Recent content by Erich

Thru hull When I was having some sketchy readings on the original depth sounder on my '88 34, I did buy new ST60 instruments. For the balance of the season until I hauled out the following spring, I mounted the new ST60 transucer in a baggy filled with water and put that in a hollow near the...

I'm picking up a spare belt tomorrow so my shopping list is one of: Belt Gates 7400XL 9.5/10mm x 1030mm Goodyear 15406 (11AV1015) Dayco topdog 15400 The belt likely depends on the alternator. I have a Balmar 70 amp. I found that one way to maximize the length of the belt life (in addition...

We had an occasional "clunking" sound in our E34 rudder. The solution was actually quite simple. Looking at where the grease fitting is, I though that the top of the rudder post could use some lubing. I couldn't see that pumping grease in the fitting would easily fill the sleeve up to the top...

Make that another boat. We'll be coming either Friday or Saturday. All right!!!

I've had success in filing a cheap set of tips down and bending them. The biggest problem is putting the circlip back on again. Getting the shaft to come out far enough to get the circlip back on is a real pain. Lots of soap and a little, no much, patience is required. I was thinking what I...

Used E34 genoa I have a used 150% genoa from our 1988 E34. Furling luff. Not sure of the age of it. It needs a new UV cover but otherwise is solid. Doesn't look like new but will be significantly cheaper. Contact me thru private mesage if interested. Tks, Erich

I installed a pair of Bose marine speakers - I think they only make 1 type. They don't take up much space in the v-berth lockers and are quite efficient. They have the typical clean Bose sound and the base is pretty good with the front vented ports. Then again, people's taste in speakers vary...

Phil, We really like the "Gulf Islands Cruising Guide" - Peter Vassilopoulis for its pictures plus information on a great variety of places. Enjoy your trip.

A marine mechanic I used had also recommended synthetic tranny oil. His view was that it was more stressed than the engine itself. I have a 25XP with a Hurth transmission. I'd be interested in other's feedback. Regards, Erich

It is a Norcross FF3355P from Boaters Basement. Sadly Boaters Basement closed up their on-line shop. (They knew more about the Raymarine ST60 packages than Raymarine themselves.) What i like about the Norcross is that the transducer is on a long (20' at least) line so that you can mount it...

Love those depth sounders Our sounder started to go on the blink in the middle of holidays last year. By the time we got home, it wasn't working at all. Cleaning the transducer didn't work. I took the unit apart, played with the pots inside and did get a couple of proper readings. Thinking...

The # I have is 295628 (1988 25XP) Regards Erich

I feel that I have to relate my experience about sailing while I was in Cuba on holidays. We choose a Melia resort because they showed 6 Hobie cats and 6 dinghys on the beach. Turns out we couldn't take the cats out ourselves regardless of experience. The Melia manager said that the Cuban...

I disagree about davits ruining the looks. Perhaps the dinghy being white helps. Its very easy to put the boat and motor in the water. It doesn't cause any drag under power or sail. The boat, motor, fuel, and davits together weight less than 200 lbs. We didn't like the other alternatives...

A good source for replacement Lewmar portlight gasket material is: http://www.selectplastics.com/ You can buy it by the foot. They also have the small o-rings that seal the latches. I replaced mine over 1 year ago and no more leaks. I can't recall the exact price but it seemed quite...