to the fridge to get me a cold one. Low and behold, step back while I touch myself, I pulled out an ICE COLD BEER! It was sooo cold it was slushy!!!! Any input would be welcome. See Fleet 13s up coming June event on the Fleet forums....

For those of you who have dodgers, is the foot of the frame mounted on top of or on the side of the cabin? Is there a preferred location?

Ever wonder what the differences are between the C-34 Mk I, Mk I.5 & Mk 2? Here's your chance to find out! We will be having a raft up on Lake Lanier that will basically be an open boat day. Show off your boat and/or your favorite projects or upgrades. We'll top it off with a whiskey tasting!! Contact Lance for details. I've attached the Flyer

A friend has a Mercruiser 170. It needs a starter. Is there and automotive starter that is available?

Ok, I followed Stu's advice and went from 2 banks of two batteries in each bank, to 2 banks with three in one (house) and 1 in the other (Starter). My issue now is that in order to start, I have to put selector on both. Suggestions?

Yes Stu, once this is done, I'll add to wiki. BUT FIRST, a question. I obtained a 20 watt solar panel -- don't ask any questions..... My question is, with a 20w output and the appropriate power box, how quickly should this charge a series 27 AGM 2 battery bank?

This kinda comes from: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4929.0.html  [Ed. - Stu]

I have the older True Charge 20 battery charger that came with my boat. I found out it isn't charging.  The box is warm to the touch; but, none of the power or charging lights are lit. Does anyone know if this has a fuse and if so, where? Thanks in advance. Also, Stu I already checked Wiki. They have a great review of these type chargers but no info about that.

Ok, the blues I'm a singin' are the blue color of the ice!!!!!  We recently had our original A/B go down for the count. I replaced it with the new version compressor and cold plate. MAN!!! The cold plate is about 25% bigger than the original. As a result, we keep it on the lowest setting and STILL have ice cold beer. Granted, the temps are only in the upper 70s now; but, I can imagine how much more efficient it will be than the old one. Now to re-do the shelving in the ice box. Any suggestions?

I've installed the major components of my new soloar power grid. I now need to run wire from the aft lazarette to the regulator located next to the battery boxes in the starboard settee. Any suggestions for an easy way to get wire stretched between the two locations?