Messages

The vinyl windows on our dodger are getting hazy and hard to see through due to age (and some neglect in regular cleaning).   I  would like to try one of the cleaners / restorers that are made for this purpose  - I've seen a few at Boat US and auto parts stores.  Some are called cleaners, some are called polishes, and others are called restorers.  Does anybody have any recommendations?
Thanks

A few weeks ago I had the AC running (Mermaid 16000 BTU), and turned on the hot water heater.  I hadn't done this in the past for fear of popping the main (30A)breaker.  Well, the breaker did not pop, but after a while we started smelling burning plastic.  Quickly shut down everything and went looking for the source.  The breaker panel was quite warm to the touch, and the main breaker was hot.  It was the source of the smell.  I replaced it, inspected and tested the panel, and things seem to be running OK.   I will no longer attempt to run AC and HW heater together, but am curious how many amps I was drawing.  The Mermaid website says the AC draws about 12A.  Maybe mine draws a few more (may be an older modeL).  Does anybody know how many amps the stock (1992) hot water heater draws?  My paperwork has no specs.  Has anybody else had the burning breaker experience?

Very comforting to know I'm not alone here!!!   Thanks all

Mark,
I'm not familiar with the flex-o-fold design, but here is something that may be applicable...... I had a Martec folding prop on my previous boat, and also heard the clunk when putting into gear.  It was disconcerting at first, but we got used to it.  I believe it was normal, and caused by the blades initially flipping open by centrifugal force.  Used it for 8 years w/ no problems.  Did not have the keyway wear that you mention though - definitely worth checking that out.  Might want to contact the mfr about the noise.

I noticed the propane solenoid located next to the cylinder gets very hot when on for 10 minutes or more.    Has been this way since we purchased the boat.  I checked current consumption, and it is about 1 amp.   I don't have the solenoid manufacturer or p/n handy, but I recall looking it up last year, and seeing that 1 amp is the correct current.   

When I say hot, I mean too hot to keep your hand on for more than a few seconds.  Is this normal?

Ron,
I usually cruise at 2000 RPM.  I have only filled the tank 2x since owning the boat, but I think my consumption rate is quite a bit higher.  M35 engine may be one reason.  Will doublecheck.    Do you remember which issue of Mainsheet your article was in?   I still think I should be able to diagnose this problem without going further than the instrument panel.  Knowing what the "correct" voltage or resistance range for the sender would help, but I will likely end up testing the meter alone by subbing a variable resistor in place of the sender. 

I checked ground at the gage, and it seemed OK.  I was hoping to diagnose this without having to check things at the sender, but will probably need to dive in there anyway. Thx for the info.
Bob

My fuel gage recently stopped working - pegged on E.   After some use, it occasionally popped up to the correct level, about 3/4 tank.  My first thought was that I bumped the wire at that the sending unit when I replaced the exhaust hose earlier this spring.   Today I measured the voltages at the gage while it was pegged on Empty, and I measured, 12.5V (battery voltage), 0V ground, and 10.5V.  I assume this 10.5V is from the sending unit, so I am now thinking the gage itself is the problem.  Tapping it didn't change anything.  Has anybody ever measured the sending unit output voltage?  How bout price and availability of a new gage? 
Thanks,
Bob

Bingo! - this sail was sent to SailCare by the previous owner

Thanks for the comments all.   I took the sail to a loft, and they immediately saw that the luff rope was shrunk by about a foot, and this prevented the sail from raising fully.  That was why the sail could not be flattened properly. Also explains the sagging boom!   So they will repair the sail, and I'll try it for another season.  If anybody is searching for why their boom sags, check this out. 

Dan,
Echoing the others, children are no reason to sell!  In fact, it was our reason to buy!  We bought our first boat, a C27, when our 1st child was 6 months old.  He is now 9, and loves sailing - he just signed up for his 3rd year of summer lessons at the local sailing center.  Even if he and his sister lose interest when they are teenagers, they will have had great experience and memories from their yournger years.  Yes, babies are challenging on boats, but can certainly be managed.  We used to strap the carseat to the settee while sailing.   A portable VCR/TV kept them happy when not napping.   Safety netting on the lifelines is a must.  We also used a child harness with the lifejacket while on deck. 

As for the port lean, I'm not sure much can be done about it.   I keep the starboard water tank full, and use the aft tank first.  That seems to help a bit.

Bob

Hello to all – I am new to this group.  We purchased a 1992 C34 last year (Tall rig / Wing keel), and are proceeding down our "to do" list for the boat.  We are considering a new mainsail, as the old one (original, full batten) doesn't have much shape left to it.  I have gotten quotes back from a number of sailmakers, and the prices vary widely.  Granted, the options differ among them, but the price variation seems a bit much.  To those out there who have replaced their mainsails in the last year or two, could you please tell me who made your sail, and if you are happy with the construction, performance, and service of the loft?   Was the price right?  We sail the Chesapeake Bay, and we are only an hour from Annapolis, where most of the major sailmakers have lofts, so I will likely visit a few prior to purchase to see examples of their work.  We do not race, but we certainly don't like to go slow! Comments on loose footed mains are solicited also.   
Thanks