EY.c Future: Is EY.c a 'useful' site? How could we improve it? [Archive]

Sean Engle

12-22-2004, 02:32 AM

When I created this site, I did so from a need that I felt the Ericson Community had: to have a single repository of information that was useful for the existing community - but also for prospective owners.

That was four years ago. Now, there is a considerable amount of information on this site - and more can be gathered. What I need to know from you (the user) is this:

Is this site useful for you?
If it is - or if it is not - please use this thread to discuss what it's shortcomings are, and what you feel could be done to improve it. Please try not to stray into issues of cost, dues, fees, etc - as that is covered in another thread.

//sse

bbboat

12-22-2004, 09:53 AM

Being a fairly new Ericson owner (and coming from a Catalina where the online owner support is strong), I find the Ericson site very useful. Some minor suggestions/questions for improving, though:
- In the classifieds section, I'd break it down into separate boards for boats wanted/for sale and gear wanted/for sale.
- In the gear wanted/for sale, I'd break it down further by size or model, or at least size groupings (27-32, 35-39, 40+ etc.). It's really hard to filter through the stuff for a 27-foot boat when you have a 39, and vice-versa).
- Can we provide a template for boat owners involved in projects who'd like to post their photos & text of what they've done to their boat, but don't have the time/skills to create their own website? (BTW, Sean, I'd be happy to discust helping you out with this).

neilio

12-22-2004, 10:26 AM

When I purchased my 1967 E26 a few years ago, I found the site very useful. Unfortunately for me, I have spent the past two summers in the boat yard, replacing the engine (almost made it in this year). Not having used the site much lately, I have no specific ideas for improvement.

Stuart

12-22-2004, 12:17 PM

I have used this site to organize events like the Ericson rendezvous, and also to obtain information about ericson's. To have it as is is good but to also open up to email discussion like sailnet would bring all to one site? maybe.
Spill check whan writing a thread would be noice.
Great site with lots of info overall, worth keeping and I would support.
Cheers
Stuart MacKenzie
Vancouver BC
E31-Independence

Loren Beach

12-22-2004, 12:23 PM

I am not sure how a "template" would work, but the concept sure is appealing.
I have stuff on several forums that should really be pulled together into one article with pictures. I would then edit my prior text, and it cerainly needs editing! :rolleyes:

In my mind's eye, we could re-edit related project responses and photos once a year or so and put the result into the "Projects" forum. Kind of like a FAQ with photos...
Ya think?

A good article model would be Sean's head/shower rebuild article. I need to compile something like this for my thruhull project and refrigeration addition. I wonder if someone could take finished text and photos and put them together as a web page? Nowadays, with the ease of putting text and pics into one page like I do with Appleworks, producing a finished PDF is as simple as clicking on "save as"....
How to get from this to HTML is beyond my present knowledge....

Having taken one all-day class in HTML some years ago, I decided that learning a new "language" was not high on my priority list in my seventh decade. :eek:

This is already an interesting discussion. I hope that lots of owners have contributions.

Best,
Loren in PDX
Olson 34 #8

ps: owners of older Ericsons should get WEFCO to subsidize this site... (Just kidding!)
:)

rssailor

12-22-2004, 01:14 PM

I really love the web site and look forward to seeing what projects fellow ericson owners are working. As well I enjoy contributing to helping fellow ericson owners with problems on their boats and getting advice occasionally from the experts.
I would be willing to pay a nominal yearly fee to be a member here, but would like to know what kind of costs maintaining this entails and hope this could be used as a basis for determining what each member needs to kick in yearly. We need to keep this site up and running for all ericson owners to use and enjoy. Ryan Ericson 25+ Moonglow

Jeff Asbury

12-22-2004, 01:47 PM

First and foremost I would like to thank Sean for dipping into his own pocket to get the site back up and running. I contacted Sean after I couldn't log on for a week and he had the site back up in less than 12 hours. This man needs a break. Great Job Sean! I agree with all the other responses I have read regarding Sean's suggestions. I have no problem paying a annual fee. I as well have used this site for announcements for rendezvous but more importantly it has been a invaluable resource in the restoration of my 32 year old E-27! I love this site and have it set for my home page for both my home and office computers.

I have already pledged and sent a nominal contribution to Sean. What ever else it takes, count me in! Ericson's ROCK!

