Messages

The bottom step of the swim ladder is below the waterline by a few inches.

That's a huge problem for getting back in the boat (I'm pretty flexible 66yrold, but it's a challenge to get a foot up to that bottom rung if in the water.

So, I'm installing a telescoping 4 step ladder on to the existing swim ladder.

May get that done this weekend too.

Paul

Task: Install Garmin gWind Wireless Transducer at the mast head, install WSI, GND10 and GMI20 instrument at the helm, install Garmin NMEA 2000 network to connect everything to the Garmin GPS 741xs

Step 1: Make sure I have everything I need.
Did that. I built the system from all the components at home so I'm certain I have the bit and pieces needed.

Step 2: Test the system on the boat.
Basically I'm going to rebuild the system on the boat with the gWind transducer on the deck (after letting it charge up in the Sun)

Step 3: Mount the gWind Transducer on the mast head.
This will be the first time I've been up the mast. So not sure what I'm going to find.

Found this pic in the forum


Is that what I can expect at the masthead - a sheet of plastic?

I have to secure the transducer mounting plate on the masthead facing forwards.
FYI, the wireless transducer is quite large! The 'pole' is about 18" long.

Any suggestions on how to attach the mounting bracket to the masthead?

Thanks.

Paul

I think the transom on the 34 may be a little taller. The distance from the top step of the swim ladder to the top of the transom appears slightly longer than in your pics.

There was basically no way that Peggy could step over the joining tube and down to the top of the swim ladder, hence the thought of adding an extra step.
But once the tube was removed it became a non-issue.

I'll take pics on Saturday, that's when we're going to do the new instrument work which includes a new layout of the instruments at the helm.

Paul

Ken, BTW, when I cut the tube out, I cut it pretty close to the welds in the vertical tubes. ie. I could not have cut out a longer piece of tube!

I'll take pics of the 'caps', they really work out well, no rough edges to rip bare legs climbing into the boat.

The cut out tube could easily have a bimini fitting at one end to attach to a hinge, and the other end could be cut to be close to the other tube and then filled with JB Weld, drilled out and pinned with a quick release pin in a hole drilled through the vertical tube.

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:)

Paul

Paul

Our pushpit rails feel just fine as I (6' 180lb) climb up into the boat grabbing the rails.

Peggy (Admiral) noted that there is nothing to lean back on while sat at the helm except the swim ladder that is not 'fixed' in the up position so it gives a bit.

I was thinking of a cushion clipped to the uppermost step of the raised swim ladder

and adding a swim ladder latch similar to that on the C250


That would have the advantage of being able to lower the swim ladder if in the water.





Paul

The good news.

Over the weekend, in preparation for making and installing an extra step between the top of the swim ladder and the top of the transom, I had cut out the horizontal tube that connects the port and stbd pushpit rails. I also used white JBWeld to form a nice smooth end of the now open tubes.

Last night, we went down to the boat to mark up the transom for the new step. When I climbed over the transom without having to climb over that removed tube, it was a piece of cake! So I had the Admiral climb out of the cockpit and down the swim ladder - Easy! Climb back in - Easy! In fact, her head is just below the top of the bimini and she can easily step up onto the aft seat from the swim ladder.

No additional step required!
So this weekend I can concentrate on installing the new Garmin gWind Transducer, Instrument and NMEA 2000 network. (new thread)

Paul

Slightly confused (or more, easily done  )

When discussing the 'coupling' are we talking about the flange that connects the transmission to the shaft.

And the key should be visible looking forwards along the shaft into the 'coupling'

And in this instance, the shaft had failed inside the 'coupling'

Add that inspection to my list 



Paul

Thanks Guys! That'll give me extra time for other projects 

Paul

I'm about to install an extra step on the transom between the top step of the folding ladder and the top of the transom.

(I need to get the appropriate length bolts)

Anyone know the approximate thickness of the transom in that area and whether it's solid or cored?
(I need to know if I have to drill/cleanout/resin/redrill/countersink or just drill & countersink in order to estimate the time it will take.)

Thanks.

Paul

I'm Way to close to being a total newbie on these engines: But this is the kind of thing that helps me learn what I need. So thanks for posting.

Comparing it to my engine (M25XP) it's far too clean!

The metal bracket holding the lower end of the Alternator is totally different, mine is a single bar.

The metal tube that is connecting the hose just above the crank wheel pulley(?) looks wrong.

I'm freaky about hoses being able to rub against each other on an engine that vibrates quite a bit.

Not wrong, but the hatch to the engine compartment in the Aft berth is huge compared to ours (1987) which barely provides room to get to the sump dipstick (still haven't found the transmission dispstick, have to get my caving gear on and get back down the crawl space under the aft berth.)

Paul

During the purchase Survey, it was pointed out that there is play in the rudder. My definition - not a lot, but I looked into the options.

Catalina Direct has this


http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/2791_754/rudder-bearing-epoxy-repair-kit.cfm

Paul

Once a month! I'm going through it at least once a week.



Paul

Thanks Ron.

Paul

After all this it would ironic if the engine was actually at minimum temperature.

I'll go down to the boat this evening.
Check the coolant temperature
Flash up the engine and let it run 10mins
Check the coolant again.

I can make a variable resistor to test the guage (the old split pencil routine)

Will try that too.

Thanks guys.

Paul

Got them thanks Stu.

Paul