Topics

I am installing a Espar heater in the port locker.  Running a the heat duct(60mm) thru the space by the vanity and then between the hull the liner(behind the head) with a closable grill in the head and then continuing through the wet locker with a grill that stay open under the chart table.  This is my thinking??  Would like to hear from others that have installed a heater?  Maybe there is a better way?
Thanks,
Paul

I am in the process of installing a Espar heater in my boat.  I do not have a spare port on the top of my tank.  This is their recommendation.  Would appreciate feedback and also how do you punch a 1'' hole in the top of the tank.  I do not wish to remove the tank. Thanks, Paul

OR
- drill or punch a 25 mm (1 in.) hole in a clear area on top of the fuel tank or fuel sender plate.
(Before drilling hole, apply grease to drill bit to catch metal chips)
- assemble tank-boss and fuel standpipe to form single unit.
- install standpipe by angling unit in so that one ear of the bushing hooks under the edge of the hole.
- repeat with the other ear in the same fashion.
4. Center in hole and clamp in place by tightening nut down until gasket begins to squeeze out slightly

Does anyone know which replacement bulb(want to put a LED on the anchor light) I have in my original anchor light?
Thanks,
Paul

Has anyone installed the West Marine Compact Manual Head(sales person tells me it is the same as the Jabsco Twist n Lock manual head) Need to replace the head on my boat and have had very good luck with the Jabsco brand.  No desire to change the foot print.
Thanks, Paul

Does anyone know the brand or make of the opening ports in the aft cabin?  Need to replace one of the screens.  Could not find a name on the frames.
Thanks,
Paul

This is the first summer with a solar panel(100 watt, 6 amp  max out put).  The ref ran 24/7 from the time we left Muskegon to the time of our return(11 weeks).  All instruments were used during sailing(wind, speed, gps, auto helm etc.).  May wife and I had our two grand daughters aboard from June 23 to July 5th  and our grandson the Aug. 3rd to 11th.  During this time normal amount of lights were used, vacuum(12volt) and ref defrosted about every 9 days?.
I did not have to start the engine or use the Honda 1000, left it in the car. I recorded the battery twice a day, 7am and 9pm every day for the summer.
We stayed in our favorite anchorage for 6 days in July, resting up from the girls.  I record the battery with a closed circuit, I thinks that means things might have been running. The following number during this 6 day period was derived in this manner:  I took each day, the voltage morning and night, averaged that number and then took the 6 day total and averaged the 6 numbers.  Voltage average was 12.67.   Hope this makes sense, I am not an electrician or mechanic.
Comments or ideas are welcomed.  
Paul

My wife and I have finished our 10 week trip to the North Channel.  We had a great summer , covering 1300 nautical mile.  Very pleased with my solar panel and the boat.  I will share details about the solar panel and also the 2 issues that I had to deal with.  A great summer in paradise.
Cool Change

We are finally getting some very nice weather in the Great Lakes.  Cool Change will go in the water on Wednesday and we will be leaving for the North Channel and Georgian Bay on Friday.  Boat is waxed. Made a few electrical changes.  Appreciate all the advice that I received from this association this past year.  I did install a solar panel and will give a report at the end of the summer. We do not have a smart home or iPad.  This is my final report and my wife and I are going to enjoy the wilderness.  Attached is the solar panel. 
Thanks, Paul

I am looking for the little plastic latch on the cabin doors.  The ones you put your finger through to open.  Anyone know of a source? 
Thanks,
Paul

Does anyone know the dimensions of the smart gauge?

What purpose does the little indicator light(red) located under the voltmeter on the DP serve?
Paul

I went to the boat today.  Not snowing or cold.  Put in a new bilge pump.  Works great.  While I was working on the boat I used my starting battery to test the bilge pump and discovered that I had to move the switch to both.(House batteries are at home).  Also had to have it on both to turn the engine over, even tho the house batteries are not on the boat.  Is this normal or am I missing something.  I am electrically challenged.
Appreciate any and all comments.
Paul

Would appreciate any comments regarding these two.  Thinking about installing one of these.
Thanks,
Paul

I am using this to monitor my house bank(4 golf cart batteries  480ah).  Will this monitor be affected when I am charging house and starting battery when I have the switch on both. Would this also be true when I am running the engine and have the battery switch on both?
Appreciate your input.
Paul

In my last post on Solar panels, Stu made a good point of overpowering. Does anyone have experience with controllers that hare hooked into the battery along with the battery charger(when plugged in) and also the alternator when the motor is being used?
Appreciate all comments.
Paul

Grape Solar Photoflex 100 watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel   This panel is made by Grape Solar in Eugene, Oregon.  Does anyone have experience with this panel?  It is very similar to the Solbian Panel but half the cost.  Appreciate any feedback and opinions. 
Thanks,
Paul

My buzzer works sometimes and other times I can hear a slight noise from it.  This has been going for 2 years.  I purchased a new one but every time I go to put it in, the old new works.  Checked for loose wires, none. This morning the buzzer was working, checked all wires.  All ideas are welcomed.
Thanks,
Paul

I do have the upgraded panel on my 1989.  Put in by previous owner.

This summer by breather tube came loose.  A little oil on the pad below the engine.  I went to the Kubota dealer and he recommended that I replace the fitting and a new tube.  He suggested that I run the top up and towards the back of the engine, instead of down.  Place a small air filter on the end of the tube(K&N as small air filter with fittings on them).  Suggested that I run the hose on a slight grade(up) and by doing this, any condensation from the valve cover will then drain back into the valve cover.  The mechanic at Torresen does not recommend sending it into the air filter.   Would appreciate any thoughts on this subject.
Thanks,
Paul
We have returned from the North Channel after 10 weeks and this was my only issue.

