Over the past decade or more, "regular" topics come up repeatedly. In developing responses to questions, many of us use the handy links to earlier discussions. I've developed these "101" topics, which are groups of links to popular subjects and those discussions. I'll leave this topic as a sticky, and add any new "101"s that may develop. Many of them include links to other websites and message boards, since boat systems are not always boat-specific.
Our "very own" ARCHIVED FAQs and Projects pages - no longer updated, most have been posted to the tech wiki, but these are the very first efforts on our website, predating this Forum and its contents:
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8922.0.htmlAlso, don't forget to use the C34 tech wiki. Just click on the link at the top of every page.
Critical Upgrades
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html Electrical Systems 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5977.0.htmlMainsheet magazine Access 101
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10797.msg84337.html#msg84337Posting and RESIZING Photos 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3701.0.htmliPhone Photo Flipping 101
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11199.0.html
Stereo Systems 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5807.0.html and
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/stereo-suggestions.158541/&highlight=stereoAlternator Belt Tensioning Tool
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3667.0.htmlAmmeters & Shunts 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6032.0.htmlBed-It Butyl Tape 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8046.0.htmlSolar 101 (by Maine Sail)
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_panelSolar 101.1
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/ another very good resource
Docking 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6379.0.html [includes a link in Reply #1 to a very good single handed topic]
Single Handing 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.htmlSingle Handing 101.1 Midship Cleats Pictures
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4921.0.htmlSingle Handing 101.2 HOPPING OFF THE BOAT IS UNNECESSARY
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.msg33766.html#msg33766Single Handing 101.3 Mainsail Cam Cleat photo (thx to Noah)
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,11147.msg88506.html#msg88506Below Decks Autopilot on Mark II
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10729.0.htmlBleeding 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6377.0.htmlFuel Polishing 101 (thanks again to Maine Sail)
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=775264&highlight=vacuum%20gauge
Fuel Starvation and The Obscure Check Ball Valve
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10681.0.htmland
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/fuel-starvation-and-the-obscure-ball-check-valve.1249925776/?highlight=Fuel%20StarvationTransmission Fluid 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6417.0.htmlFuel Log 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571Head Replacement 101 - Installation of PHII Head
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3797.0.htmlPeggie Hall's Top Ten HitsHead Odors 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.0.htmlHead Odors 101.1 - "T" into sink drain:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.msg38216.html#msg38216Head Leaks and Vented Loops 101.1.a
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5865.0.html
Head Odors 101.2 The Difference between KO & Odorlos (scroll up to Reply #2)
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=890493&highlight=odorlosHead Odors 101.3 Flix of New Vent
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8185.msg57288.html#msg57288Head Hoses 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5738.0.htmlHead Pumps 101 Why just pouring water into the bowl is NOT a good idea
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5865.msg40604.html#msg40604Fresh Water System Recommissioning 101 - Peggie Hall's "Cocktail" Rotten Egg Odor
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5836.0.htmlPHII Installation with Photos
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3797.msg45617.html#msg45617Second Holding Tank Vent
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6861.15.htmlFuel Filtration 101 (with both primary Racor and secondary engine filter identification)
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1124.0.html and
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6475.0.htmlFuel Pumps 101 including Flix of Napa Fuel Pumps
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2515.0.html and this 2018 update:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9874.0.htmlFuel Log 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3841.msg21571.html#msg21571Anchoring 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.0.htmlAnchor Selection 101 includes good discussions of various system selections and pictures of new generation anchors on bowsprits both short and extended
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4457.0.htmlWhy NEW GEN Anchors are Better:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.msg19651.html#msg19651Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) & Swivels
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400Steve’s Anchoring 101
The Rocna. All 20kg of it with 100ft of chain. The rest of the world can debate all they like. When I pull into a place like Bodega Bay at midnight and the fog is so thick I can't see the jetty 50 feet away to make an entrance, I drop my hook in the rolling ocean swells with the surf crashing (Foster says it's like staying in a cheap Best Western beside the highway), and I sleep. And in the morning I have a windlass to pull the beast up and I wouldn't trade it for anything. (I also wouldn't add more chain - this works perfectly in 25 to 30 feet of water - you let all the chain out and you tie off nylon at the preferred scope and don't bother with separate snubbers and chain hooks and all that stuff...)
