Recent content by FL Dave

We are selling our 31 Independence at an incredibly low price. Asking $19,000 and will entertain offers. Slip Available! Major refit and upgrades performed 2005-2008 including new topsides finish, new deck finish, new interior, new equipment, electrical rewired, new head, holding tank...

Tarpon Springs, FL E31 Independence Chance Encounter

Mojitos Free sounds good to me! And have not had Nassau Royale for ages. Good stuff, too. Dave E31 "Chance Encounter" Tarpon Springs, FL

I know. You have never heard of a frozen mojito. Well, that is because I invented it. Here you go, for a cool refreshing drink: “Boat Party” Frozen Mojitos * Ingredients: Light rum Fresh mint Sugar Limes Frozen Limeade concentrate 12 oz. package Ice * Start pouring the...

Thanks Thanks all for the great suggestions. I will eat my Wheaties and give it a go tomorrow evening or Thursday evening, and let you know. Heat gun, what a great idea. I would be nervous with the torch around the fuel and oil. I am lucky to have great access via a cockpit sole hatch...

Dipstick Thanks Loren and Tim. I have a full diagram of the transmission, so I know I am working on the right bolt. It is possible the PO cross-threaded it, which is why it is so stubborn. Is the dipstick itself metal? I would not want to apply too much heat to it if there are any plastic...

Tranny Dipstick Related Question I am having a bear of a time getting the hexnut/dipstick to loosen up on my Hurth tranny. PO probably never checked it. Before I take the propane wrench to it, I would like to verify with you guys that it is a standard right-hand thread (can't imagine...

Try these folks, if they have your model. I got a high-torque, gear-reduction Yanmar replacement starter from them for $300 that works better than the Yanmar replacement ($700+) http://www.mascostartersandalternators.com/Sunshop/index.php?l=product_list&c=7 Dave E31 Chance Encounter

Cutting Foam I just finished the last cushion for Chance Encounter (E31 Independence) -- two settees seats and backs, port settee insert in hanging locker, two v-berth cushions, seat insert, v-berth insert. The boat had only one soggy piece of foam when we got her. For cutting foam of any...

This is the cleaning method I have used for 4 decades -- seems to work fine for me. Get a brand new plastic trash can (however big it has to be to hold your sail) and rinse it out well. I put the can in the back of my van before filling it. Place the sail in it, add water and about 1/2 bottle...

Wes, Here's my experience. Have owned Cape Dory and Beneteau sailboats. Delivered others including Island Packet. My previous Ericson 1976 E27 was built as strong as the Cape Dory (E27 comfotable in a seaway), better than the Island Packet (don't like non-glassed over hull-to-deck joint)...

Hey John, My boat buddy, JoAnn, and I will be there. Probably Friday or Saturday. I used to have an E27 local in Tarpon Springs, now refitting an E31 Independence sailing out of Clearwater. Dave E31 Chance Encounter

Last count I knew there were nearly a dozen in the Tampa Bay area alone. There is my E31 in Clearwater, and the E27 I just sold in Tarpon Springs. Morgan has an E27 in Bradenton area. We are planning on making the Strictly Sail in Nov. (though will probably drive due to time constraints)...

My E27 that just sold has this arrangement. Just below the piece that holds the cushionis in place, on the teak strip facing the center of the boat, is a 3/4"x3/4" batten that produces a "lip". The plywood pieces then span the space between the settees. There were two of them and when not in...