Jefferson Asbury
Skipper of the "Pride of Cucamonga"
E-27 Hull #355
San Pedro, CA :egrin: :egrin: :egrin: :egrin: :egrin:

Mike.Gritten

12-22-2004, 02:04 PM

EY.c is an excellent resource - one I have taken advantage of on many occassions. I think the users are the ones who make this kind of site useful, and we've got one of the most dedicated groups of people using the site of any group I've had the pleasure to interact with. I'm all for moving forward with adding or changing features available to users, and would be willing to support it financially, as long as the hit was reasonable.

dboggs

12-22-2004, 03:14 PM

This is a wonderful site. I am relatively new to sailing and have found this site to be a wonderful resource for projects on my E-32. I have just looked in on the site for the past year or so, never becoming a member. After the site went down I realized how much I actually used it. I just want to thank Sean for keeping it up. I pledged money to Sean for the site and would be willing to pay an annual fee to keep it up.

Dave
E 32-2
Carpe Diem
:egrin:

ccorcoran

12-22-2004, 03:18 PM

I love the website; it's user friendly and contains - virtually - the sum total of collective wisom regarding Ericson yachts. I've been able to save time, effort and $$ on a host of projects by simply tapping this collective wisdom. There are great owners out there and they're all willing to help other owners save time, $$ and often, bodily injury.

I wish we could do more with "how to" articles without requiring Sean to manage it all. I can think of a dozen or more articles that would be great to see -- if only us worker bees could figure out how to easily put words and photos together (although, I suppose that leads to the need for an editorial board unless we want to bury Sean with even more work; perhaps we could ask the moderators to help out with that?).

In any case, the forums are great and they work; not too segmented - in fact, I often browse all the forums just to see what's happening around the country and I rather enjoy the diversity of boats and things in the for sale forum; you never know what gem you'll discover!

Remeber the old addage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

gareth harris

12-22-2004, 07:17 PM

It is hard to think how to improve the site, as Sean did a great job in the beginning, but a couple of suggestions:

More links to weather sites. I like www.nws.noaa.gov as a good source, but maybe some folk with a lot of time in small craft can recommend other sources of weather, or information they have found useful underway.

A section about cruising with an Ericson, since some people have gone far afield, and that information does not get put around much.

Easier access to creating files about projects with photos. I hope to put a bunch of pictures on the site of my rebuild, as for example, there is currently no information about working on hull/deck joints. I would hate to dump all that work on Sean.

Gareth
Freyja E35 #241 1972

Saunders

12-23-2004, 07:21 AM

Any chance that e-mail (as in Sailnet) list could be added? I have seen much activity with the constant flow of e-mail (until recently) and am thinking that may foster activity and interest in this site- particularly since it seems likely that Sailnet will not remain the same-

Second change might be links to Resources- the archives are full of valuable resources and the members will continue to be. If there were recommended resources ( ala Practical Sailor Where credit is Due, that would be useful. Perhaps even a section not for How to Maintenance- but From Whom...

In reply to the various polls- I am in - will pay for the existing or for an upgraded. No strong feelings about level of participation- Think that will depend on how many players- I would figure out what it would cost, figure conservatively that half of those who have sent contributions will be in for the long haul and set the fee accordingly. If surplus is amassed, think about improvements or an occasional perk for those of you who carry the laboring oar. If fees are not sufficient, at least let those who are willing to contribute have accdess to the archives.

In any event, thanks Sean, Loren and all others who have contributed so freely.

P.S. My check went our yesterday
Saunders
Music

Raymond Yano

12-23-2004, 03:46 PM

This is an important site for Ericson boat owners. Count me in for annual dues

Ray Yano

Mindscape

12-23-2004, 07:03 PM

First - as has already been said - thanks to Sean for all his efforts.
I'd like to be able to group/sort existing threads by boat, so that I could find all the stuff about 32-3's for example.
The search could allow for posts within the last x number of days.
An email notification when anything new is posted, not just for those threads you are involved in.
This stuff is minor, the most important thing is to keep and attract good people. I don't feel like I've got much to contribute since I'm a new owner and have not undertaken any major projects, but people like Sean, Geoff, Lorren, Seth, etc. seem to have lots of good stuff (and plenty of opinions!) that keeps a site like this valuable.

