Recent content by Ray Rhode

Loren, Next spring, if we get some medical issues resolved satisfactorily we will begin looking for a trawler (must have a mast and boom). Most of our close friends are boaters and we enjoy coastal cruising with them so we'll probably pass on the RV. Going to be difficult to find a trawler...

Last week we completed the transfer of JOURNEY to her new owner Danny Pate. This has been a long and very useful association and I want to thank Sean and the other owners who have made this site what it is. The old line about the two happiest days in a boater’s life does not apply to Ericson...

Loren, I will definitely make him aware of the value of the Ericson community and encourage him to participate. We are going in opposite directions. He is a stinkboater who has seen the light and we are going over to the dark side and will be looking for a trawler. We will need to find a...

We have a signed contract and will conduct the survey and sea trial later this month. Thanks to all of you who have provided info and advice and a special thanks to Sean for providing this "place" to meet. Ray

Jon, I have photos and written description and upgrades I can send you if you don't mind sending me an e-mail address. Mine is raysmail@cox.net so you can do it back channel. I would be interested is saving us both broker's fees, and in selling JOURNEY to someone who understands what an...

Loren, Plan to put together an inventory, upgrade list and photos to send out to anyone interested. I’m just getting started having only recently made the final decision. Have a couple of interested parties but will probably have to turn her over to a broker next month. Ray

We are sorry to have to announce that due to recurring health issues and advancing age (ours not the boat’s) we have decided to sell JOURNEY. We have had eleven years of enjoyment and have benefitted from our association with this group. We hope to find someone else who can enjoy her and the...

We are sorry to have to announce that due to recurring health issues and advancing age (ours not the boat’s) we have decided to sell JOURNEY. We have had eleven years of enjoyment and have benefitted from our association with this group. We hope to find someone else who can enjoy her and the...

Derrick, Journey was similarly infected. Had her gel coat peeled and then barrier coated. Most of the blister were shallow and disappeared after the gel coat was removed. The dozen or so that were deeper were repaired. That was about eight years ago and they have not returned. I...

I believe that is the cover for a Dorade vent that leads to the quarter berth. If you look behind and just aft of the electrical panel you will see a box with a drain and a vent hose that leads to the vent just aft of the electrical panel. I think most people have removed this vent and capped...

Rob, I have a PSS dripless seal on Journey and am getting ready to change it out for a "old fashioned" stuffing box. I have had it for about nine years and have been happy until I read a recommendation that the bellows should be changed every five years because it can crack with age. If...

From my review of the available info the biggest problem comes from the fact that the composting takes several weeks if not months. When the container is full it is not finished composting so what do you do with it? One suggestion is to have a second container to use while the first finishes...

Steve, I understand the concern expressed by you and the others but I have had this arrangement for 10 years and have been heeled to port pretty far and have never had a problem. I believe that the fact that the thru hull is shared with the sink drain is the explanation. When heeled the...

Steve, On Journey the head discharge goes directly to the holding tank which is vented. There is no way that there can be any syphoning through the 1 1/2 inch line. Even if the overboard dischage thru hull is open the tank acts as an anti-syphon. For the intake line I believe that the...

I use one of two "home brew" mixtures. One part vinegar, three parts water with a little dish soap. Put in a spray bottle. I wipe down teh boat about twice a year here in muggy Florida and never have any mildew problems. To remove bad mildew I would try one part hydrogen peroxide two parts...