Messages

Dirty : Watch the sales and you'll find a Par Compact head on sale. 
Take a "door hook" and attach the eye to the fwd part of the Vberth and the hook on the insert.  Did this 20 years ago and it's never fell down again. 

Pierre : I'd take a wood plug and force it into the old hole.  Saw it flush and put some clear silicone caulk on it - it'll then outlast you !! 

Guys : I do not and never have recommended staying "plugged in" especially if you are not on board.  All of the reasons listed above and in my 10 to 20 previous posts on this very topic. 
I believe that Lead acid batteries will tend to sulfate out when sitting at a 100% charge and never discharged. 
In addition there's the threat form thunderstorms/voltage surgesfrom lighting/wear and tear on your charger etc.  The constant charging ON/sensing/turn OFF of the charger wears it out for 24/7 for what ?? - a cold beer that you could have picked up at 7/11 ??
Your boat do what you want ! 

Guys : I'm not sure why Catalina didn't do it, but the first teak vent (approx 5x7") that I installed on my C34 back in 1989 was for the battery compartment under the settee. 
Seemed to me to be necessary and I'm glad that I did it. 

Guys : I put a diagram of the rudder packing gland on our web site.  You might want to tighten it slightly, but can't imagine ever havig to repack it!!  It's above water whe the boat is stationary. 

Cliff : I believe it's been written up, but all C34s have slightly differant Vberth dimensions.  The best you can do is get someone with your year production, but thats no guarantee your is the same.  Sorry about that, but that is what happens.   

Pierre : I believe that the only critical measurement is the key and key way. 
As far as the dimple bolts - they are steel and will make their own impressions.  Don't forget to use some grease or lanacane on the threads and surfaces so you can easily get them apart in years to come.  A few thoughts. 

Juan : Almost any canvas shop that also does cushions should be able to help you.  Don't think the factory will be much help, but you can give them a try! Anyone one that makes them will want the old ones for a pattern.    

Bob : I assume that you have a keel steped mast.  I believe that you have a question that can be best answered by the factory - I'd give them a call. 

Guys : Actually the Oberdoffer pump face plate has two sets of screws - 2 are longer that the other 2?  I asked Depco which went where and they couldn't answer - so buy the shorter ones!
Also any machine shop can reface the face plate on the "O" pump - that's what I do.  A few thoughts.

Michael : Off of the CO topic, but you should get some Gore Dripless pack or at least go to Radio Shack and get a counter that you can wire into the bilge pump and KNOW exactly how many times the pump is cycling for sure!!   A thought. 

Cliff : Most cruisers will agree that "you can't save water" - you've got to use it.  As mentioned you need a cap full of bleach in the starboard tank and two cap fulls in the aft tank.  If you are using "city" water then adjust accordingly with less bleach. 
The key is to use water and keep it moving!  I always use out of the starboard tank and then transfer from the aft tank to refill the starboard (thru gravity).  Then I refill and filter the water going into the aft tank. 
Jon has a point that if you're only a short weekender trip you may want to only carry water in the starboard tank.  However, I leave port with all tanks full - just in case I get stuck - recalling the saying from the Old Mariner --- "Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink".

You can always drain all tanks at the dock and refill!!   A thought 

Cliff : Take Tony's suggestion and take some hose and keep the wires from touching the hole that they go thru.  Always use chaff guard to protect all wires that go thru "holes" or they WILL chafe.   A tip. 

[but still revelant]

Merv : As I posted in the Mainsheet Tech notes, I found that the Semdure replacement gaskets are MUCH thicker and last longer that the original OEM gaskets. 
Great info in those old 1990s but still revelant)Tech Notes!!

Jon : I have a Garmin 545 and think it's great.  Have the extra chip that will take you to your destination with the "guide to" that makes sure that I have 5ft of depth and a bridge clearance of 52ft.

Having been an military aviator for 30 years I always have my orientation as north at the top - impossible to spin a map to keep it orientated in a small cockpit to the direction that you're going.  Guess it's all in our upbringing!!  A few thoughts.