Feedback and Thanks

[Stephen Butler]

We have just come back ashore after a month aboard our C34.  Cruised from Marathon to Tampa and had an interesting and wonderful time...even the overnight sail from Key West to Naples was enjoyable if a bit damp thanks to a 'stalled" Alberto. 

We would like to thank the association for all of the suggestions, hints, and other words of advice that went into the preparation for the trip...the new rudder is fantastic and makes a tremendous difference in boat handling...the addition of the Honda genset allowed us to anchor out much much more...the GFO packing really does do the trick...the new bow pulpit from Catalina Direct looks great...and all of the other suggestions were excellent and we thank you. 

One item...keel separation...our C34 went over on the hard during Wilma, when we lost the first rudder and no doubt stressed the keel.  We had the traditional "Catalina Smile" except the crack was 1/4 inch wide and extended back nearly 2 feet.  After much advice, we elected to completely drop the keel, reseal, and reinstall. Glad we did as the keel dropped easily down when the bolts were loosened.  Without the bolts in place, we would have lost the keel.  Anyway, checked everything out, resealed with 3M 5200, and retightened to spec.  The total job from start to finish took only 4 hours.

Thanks again...