I just finished waxing the boat this week and will have it put in the water on Tuesday.  Talked to a man that was applying new glass2 on his boat, 30 year old boat and it looked nice.  As anyone used this product.  Would like to try it next year.  
PS:  I am pleased with my waxing job.

I think that I need to replace my 3" heat exchanger.  Seems to have a slow leak, always damp under one of the clamps.  Any ideas where to buy one of these.  I have not taken it off yet to see if it can be fixed.
Thanks,
Paul

Replaced all fuel lines.  Replaced filters.  Yesterday I was up to the boat and thought that I would prime the system.  The racor filter filled up slowly and then the pump kept on working.  I let it run for about 4 minutes and then turned it off.  Could not find any fuel leaks.  I have the M25xp engine.  I change the filters myself every year and it normally takes about 2-3 minutes to prime the system.  Am I over looking something?  Appreciate any ideas.
Thanks,
Paul

I need to replace my starting battery. How many cranking amps(cold) should I have for my Universal engine?  What are the rest of you using?
Thanks,
Paul

I am in the process of replacing all my fuel lines.  As some of you have suggested a spare fuel pump, even though my original facet pump is working nicely.  I did order a spare pump and discovered(thanks to NAPA) that the facet pump has a filter built into it.(on a slow learning curve).  I ordered a new filter for my existing pump.  Has anyone replaced this filter?  I have always replaced the other two filters at the beginning of our sailing season here in Michigan.  Interested in your thoughts on the facet pump.
Paul

I have to replace my golf cart batteries(7yrs) and I would like some thoughts about the type of charger for these batteries.  The 4 golf cart batteries is wired as one battery.  I am using a Pro Marine charger and I am thinking about replacing the charger.  Would like some thoughts on this subject.
Thanks,
Paul

After 7 years I have to replace my 4 T105 batteries. Trojan batteries are available in the following, all are the same dimensions.  Two are in fair condition and 2 are in poor condition.  I had them tested at two separate shops.
T105  225 Ah  price $145
T125  240 Ah  price $165
T145  260 Ah  price $195
Would it make any sense to go with the higher Ah?  Would appreciate any feedback or input.  Will need these in the spring time.
Thanks,
Paul

After reading all of the problems with the fuel pump, I thought it my be a good idea to carry a spare.  Went to Napa today and they still have the pump 610-1051, cost today about $50.  It comes with an in line filter.  Do you need this filter? 
Thanks for the input.
Paul

I have replaced all of my hoses, exhaust, water and engine.  This fall I would like to replaced the fuel lines.  Is there a difference between gasoline line and diesel?
Thanks for the input.
Paul

Hi John, thanks for the great article in the Mainsheet. I have the Figure #1 set up in my boat and have had this set up in previous boats.
My question John, I have a Perko battery switch that goes: 2, all, 1, and then to Off.  Is it Ok to pass from 1 to all and also 2 to all?
A second question how would you hook the 110 battery charger into the system, I have two battery banks. 
Thanks for any input.
Paul

Purchased the H324-8cc from Pompanette.  Worked with Marty and they were very cooperative.  I installed it today.  Almost too easy. They did not want the old parts back.  If anyone wants parts from the old continuous system, I would be glad to part with them for the cost of shipping.

Would appreciate feedback on these two furling systems from Hood. Also, if you went with the 808 did you use the 6" or 12" link to the deck plate?
Appreciate you input.
Thanks, Paul

I have decided to replacing my 915LD.  What did you replace it with and any changes to the forestay?
Appreciate your feedback.
Paul

My son wants to buy a towable C-25.  Does anyone have experience with towing and size of vehicle?
Thanks,
Paul

Does anyone know where I could get the 900SL?  Would like to replace the 915?
Paul

I would like to install either Espar or Webasto heating in my C34.  I would appreciate hearing from those of you that have so that I do not have to re invent the wheel.  Appreciate your help.  Please email me: paulus@wmis.net

Has anyone replaced the old curtains with shades?  Looking for the hardware for my curtains.
Thanks,
Paul
email:paulus@wmis.net

Those of you that have replaced your masthead sheaves with the Garhauer rolling bearing sheaves, do you remember the size?  I have my mast down and would like to order the roller bearing sheaves.  The mast is out in the cold and snow here in Michigan.
Appreciate any info.
Paul

Stu,
I read your notes on the replacement belt for the ST4000.  I spoke with Torresen Marine and they said that the belt measure about 28 and one half.  Did you replace your belt with the one you ordered from McMaster-Carr?  How does it work.  Torresen measured an old belt.
Appreciate any comments.(your notes from May 19, 2006)
Paul

My alarm buzzer works intermittently when I turn the key to heat the glow plugs. Need some ideas.
Thanks,
Paul

Could anyone tell me how much material I need for C34 1989 to reupholster the entire boat?  I would use vinyl on the back sides.  Also, how much material each area requires? ( aft cabin, main salon, V berth)
Thanks
Paul

I am looking for a new or used handrail with a 10" loop.  Need a piece 52(53)" long.
Thanks,
Paul

We are getting water in the first storage area behind the cushion in the main cabin, starboard side next to the bulkhead.  The forward stay  and is not leaking.  The window and stay were completely resealed.  Water is collecting in this storage only and seems to come in when water is coming over the starboard bow.  We are not getting water on the shelf of behind the sliding panels.  Ideas would be appreciated.
Cool Change
Paul
C34  1989

Has anyone replaced the belt in the Autohelm 4000+ and if so can you do this yourself.  Manual says to let a certified dealer take these apart.  Thanks, Paul

I have a 155 furling headsail that needs to be replaced.  Are there any suggestions on places to purchase new or good used sails for '89 standard rig Catalina.
Thanks,
Paul