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Messages - Stu Jackson

#8386
Main Message Board / Pole Base & Other Uses
August 21, 2004, 11:51:15 AM
Ron's idea for the pole base is very important.  It's a bummer if you drop the bottom pole half overboard!  :)  You need to be careful of that.

Another use we've found for the hoist is to use it to lower and raise the gas tank.  I used to keep the 6 gallon tank only half full.  Then, light bulb flash, I realized the hoist could easily handle a full tank (6 gallons times about 9 pounds per gallon is less than the weight of my motor).  Just tie a loop of short line around the tank handle.

I also replaced the Garhauer carabiner with a larger stainless steel snap hook which goes through the handle on the Davis motor handle with less hassle.  Found some other use for the carabiner.
#8387
Main Message Board / Where to get...
August 16, 2004, 10:06:26 PM
... a transducer sure must depend on what model "Thingy" you have.

I have a 1896 Datamarine.  They don't make 'em anymore.

I sure don't expect a swap-out.

Nor do I look forward to having to deal with some of the cr*p being offered today.

I sure hope they keep working.

If not, I'll simply have to depend on my wind over the shoulder sense, speed thru water by dropping a forward crewman overboard and counting the seconds, and finding, finally, a lead line to hit soundings.

:)
#8388
Main Message Board / Measure Twice, Cut...
August 16, 2004, 09:58:11 PM
Kelly

The port in the head is smaller and it's black.  It sure isn't a 5 x 12 Beckson, like the white ones in the rest of your boat.

A Search on "pompanette," the company that took over the ports, and recently discussed somewhere on this board, finds:

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1408&highlight=pompanette

The one titled Mystery Head Ports should get you what you need.

All the best,

PS  ain't good old boats fun?   8)  :lol:
#8389
Main Message Board / Water Heater Replacement
August 16, 2004, 01:53:52 PM
Bill

Start here:

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=893&highlight=water+heater

Then do a Search on this message board (top, next to FAQs and member-list) on "water heater," and there are many topics you'll have to wade through.

That's the only downside of having an encyclopedia reference source, it takes longer, but it's mostly all there.

The main website and the tech notes index also have more information.
#8390
Main Message Board / Vacuum Maybe Not
August 13, 2004, 09:13:20 PM
Ray

It's the weekend and I've stopped being a weekday engineer and maybe used the wrong word.  Your idea makes sense and I may have misused the word.

Whatever it is, the seal's still important, coming or going.
#8391
Main Message Board / Deck Cap Replacement
August 13, 2004, 04:24:07 PM
Ken

I did, too.  They'll look somewhat better longer if you lather them up in sunscreen.  I do the same with any bungee cords that are left out in the sun, and they last longer.

Stu
#8392
Main Message Board / Here's Why
August 13, 2004, 04:14:25 PM
The dipstick has a rubber boot on the end of it.  It creates a vacuum when the engine cools off.  Car engines do NOT have these rubber boots.

It will ALWAYS read low on the first pull.

Take it out partially when you get to the boat.

Do something else (useful).  Or, sit there a few seconds till the oil levels out inside the engine.

Put the stick back in, pull it out, and read it.

That's it.

I rarely pull mine all the way out, I can catch the line at an angle and not drip oil.  I also use this as an opportunity to scan the engine and bed with a flashlight, every time.

I believe that the reasons were covered in the old FAQs, but it's always good to discuss these things as reminders for all of us and our new members.

A website search on dipstick gets:

[cat34discuss/_borders/disc1_ahdr.htm]
Re: OIL IN BILGE
C34 Chat
From: Stu Jackson 1986  #224  Aquavite


Comments
Steve - a few things for you to check: the oil drain fitting on the bottom, and the seal on the dipstick. Recent List posts or maybe an earlier chat item said that an older dipstick seal can go. Inexpensive fix is to get a new dipstick. Other thoughts: check both the connection of the air filter housing to the engine air intake and the oil breather line. I've run that black hose breather line into a small cup to avoid it leaking oil into the pan. Stu

[cat34discuss/_borders/disc1_aftr.htm]

I'm guessing that there are other references out there from searches.

Aren't ya glad that was so easy!?!  :)

One more thing, don't forget to "up" the dipstick when you're changing oil.  It relieves the vacuum and helps to suck the oil out if you use the pre-installed hose to the bottom of the oil pan.
#8393
Main Message Board / Deck Fill Caps
August 12, 2004, 08:18:32 AM
Conrad

Catalina Direct  www.catalinadirect.com
#8394
Main Message Board / Stern Droop
August 10, 2004, 02:10:30 PM
Yes, it will.  Check the holes:

engine outlet - high rise to exhaust no problem

cockpit drains - high above water, also no problem

bilge outlet - no there's the rub

You could slow down, but that would be a bummer...
#8395
Main Message Board / Cruising
August 09, 2004, 08:57:33 PM
tex

Glad you found us.  Cruising is a great goal.  Most of us only get a few weeks or so at a time.  We've been lucky to have spent more time on the boat than at home for the last month.

