Recent content by tdtrimmer

E38 back stay adjuster I installed a Navtec back stay adjuster with about a 14 inch stroke about 12 years ago on my E38. It still works perfectly. It is great for tuning the rigging when racing but also makes a huge difference when pulling and stepping the mast. Tom

I sure appreciate your documenting your installation as I have been considering how to do the same thing on my 1981 E-38. I had considered leaving the pan in and cutting out the forward section of the floor to create the anchor locker. Seeing your installation, I like your approach better...

Solar Panel Mounting Ideas Check out custommarineproducts.com for a worksheet to figure out what size of panel(s) you may need. They also have a gallery of pictures of panel installations and a blog describing solar panel performance.

Sea Hood Thanks for sending the pictures under the sea hood. I always wondered what was under there. I have a small leak at the aft most point of the sliding hatch to starboard. From your pictures, it must be along the sliding hatch rails.

Laura, I too am looking to purchase a Manson Supreme 35# and will be interested to hear how it fits on your bow roller. Right now it looks like WM is the best price when considering shipping costs. Let me know if you find any other deals on one. Tom

Mack Sails I purchased both a jib and a main from Mack Sails about 7 years ago. They are of the highest quality. I also purchased their Mack Pack main sail cover system. It works quite well. The stitching started to come out of the Mack Pack after 7 years (sun rot) so I called Travis at...

Check out the 120 watt panel at foster-wills.com It is well priced and can be mounted on a pole or on the bimini top. It is a good size for powering a boat with refrigeration. It will produce about 40+ amp hours a day. Another good panel is the Kycera KC85TS, an 85 watt panel which also can...

Singer 237 I decided to try sewing my own canvas several years ago. I asked several experts and they all recommended a Singer 237. This machine was made in the 60's and has all metal gears. I have purchased several for under $50 on eBay and Craigs List (one for the boat and one for the...

Swim Platform I do have a small line with a clip on it that I wrap around the back stay bracket in case the swim platform bracket were to slip off and head for the bottom. The swim platform bracket simply slips over the back stay bracket. It is not necessary to secure it. Storage is a...

Swim Platform I made one for my E38 that works great. Go to custommarineproducts.com to see it. I made a stainless bracket that hooks over the back stay bracket on the transom. The platform is 3/4 marine plywood and is supported on one side by the stainless bracket and on the other by two...

I know exactly what you are looking for. I have them on my 1981 E38. I found them on web catalog of a Florida supplier but can't find them now. They are available. I'll look through my notes on the boat. Tom

I have designed a top-of-pole mounting system for my Kyocera 85 watt panel which includes a lift crane for my dinghy outboard motor. It attaches to the stern rails so no need to drill holes in the boat. It has become so popular I have had a company manufacture some for distribution. Several...

Solar Panel on a Pole I mounted an 85 watt Kyoceria solar panel on a 1.5 inch stainless pole attached to the stern rail of my Ericson 38. The panel can be tilted and rotated to achieve optimum sun angle. I have since had a number of these made and installed them on a variety of boats. A boat...

Solar Panel mount I designed a pole mount for an 85 watt solar panel that emables you to rotate and tilt the panel to achieve maximum power generation. The pole can also be used for an outboard motor crane. Visit custommarineproducts.com for pictures and specifications. Also check out my...

The following is FYI for 5432 owners. The fresh water pump (that's the one that circulates the engine coolant not the "raw water pump") began to leak on my 1981 E38. I was concerned it might be the bearings being near failure so wanted to replace it. The cost of a Universal replacement from...