I'm in for whatever it takes to keep this going. It's the best resource for Ericson owners that I'm aware of.

It's interesting the Pacific Seacraft does not see us as valuable enough to invest. I'm curious why they wouldn't keep this going, and use the site as a forum to try and get us to move so a PS boat next time we make a move.

Skip Jim

12-23-2004, 08:52 PM

I have enjoyed this site on a daily basis. Not only have I learned a lot about my boat, but I have received great pleasure in having this as my home page.

Each day when this site comes up and I can look at a picture of a beautiful boat, it always is a welcome site. I can imagine being out sailing, or just being near my boat, even if just for a few seconds.

I think you have done a great job with this site. I would be willing to pay for the pleasure it gives me.

If you need other help, please ask, and keep up the great work

Ericson 35-2 hull # 203
San Diego

chrism

12-23-2004, 11:41 PM

I have the skills to help compile pages on this site, so if anyone has anything for the projects page, etc., I could be of help... With Sean's blessing, of course.

Chris

Ray Hughes

12-26-2004, 04:08 PM

:egrin: EY.c is a valuable asset to all Ericson owners. The only thing I would change would be to separate boats for sale listings from gear and equipment listings. Kudos to Sean! --Ray Hughes, E-29 Capricious, Oceanside, CA.

bsange

12-27-2004, 04:27 PM

We purchased our 1983 E-28 three years ago. As a novice sailor this site proven to be a good reference point. I go along with everyone else and would be willing to pay an annual dues to keep it up and running. Bernard Sangenito, E-28 Andiamo.

Sean Engle

12-28-2004, 08:58 PM

Just as an FYI… Gene Kohlmann (President of PSC) has just replied to all the traffic on EY.c, in a post entitled “Why Should PSC Support EY.c?”.

Please post your reply to his message now, and let him know that there are many Ericson Owners concerned about this issue. Click here to open that thread directly:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?t=1726

Thanks for your continued support!

//sse

Stuart

12-30-2004, 08:59 PM

Gene, I hope you have the time to read this, I am sure we all look forward to mutual support.

Last year when I organized the Ericson Rendezvous, PSC gave us some prizes, ball caps, decals and Ericson stuff, it was murder to contact them, I finally gave up with email and phoned, once I made contact it was great, they were friendly, supportive and helpful.

I feel the EY.c site benefits PSC in many ways, some immeasurable. It does create a lot of good will between Ericson owners and PSC. I drool over their most beautiful boats on line when I visit to look up Ericson specs or brochures on the PSC site.
The EY.c site and continued Ericson support’s value to PSC will be dependent on how they use it, us, and how they treat us. If all the Ericson owners support PSC, that is a lot of goodwill, cheap!
PSC’s web knowledge shows up with their own site, I looked for dealers in my area, using their dealer search and got nothing, just a blank response. I then emailed a question on cost about a 31, 34 and 37; I have still not got a response. They maybe closed for holiday but one would think at least an automated answer or something. Maybe it was an oversite or maybe it’s a bigger thing. Not getting a prompt answer in todays world invites doubt.
It would be nice if an agreement could be made with Sean to maintain the EY.c site, if Sean is willing, a cost many of us would contribute to. They might even ask him to look at their own site.

The question I keep asking myself is why does PSC buy all things Ericson and then do nothing? Maybe Gene could shed some light on this.
It would be nice to see a new Ericson 33 introduced to take some of the market away from the Hunterbenilinias. With the great name Ericson has I am sure it would be a success, assuming the design was modern and not just re introducing an old boat with no new technology. I don’t think it would be hard to come up with some new design, stronger than current production boats but a costal sailor, not a blue water boat like the PSC. All of us happy Ericson owners would gladly give our input.

I might even consider becoming a dealer in BC, as we all know; PSC and Ericson……RULE THE OCEANS!

My. .02
Stuart MacKenzie
E-31 Independence
Comox BC

Al Emondi

01-30-2005, 12:09 PM

I am new to the site, and there are vey likely parts of the site that I haven't explored. However, many people base thier opinions off of first impressions, so here are some of my observations....

It would be nice to see a more elaborate projects page. With the digital camera revolution, I would expect that we could come up with some pretty decent projects that people have been through. Pictures speak a 1000 words.

