Messages

I tried to put a 22 lb. standard Danforth into the slots in the anchor locker only to find that I couldn't close the anchor locker lid when it was in place. Am I missing something? Isn't this the anchor that is supposed to work in this space?

Cheers,
John

Speaking of C34 mast slugs, can anyone tell me the brand and any other key identifier for the main sail slugs used on a Mark II? I want to lay in a couple of spares.

Cheers,
John

John, are you going to attach the base to one of the swim platform seats (and which side?)or to the outside vertical surface of the transom just above one of the seats? I am going to have a pole fabricated locally and have a chart plotter antenna arm added to the package. The price is comparable to garhauer and the fabricator will come and do the measurements on the boat.

Charles, thanks for the follow up on the "optimal height above the head" issue. I still don't seem to get any sense of consensus on the issue. I think I made the pole on my last boat too long as well.

I also just constructed a homemade box for the radar screen and the chartplotter (side-by-side)using Starboard rather than ABS plastic. I got the industrial plastics folks to cut the pieces for me (1/4" for the top and bottom and 1/2" for the 4 side pieces) and I screwed it together. I am going to bring the finished product back to have the pros router the edges. It won't look as cool as a real Navpod but the cost was $70 (US) rather than the list price of $480 for the Navpod. Now all I have to do is fish all the wires down the remaining pedestal guard tube.

Cheers,
John

Hi Charles,
Very helpful account of your radar installation. I wonder if you or other readers of this thread have researched the appropriate height above helmsman's head that the dome should be to avoid frying what's left of the skipper's brain cells? I had a SL70 on a pole on my previous boat and I think I made the pole too long. It seemed to bounce around quite a bit in a seaway although it never came to any harm. In that case I secured the bottom of the pole to the swim platform with a further connection at the upper rail of the pushpit. I would like to keep this one as short as possible.

I appreciate your observations re the readability of the SL70 when installed at the helm. I had my screen by the nav station last time which doesn't really work when you are alone. The temptation to buy a colour unit (with chartplotter) is strong even if the pocketbook is weak after purchasing the boat. But I am trying to resist. I'll see what the Vancouver boat show has to offer by way of bargains.

Cheers,
John

Hi Bruce,
Can you tell me a little more about the Questu mount? I can't find it on the web...all the references are to some dark computer game!

Cheers,
John

Hi John,
I am just about to do what you are doing - putting a Raymarine radar on a 1999 Mark II - so I appreciate your questions.

Do you already have evidence that the Radar on the Level system will set up properly on your boat? I am interested in that approach but also want to put on a backstay adjuster.

Is the RL70RC a colour screen? I had the basic RL 70 on my Catalina 320 and installed the screen over the nav table so I am not sure what the two tone screen would be like in the cockpit.

Let's keep in touch as we go forward. My boat show buying opportunity isn't until early February.

Cheers,
John

Does anyone know which precise shade/colour of Granicoat is used on the MkII galley counter? Has anyone ever ordered a small tin for repairs?Any information about a convenient supplier would be welcome.

The Granicoat site is: http://www.safascorp.com/granicoat.htm

Cheers,
John

Kate and I took possession of "Calypso", a 1999 Mark II (sail #1431)last week and moved her to our slip at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Cadboro Bay, Victoria, right next door to "Island Rose" a Mark I. We are in the throws of making her "ours" and having a fun time solving the stowage problems in sunny but very cool winter weather.

A couple of small glitches have been sorted out. A significant chain plate leak was fixed with a rebedding. During manufacture or commissioning a misplaced hole was drilled for the cover plate and never properly filled. I am thinking of doing a more thorough epoxy job on it when the weather improves.

Also, the autopilot was binding slightly. This turned out to be caused by the use of a soft metal snap ring on the Edson wheel shaft which had come out of its channel and was allowing the wheel to creep forward and put pressure on the aft side of the ST4000 doughnut. I notice that even with the proper ss snap ring and washer installed, the leather bound wheel still is being rubbed by the cockpit locker cover when it is being opened or closed. Any obcervations on that situation would be welcome.

We also  have done a Message Board search on the availability of ready-made bedding for the giant forepeak berth. A couple of references to Topgallant sheets but I didn't notice the name of any other providers. Suggestions on this would also be welcome. That is one big bunk!

Just sent off our association dues and looking forward to being part of the C34 mob. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who responded to my questions while we were buying "Calypso". It was all very helpful.

Best wishes for 2004
John Langford

Just finished the marine and engine surveys on "Calypso" the 1999 C34 that Kate and I are buying. Both surveyors discounted the flickering green light as a problem.

Cheers,
John Langford

It's funny tha this issue has come up. One of the questions for my upcoming survey of "Calypso", a 1999 C34, is the constantly flickering AC panel light. The AC supply seems fine but the panel light just flickers away non-stop. I'll ask the surveyor what he has to say about it and report back.

Cheers,
John Langford

The problem with ordering the light from Seaward is that they seem to have a $20 minimum order policy...that's a lot of green lights! When the rectangular green 12v light on the panel of my 320 went, I bought a round LED from Radio Shack for about $3, drilled a hole in the burnt out light on the panel and press fitted the new LED into the body of the old light. I then rewired and it has worked like a charm ever since.

Cheers,
John Langford

Thanks folks, it was the belt. Just sent off my cheque for the boat so I should be a happy owner by early next week.

I really appreciate the support at this nervous-making moment! I will be joining the association momentarily.

Cheers,
John

One final issue from the survey I have just completed on the 1999 C-34 "Calypso" on which members might have advice.

The Heart "in-charge" three stage regulator seems to be charging in an irregular manner, with the voltage and tach needles oscillating up and down and the red charging light on the regulator glowing brighter and then less bright. The cycle of this activity is faster at higher rpms and slower at lower rpms. Also, the belt seems to wiggle around more when the irregularity is most pronounced. I can turn the fan on the alternator by hand (it is a Gates 1015 and seems loose), but the alternator adjustment arm has reached the end of its throw and the belt can't be tightened.

Has anyone ever seen this phenomenon? It is happening on an M-35 with a Leece-Neville alternator. I have searched the archives and the Q&As but I haven't found this particular situation described. I would be delighted if it was a belt problem rather than brain in the regulator. Any thoughts?

Cheers,
John Langford
almost owner of Calypso

Just finished the surveys on Calypso, the C34 that Kate and I are buying. The only significant problem was leaking at the nipple where the exhaust gases enter the exhaust elbow. Is this unusual on an M35 with 625 hours? The engine guy is going to cut off the offending section and replace it for what seems a reasonable amount (about $160).

Cheers
John Langford

Thanks Folks,
I did not look at the temperature when it was smoking (white smoke) and we only ran the engine for 20 minutes each direction so I can't say if the engine was operating at its optimal temperature.The engine had been sitting for a month before it was run.

Ron, I am not sure I understand the max rpm issue.

Cheers,
John