This was our best upgrade.Anchor Retrieval 101 Singlehanded (with link to picture of "winchlass" in Reply #4)
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5064.0.htmlEngine Overheating 101 - How to Burp Your Engine (Reply #6)
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4518.msg26462.html#msg26462Oberdorfer Pump Rebuild 101 -
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6766.0.html [Link added to main page of C34 Tech wiki]
Repacking a Stuffing Box 101 - by Maine Sail:
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=775788&highlight=stuffing%20box There are also lots of articles in the C34 Tech wiki.
http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_boxBreather Hose 101 (w/ K&N Filter Pictures from Rick Allen)
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8875.msg63915.html#msg63915and Noah's:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8858.msg64297.html#msg64297and Kloeber's PDF and wiki link:
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8136.0.htmlWinterizing an Engine on the Hard (Thanks to Maine Sail) - NEVER connect a hose to your raw water pump inlet - NEVER!!!
https://youtu.be/PKky09u1fGUHeat Exchangers 101: Sources for replacement Good Guys at Sendure
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6920.0.htmlBeckson Portlights 101 ("removal tool" with pictures and guides for sealants)
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3241.0.htmland great installation tips
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9437.0.htmlEngine Manuals Online 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7259.0.htmlWhy External Strainers are a Bad Idea 101 (Maine Sail)
https://marinehowto.com/external-strainers-omg/Boat Surveying 101
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541Electric Fuel Pumps 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=2515.0Universal M-25 & M25XP Alternator Bracket Upgrade & Alignment 101
IMPORTANThttp://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7917.0.html
and
Careful Engine Inspection & M25 Alternator Pivot Bolts
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5127.0.htmlAlternator Bracket Adjusting Arm Failure (w/pictures) - Check Engine When Running
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7398.0.htmlFridges 101 (Adler Barbour Repairs & Troubleshooting from Richard Kollmann)
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6956.0.htmlFridge Follies 101 - to prove that Richard is right and that 99% of fridge issues are electrical & includes electronic module resource
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3044.0.htmlThermostats 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3212.0.htmlEngines 101 - The BIGGEST & BEST collection of M25 Series Universal Engine Information on the Internet, plus some M35, too :) This includes a link to the Critical Upgrades topic which has more engine information please read it too.
http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diesel_EngineDepco Pump Contacts
http://www.depcopump.com/contactus.phpAdditional Pump Resource (Thanks to Alex "waghoo")
www.pumpsandpartsonline.comHitachi Alternators 101
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=166123 This comes up so often on other boating forums...
Leaking FIXED Portlights 101 - good links from this forum
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6511.0.htmlRebedding a Keel Stub 101 The Catalina Smile with Pictures
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6842.0.htmlLift Supports 101 (gas struts)
http://www.liftsupportsdepot.com/Swim Platforms 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7415.0.htmlRefrigeration 101 - link to Richard Kollmann's website
http://www.kollmannmarine.com/Spares for a Long Cruise 101 - Thanks to Steve Dolling
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4590.0.htmlOcean Sailing a C34 101
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4533.0.htmlCountertop Replacement - faux finishes - see the link in Reply #3
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=173579Dodgers & Canvas 101 thanks to Maine Sail
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8640.msg61526.html#msg61526Dodger Height 101 with Pictures and Links
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7161.0.htmlWinterizing 101
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/winterizing.175307/#post-1247108Radar AIS and Fog 101
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/are-you-afraid-of-the-fog.157371/Remote Oil Filter 101 - Details from Maine Sail
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/engines/230865-remote-oil-filter-kubota-diesel.html#post3224841Water Heater Hose Replacement 101 - Under the galley sole
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3769.msg21253.html#msg21253Chainplate Rebedding 101 - with Bed It with Butyl from Maine Sail
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.msg49430.html#msg49430Cruising 101 - Dan Harrington's weal sea does the Erie C anal and the Bahamas
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~harringd/gallery/WealSeaMenu.htmlExhaust Hose Replacement 101 with Pictures:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6760.0.htmlMufflers 101 - What's in Your Muffler?
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6728.0.htmlMuffler & Exhaust Riser Replacement 101 (2015 Tech Note with Tips & Tricks)
https://c34.org/muffler-exhaust-riser-replacement-2015/Westerbeke Nipple Source
https://www.westerbeke.com/Product/NIPPLE/299693Engine Air Filter Replacement Sponge
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7370.msg50214.html#msg50214Engine Coolant Pump Hose 101 - Toyota Part instead of Universal Pricing - the BLACK curvy one under the pump 1" to 7/8"
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7084.msg47677.html#msg47677Racor Fuel Filter Numbers
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1124.msg5533.html#msg5533Sailorchic34's New Dorm Fridge - inverter driven dorm fridge
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f115/sailorchic34s-new-fridge-180007.htmlJib Size Selection 101
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7704.0.htmlSliding Hatch Teak Removal 101
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7191.0.htmlMainsheet magazine
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,10797.0.htmlOld Raymarine Autopilot Repair Source
https://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7129.msg48070.html#msg48070