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Mine is not vented and when I asked if it should be I was told by the yard it's not necessary on engines our size. I think I checked with PSS to confirm but don't recall 100%. You do need to burp them when you haul out and check the bellows periodically after a few years to make sure they are not dry and cracking.

ours is vented to lazarette/locker behind wheel. We still have to burp after haul out so may be clogged?

an older Panbo article might be useful, also some additional references mentioned

https://panbo.com/ode-to-hydronic-boat-heating-and-sure-marine-service/

It looks like an Edson single-lever conversion,
https://edsonmarine.com/products/pedestals-cockpit-accessories/engine-controls-accessories/single-lever-engine-controls/

Take a close look at the bow stem fitting and consider replacing while you are at it. It can develop a crack in the weld after repeated flexes (see pic from our pre-purchase survey).

Also see link which describes issue on Catalina 320s, essentially same issue on C34s: https://www.c320.org/filemgmt_data/files/Stemhead%20Article.pdf

Catalina Direct sells a re-engineered replacement. You send in the old one and they bend the new one to match.

Jim, home port is mid-Chesapeake on Herring Bay.

Ron, the cover goes over the rub rail (wasn't installed properly in photo).

I guess my real question is how much weight is needed to keep the cover from blowing away and if there are any other considerations I need to think about.

Guys, thanks for all the advice, update on battery project.

I considered the options discussed (golf cart batteries, lithium, etc.), but ultimately decided to keep the original setup with three lifeline AGM (2 4d house, one starter).

The PO put together a well-thought-out system with ACR, battery monitor, smart regulator, and inverter/charger and the original batteries lasted 8 years, so decided to stick with what has worked. Let's hope the new ones, installed last week, will last that long.

I inherited a nice winter cover from the PO for when the boat is on the hard (see pic).

Planning to keep the boat in the slip this winter. I've got ablative paint and would like to try and get another year out of it and I think the constant rubbing of the lines around the hull would probably wear it off.

Anyone with similar cover found a good way to secure it without the lines around the hull? I've of course seen all kinds of weights but have always wondered how well they work in a good wind.

The cover can be secured at the bow and stern without looping around the hull and I count seven grommets on each side that I could hang a gallon milk jug full of water. So 7 pounds each for a total of 49 pounds on each side. Doesn't seem like much weight.

Thoughts?

(My next post will be about de-icers )

Robert, I've also gotten interested in digital engine data. Any update on this project?

We will basically be marina hopping every day.

you may find, as I do, being on the hook does have advantages to marina hopping.  Consider trying it.
Have fun.
Jim

second Jim's advice on anchoring, good way to experience the Chesapeake

You will have a blast, did a similar trip in 2019. Take your time and enjoy each day and each new port. If you haven't already, buy one of the cruising guides, really comes in handy with local knowledge.

I like to leave early each morning (breakfast underway), plan on comfortable 25-30nm leg each day, and arrive at destination mid afternoon to give myself time to take care of chores but also relax and explore. Early schedule also allows you to avoid some of the late afternoon squalls this time of year.

Highly recommend Tangier or Smith Island, maybe on the way back North. I don't know what their situation is re Covid, you probably want to check it out ahead of time, but those two islands are beautiful and other worldly. Plan on two nights.

The only marina on Tangier is Parks, slips are perpendicular to main channel, so wind and strong tidal currents through channel can make arrival and departure interesting. Time for slack tide if possible.

Herrington South is a well-run resort marina with good restaurant on marina property, Ketch22, with outdoor deck and often live music, small beach for swimming, free use of kayaks and SUPs, pool, etc. Also convenient fueling/pump out going in or coming out.

Solomons takes quite a while to get into and out of, but worth the trip with lots of marinas and restaurants.

Look for the Hannibal Target in the middle of the Bay opposite Pt Lookout, sometimes active Navy bombing area.

Spend some nights on the hook if you really want to get into cruising mode (second anchor is good insurance).

 

thanks guys, but what is PSOC?

Time to replace my Lifeline AGM batteries,  2 GPL-4dl house and a GPL1400t engine start.

Deka and US Battery have been recommended as less expensive but solid alternatives.

Any experiences with these batteries or other options to consider?

Phil, heartily second your comments! This is a great resource, with superb advice provided, and I know there is a lot of behind the scenes work to make it all work. Thanks to all who make it such an amazing source of practical and authoritative info

Used The Knowledgebase, CTRL-F, boot:

https://www.c34.org/mainsheet/pdf/1992_no2.pdf

Stu, got it thanks! But for some reason, my login won't work when I follow the link provided.