Messages

I had checked the manual. The latest edition of Westerbeke's Operator Manual, which covers all B series models, recommends 15W40 for everything. No mention is made of single grade.

Agreed. I've been using Rotella T 15W-40 from day 1 and hope to do so, so long as I can still find it.

I'm heading to the boat tomorrow to winterize and need to drain the aft water tank, however I currently have my water pump removed because I'll be installing a new one in the spring.  So, how do I drain the aft tank without using the water pump and running the water out through a faucet? 

It's been awhile since I've even looked at the aft tank and can't remember if there is access to pull off an inlet hose from the aft lazarette or if there's an access panel on the aft cabin's aft bulkhead. 

We purchased cockpit cushions from Seawizard Marine (http://stores.seawizardmarinecanvas.com/cockpit-cusions/) 3 years ago and have been very happy with the look, construction and durability.  They aren't as comfortable as a squishy foam cushion like BottomSiders, but they hold up well and the price is very good. I particularly like the closed-cell foam that makes them essentially waterproof.

Per the Seawizard website, their cushions are "Textilene Sunsure Fabric, 2" thick waterproof closed-cell foam, and Sunbrella trim piping, stitched together with UV resistant thread".

Let's say I get a small leak, somewhere, somehow, who knows where?  Its not too bad but it keeps the bilge pump busy... 

That's my nightmare if I unplug my boat.

That's the primary reason I keep mine plugged in. I have a smart charger, so no worries that I'll cook my batteries but I know they'll always be charged when I arrive. I leave the fridge on too, to keep condiments fresh and not have to wait for it to cool down on a warm summer day when we get onboard.

I've got an M25XPB and have been having a low volume/faint but persistent oil pressure alarm sound from the panel when operating at some rpm's between about 1700-2000 and then again around 2500, but not if I increase to 2600.  The oil pressure gauge shows normal pressures between 30-60psi. The oil level is normal and I haven't had any issues with the engine otherwise.

I'm pretty sure the issue is with the low oil pressure alarm since the sound is a faint pulsating alarm as opposed to the continuous signal of the water temp alarm. In any case, water temp is also good, always staying below 160F.

Could my low oil pressure alarm be faulty? Is there another issue I can investigate?  Hearing the alarm, faint as it might be, is stressful even after I've confirmed oil level & pressure and water temps in spec via gauges. 

I'm using the same setup as SPembleton and it works fine for us.

Any oil/diesel in the bilge?  Some pumps cut out if oil is detected.

Just for perspective, my Racor between the tank and pump is a R24T (10 micron) and then I use the factory Universal spin-on engine filter (part #298854, not sure the micron rating).

My engine was a new install in 2011 and I haven't changed the screen in the fuel pump yet, but I do have one in the spares kit. My M25XPB also has the small "hidden" filter on the backside, but I haven't changed it yet either. I replaced my fuel tank last season due to corrosion.

Thanks guys.

Stu - The article you posted states "Early C-34s (ours is a 1987 #245) did not have bolts through the towers and terminating on the inside cabin overhead. "

Since I've got an acorn nut in the galley, does that mean my traveller bolt does indeed go through the tower to the inside cabin overhead?  I'd check myself, but the boat is sitting on the hard 50 miles away at the moment. Either way, I'll jinx myself and say this seems like a relatively easy fix if the water is getting in through the traveler bolt.

I was over checking on the boat yesterday and noticed a drip from the acorn nut on the galley ceiling (it's the one directly aft of the dorade vent opening on the starboard side). Looks like I'll need to rebed (or at least investigate) whatever hardware this is attached to.  Looking at the cabin top directly above the nut, it appears it may be holding part of the mainsheet traveler, but there's not an obviously bolt on the topside since the nut is directly under the molded fiberglass base for the traveler.

Anyone know what this nut/bolt is used for?

I ordered a replacement lens for the port in the head last summer, but never installed it because it appears the lens I received is a mirror image (reversed orientation) of what I need. In other words, the top hinge connections are reversed so that the left side has a bolt/screw and the right side has a smaller diameter pin. You would think I could just flip the lens over and have the hinges aligned correctly, but the lens is "one-sided" since there's a flange that extends from around the edge on what's suppose to be the interior side of the lens.  Also, I can't seem to figure out how to remove the pin that's in one of the hinges on the existing lens. I'm not sure if this pin is OEM, or if a previous owner replaced a bolt/screw with the pin for some unknown reason.

Anyone else have this issue or have any tips?  I'll try to add pictures of what I'm talking about tomorrow to clear up my descriptions.

modified title  Stu

We use a 35lbs Delta and are very happy with it.  However, if I won the $200 contest from Mantus, I'd opt for the Mantus 35 anchor, just because it's "next gen".  However, I'm not compelled to switch at full retail price.

If you don't end up using the $200 for the primary anchor, I can vouch for a couple of other Mantus products. I've got the Mantus dingy anchor and love it. It's essentially a mini-Mantus and works great at the beach for our 10' travel RIB and 12' AB console RIB. I also used it on a 14' jet boat we use to own.  Great little anchor!

I also just got the Mantus anchor swivel to replace my standard anchor shackle on the Delta 35. I haven't used it yet, but it does look like a high quality product and is claimed to be stronger than my chain.

Sounds like a careful full rig inspections is the right course of action.

As a side note - I know the boat (Nautilus 36 - s/v Hot Fudge) that fell.  She was a for sale the last couple of seasons here in Muskegon on Lake Michigan. Looks like she probably has a new owner (and soon a new mast!).

Got it, thanks guys! Sounds like he's busy at the Annapolis show this week.

Anyone have an email address for Gerry Douglas at Catalina?  I'm working on a blog project and am hoping he can help out.