Also, as another member points out, it would be nice to sort projects, posts, etc based on boat model if needed. The one thing that I noticed from using hte site, is that it does take a while to get or find the information I am looking for. For example, last night I was looking for any posts that may help me correct my sloppy rudder...there is a "clunk" at times when I change course, and the survey pointed out the need for new bearings. I found postings, but it was hard to find those that applied to my model. Not knowing other Ericson models, it was hard to tell what would apply to me and what wouldn't.

However Sean, the site is great and the resource is valuable. Improvements can be made in anything, so these are just some comments from a "Newbee"

Hope this helps,

Al

Mike Thomas

02-18-2005, 07:29 PM

JORGE

05-06-2005, 10:55 AM

Strats43

05-22-2005, 02:07 AM

Sean Engle

05-22-2005, 01:01 PM

May 5, 2005
I have been seeing alot of boats being totally refurbed here, I am doing the same; but unless I do a search on a specific topic these detailed and long ongoing projects go almost unknown. So I would like to suggest that those in-depth projects and stories be moved to the "Owners and Projects" section, because I believe that's a great starting point.

The issue there is the Information Exchange is a standalone database application - whereas the project section is actually a page with images, etc - they're two different types of docs.

We have a couple of projects on the files, and I'll be adding them as soon as finals roll by (first week of June). If there are contributors to the Information Exchange who have projects who wish them listed in the the Owners/Projects section, please send me a note.

Thanks,
//sse

Sean Engle

05-22-2005, 01:05 PM

Sean,
I think the e-mail idea is the best one yet. I don't always have time to surf but I always seem to have time to read e-mails about boat stuff. Priorities huh?

As always thanks for all the hard work and if you speak to Gene K thank him also.

Mike T, NY

You can set email notification in the User Control Panel ('UserCP' button, visible at the left side of the top bar when you're logged in) so that you get emails whenever there is a new posting. Every time you post a message you also have the opportunity to choose 'Instant Email Notification' whenever that thread is added to, etc.

//sse

Sean Engle

05-22-2005, 01:06 PM

Of all the sites Ive researched this site is by far the Best!! As I ve been trying to revive the CEOA this site has been incredible. Also for a novice sailor and My first project boat it has been invaluable. Keep up the great work!!

Strats

Yes, well - I hope you've been taking pictures, and will submit them as a project. The amount of damage sustained your boat was considerable - and I think would make an interesting story...

WingLeader1200

07-20-2005, 05:43 PM

Sean,
I must say that, all in all, you have done a great job with this site. I know I am not alone in that thought. It certainly provides much needed support for Ericson specific info particularly when you first purchase your boat and have a thousand questions. To offer constructive critisim I have been disapointed in the projects pages. Over the past 4 yrs I have sent in rather detailed drawings,directions and pictures of 3 myself.(folding salon table w/ shelving, Yanmar install from outboard, and rebuilding/increasing insulation to the ice box on a E-27. None of these were ever posted to the projects and all of which I have seen many many inquiries (sp). One last thing and it may just be me, but I have yet to fiqure out how to update my email address in my profile after I change servers. Each time I have had to log in as a new member because the Ericson site would not recognize me. Keep up the great work, you are doing a great service. Thanks again, Gary

Sean Engle

07-29-2005, 03:56 PM

On the project pages...

... I have been disapointed in the projects pages. Over the past 4 yrs I have sent in rather detailed drawings,directions and pictures of 3 myself.(folding salon table w/ shelving, Yanmar install from outboard, and rebuilding/increasing insulation to the ice box on a E-27. None of these were ever posted to the projects and all of which I have seen many many inquiries (sp).

Hi Gary - Yeah, I know. Since returning to school, I've been totally hammered with projects, and have not been able to put the pages together and upload them. The other thing is that we moved (physically moved to a new house) after you sent your files, and I moved the files off this box to a new computer - and they (and some others) somehow disappeared.

So - if you still have the files, and will upload them again, I will see to it that your page is completed ASAP - I promise! :rolleyes:

One last thing and it may just be me, but I have yet to fiqure out how to update my email address in my profile after I change servers. Each time I have had to log in as a new member because the Ericson site would not recognize me. Keep up the great work, you are doing a great service. Thanks again, Gary

That's an easy one. When you're logged in, there is a small box in the upper left hand corner of the Information Exchange, marked 'User CP' - which stands for 'User Control Panel'. Go in there, and you can change your settings. If you change your email address before changing your settings, all you need to do is email me, and I'll do it for you (I've this lots of times for many people).

