Messages

I have read all the previous posts on changing from OEM stiff motor mounts to Ventus mounts, either the K75 or combination of K75 & K50.  Most of those posts go back a couple of years, does anybody have an update how the mounts lasted & if there was any resolution to the engine shaking at idle?

I just recently bought a 1986 C34 and agree with the comments made by Ken, Craig & Stu.  I looked at a number of boats & there was quite a difference in condition that did not track with age of the boat.  How the boat was cared for varied a great deal & newer did not mean better.  Even though the boat I bought is 30 years old it was well cared for but had all the critical upgrades done, I agree to print them out & review them before going to see a boat.   The knowledge base on this site & from the members that contribute is impressive, every question I have had has been previously asked & answered. 

This link has been very useful for me, a NEW owner:

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Maintenence_tips_from_a_new_owner

Good luck & happy hunting.

Redundant but thought it appropriate to add:

I agree 100% that reviewing the 101 link to this subject has all the information required, much of it from Main Sail the SME on the subject.  I especially reference the detailed explanation on the 12B switch:

The text that Maine Sail provided is already included in the link in Electrical Systems 101:

This is another very good basic primer for boat system wiring:   The 1-2-B Switch by Maine Sail (brings together a lot of what this subject is all about)
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=137615

A shortened version/explanation is included in the earlier 101 link.

I struggled over why the placement of the 12B switch but it seems at the time my boat was built (30 years ago it made sense.

I have spent hours reviewing the vast amount of information on this site on a wide variety of subjects, I feel like I am in a library of C34 knowledge.  Thanks again to those that contribute, your efforts are appreciated.

I am starting from a very basic wiring configuration (single battery bank, older undersized wiring, older dumb charger) and plan to follow much of the "ideas" documented on this site.   I like the idea of relocating the 12B switch as shown in the picture (aft cabin bulkhead).  I assume this means I no longer need the 12B switch in the distribution panel.  Am I correct?

I should have included the picture and worded my question differently.

Do you still have a 12B switch in the power distribution panel or was it moved to the aft cabin as shown in the picture?

I am starting from a very basic wiring configuration (single battery bank, older undersized wiring, older dumb charger) and plan to follow much of the "ideas" documented on this site.   I like the idea of relocating the 12B switch as shown in the picture (aft cabin bulkhead).  I assume this means I no longer need the 12B switch in the distribution panel.  Am I correct?

Ken,
I appreciate the input on the OB unit, they were very responsive and helpful when I contacted them.  I did see the unit was available in multiple configurations, the one I select will depend on where it is located..

The plexiglass sounds like a great idea, thanks for passing it along.  Any chance of getting a picture?

Jim,

Thanks for the info, I think the Ocean Breeze units make good sense.  I've been able to find a good deal of positive comments and the idea of real heat...


I found a post with a pic of companionway doors, looks nice.

http://images50.fotki.com/v1525/photos/3/31944/76563/Hatchdoors1-vi.jpg

Roc,

I have the same question regarding Ocean Breeze vs Flagship, both units have electric heat instead of reverse cycle.  Seems that will be an advantage of not using the compressor in the heat mode and as you stated being able to use it while on the hard.  I just got a recent quote for both, OC $2000 vs FS $2500, including install kit for both.  FS website does made it sound like they focus on quality and EXPANSION VALVES VS. CAPILLARY TUBES, any AC experts out there have a comment?

It would seem a $500 price delta needs justification but when I talked to FS and asked he gave me attitude saying read the web site.  Customer service is a very important aspect of any vendor I work with because I deal with customers each and every day.

Jim,
You seem happy with your OB unit, how long have you had it?

Steve,
The 16.7K OB unit is 13 in W vs 16.5K FS 14.6 W, this could make install in the fwd starboard settee possible per Jim's input.

Still going through analysis paralysis trying to decide.  Also found a 3yr old 16K OB unit on EBay with an opening bid of $545.  Very stingy with my boat bucks.

Do you have a.left side discharge?

Regarding fwd settee; Is the height issue because of the box for the electric heat

Do you have any pictures of your installation?

Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback.  I'm going with a 16K unit but am trying to decide between a flagship and ocean breeze unit, the reason for these making the short list is the Electric heating element.   I'm also trying to decide where to locate the unit, I'd like to keep it centrally located so I'm trying to decide between under the starboard forward settee or the hanging locker aft of the Nav station.   The challenge will be running the duct to the aft cabin.  Any advice from members with current installations would be appreciated.

It is very helpful to get performance info on 3-4 years of operation, the knowledge base of the people here is outstanding.

Hugh,
What brand by Dometic, Cruiseair or Marine Aire Systems?

I am leaning towards installing in the Nav locker or starboard side fwd setee, they seem to be a good locations for ducting the air both fwd and aft.  I know it is giving up storage space but I'm inclined not to lose the holding tank.  I've been told the V berth is also a good location but that is a long run for the duct to the head & aft berth.  I think your idea of an inline blower makes good sense.

Jim,
I read the post on the V berth installation, seems like a long run to the aft cabin.  What size duct are you using?

Do either of your installations have good ventilation for the unit or is the supply air vent work to get heat out of where it is installed?

Ken,

I looked at the Ocean Breeze, very similar to Flagship. Both these units have electric heating element which has many pros for liveaboard in the MD area, although this year feels almost like we're skipping winter. 

What is the noise level like and is the fan speed variable?

Do you think a single 16K unit could do the job?

From all the research I've done it seems moving air in the boat has a major impact on quality-of-life. 

V/R

Paul,

Which Dometic unit?  Cruiseair or Marine Air Systems and which model?

I am looking at duct routing options and it does seem to be a challenge to get air to the aft cabin.   I found the link that showed routing ductwork through the port side setee into the Nav locker through the head into the aft cabin.  This allowed air not only to the aft cabin but the head as well.  Do you think the blower has enough power to push air this route?

Do you have any pictures of your installation?

V/R

Jon,

I like the details you added to your drawing, very useful.  I am looking at rewiring and plan to use a very similar configuration.  Could you provide a copy of the drawing in original format because I lose resolution when I tried to print a hard copy and have trouble reading some of the details.  It would save me time instead of starting from scratch to modify per my exact configuration.  Also do you have a key for the numbered items in circles?

I lived in SD during the 80's while stationed at North Island, loved the year round sailing weather.

Thanks much,

I plan to install a marine AC unit on my C34, I am a live aboard year round and need a unit that has both AC and heat.  I had reviewed all the installations on this site, there are a number of location choices to include Nav locker, V berth and starboard side setee.  I am looking at a single 16K BTU unit with ducting to V berth, salon and aft cabin.

I have reviewed the product offerings and feedback from a variety of companies to include:
Dometic
Merimaidl
Flagship
MarinAire
Webasto
Ocean Breeze


I am looking for some input on unit selection and installation location.