To make your goal a reality, with a C34, you need to do a few things.  Everything else is your choice, but these are for your health and safety


1.   Do an Energy Budget

2.   Replace the stock alternator with internal regulation with a new alternator and external “smart” regulation

3.   increase the house bank capacity to at least four times daily energy budget use (i.e., 100 AH per day = 400 AH house bank)

4.   Learn to bleed your engine
(see: http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1431&highlight=fuel+pump,
which also gets you to: http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/universal/200157/universal-owners-manual-bleeding-fuel-system.html)

5.   Learn to heave-to

6.   Replace your alternator bracket on an M25 if necessary

7.             Have all tools and spare parts aboard

All the rest should go to enjoying the fine sunsets...

We were out for 4 days more or less without running the engine, with a 315 ah house bank, full refrig going (5 amps, 50% duty cycle, 24 hrs. per day = 60 ah, usually uses less).  Lamp oil lanterns for cabin and anchor light.  Very little electricity use.  Total engine running time at anchor for 3 days was 1 1/2 hours, and probably could have done without that engine time.  Three hours motoring to the anchorage, knew we were going to mtoro at least 3 going back, no problem with our separate starting battery, which was never needed.)

Enjoy, and keep us posted.
#8396
Main Message Board / Tracks
August 09, 2004, 08:35:06 PM
Mike

Hmmm, was wondering when someone would get around to divulging their racing speed secrets...

Many of the racers I know do NOT have the "captive triangle" end fitting at the aft end of their tracks.

The reason many have to lift the last three bolts to install new hardware on the tracks is this end fitting "stopper."

I made the mistake, 5+ years ago, to install the new midships cleats, but PUT BACK THE STOPPER.  Dumb...  I would have been better off leaving it off and filling the hole with epoxy.

Yup, three bolts it is, unless you don't have the end fitting.

You just CAN'T go wrong with Garhauer.  I've replaced my mainsheet blocks, new organizer sheaves, backstay adjuster and backstay vang, dinghy motor lift and a few other things I've forgotten, with their gear.

What can't you like about:

-  best looking

-  very good performance, excellent

-  most cost effective (not cheap, but superior value)

Good luck in your new venture (racing is fun and the people are great)

Enjoy,

PS  do a search (new "Find") on this forum under Dave Davis - much info given away to share already (unless I know you and you already have  :D  !!!)
#8397
Main Message Board / Wiring Harness
August 09, 2004, 10:22:55 AM
Ken's right, it's a necessary thing to do, it is a safety issue.

The following references cover it well, and a search on wiring harness will give you lots more.

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=532&highlight=wiring+harness

and

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1125&highlight=wiring+harness

Along with the alternator bracket upgrade for owners with M25 engines, these are the two most important things you NEED to do for your own safety.
#8398
Main Message Board / Flix Board
August 08, 2004, 11:48:55 PM
Brad

The picture got lost in translation from the message board to this board in the past week.

Sorry.

It looks great.  Just imagine a perfect fit on the starboard side galley sink with great wood.l

I bought one, will post a flick when it arrives.
#8399
Main Message Board / Keel vs Deck Stepped
August 08, 2004, 11:34:19 PM
Pat

Welcome aboard.  This MB is search-able, and we're here to help you find some of the answers to your questions.

A search on keel stepped gives you lots of topics, and here's a good one to start out with:

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1406&highlight=keel+stepped


There are basically no performance differences between the two arrangements.

It was simply an option.

You can also check the FAQs including this one:

http://www.c34ia.org/faq-pages/faq-c34-owners-review.html

Read on.
#8400
Main Message Board / Thumping
August 04, 2004, 09:05:37 PM
Guess I didn't hit it hard enough, although I did try.

Used Ron's idea of filling up the fuel tank.  We were about half full from our Delta cruise and the Fleet One Clambake in Richmond last weekend.

A full tank will allow engine running when the pump is out. It DOES work, as we found out yesterday and today.  Try it, you'll like it.

I'll whack it a tad harder tomorrow and let U know.

"Thanks for the memories" on the earlier postings.  I've been adding "reminders" like this from stuff we've found from our month (more-or-less) on board.

What fun - I could do this full time (yeah, right!!!)