Anyhow - upload your files again to:

ftp://ftp.ericsonyachts.org/incoming/

and I'll take care of it - sorry for the delay.

//sse

bigtyme805

08-07-2005, 12:13 PM

It is a terriffic site and the reason it is so good is due to all of you. What makes a good association are the members who contribute. And we do lots of contributing....

Deborah Klaus

11-02-2005, 02:11 PM

I am new and obviously confused...what exactly would the dues be for? We are already paying for internet access??? Would we be paying for the time of the moderator? website? HELP?

Jeff Asbury

11-02-2005, 02:35 PM

Web Sites on the World Wide Web (a.k.a. www.) cost money to host. To have a web site you have to pay for space on the web called a domain. I hope that's a close enough explanation. Ericson Yachts.com lost their sponsor (Host) Pacific Sea Craft some time ago. Since then the site has been maintained and hosting paid for mainly by it's creator Sean Engle and a few of us individuals that have sent Sean some money to pay for the hosting.

Too keep this site going someone has to pay. Individuals or a sponsored corporation.

Hope that helps clarify things. :egrin:

Deborah Klaus

11-02-2005, 06:47 PM

I understand. Could we "woo" another corporation and perhaps get sponsorship? Perhaps tie in with other forums....? Food for thought.

Sean Engle

11-02-2005, 07:30 PM

I understand. Could we "woo" another corporation and perhaps get sponsorship? Perhaps tie in with other forums....? Food for thought.

A Steering Committee has been formed and is discussing this issue right now. We are looking at covering costs (which are pretty minimal at this point) and continuing to build a body of knowledge for Ericson owners.

Included in these plans (some place) is also the discussion of the formation of the Ericson Yachts Owners Association - which would eventually oversee the website. Right now we're hammering out the main issues for the website itself.

As for moderators - they are simply people who have agreed to be emailed by the network when someone posts a thread to their assigned forum. The moderator simply 'keeps an eye' on the forum and can step in when appropriate, etc.

Oh, and on your question - no, the web is not free. Just like the belief that owning a sailboat must be cheap because they use the wind, owning and maintaining a site has costs: hosting, URL registration, software upgrades, development, security and (the biggest) time. :rolleyes:

However - as I said, the cost of this site is relatively cheap - and it's needed, etc. :egrin:

//sse

therapidone

11-03-2005, 10:37 AM

I know next to nothing about taking care of a sailboat and only a little bit more about sailing one! While I don't visit this site every day, I do check it out every so often & have found many of the discussions to be enlightening as well as engendering the occasional smile :D !

Regards,

Ed

Deborah Klaus

11-03-2005, 04:14 PM

thanks for clarifying....I will be a volunteer and help if you need it.

Kevlarpirate

12-09-2005, 06:13 PM

This is a very valuable source of info and well worth paying dues for!

Tom Russ

02-28-2006, 03:56 PM

As a new sailor and Ericson owner (E27 #428) I have learned a lot about my boat, boating, and sailors from the website. It is a valuable resource and worth supporting. I guess I have to send that check......

Sean Engle

02-28-2006, 11:53 PM

Hi -

Thanks for the nice comments - they're appreciated.

Please save your donations for later in the year when we do our fund drive. Everything is set for this year...so get back down to your boat and finish that (latest) project!

//sse

Jerry

08-03-2007, 01:38 PM

Sean Engle

08-03-2007, 02:29 PM

I find the site useful. Coming from a Hunters, Starwinds etc., I feel I know my way around sailboats but each model has it's own "nature". It's good to find others who have broken trail and make life easier.

Yeah, that is one strength to a limited fleet - the nature of the boats does not keep changing. I know when I was looking for my E35-3, I had trouble getting the info I needed - hence the creation of this site. Our goal now to keep as many hulls in the fleet in good condition, and extend their lives...

Thanks your comments!

//sse

therapidone

08-03-2007, 02:45 PM

A dock mate of mine asked me just last weekend if I knew much about this site & I told him that I'd been visiting it for about 4 years.

He owns a Caliber w/ a Universal diesel for aux. power. In looking for an owner's manual for the Universal, his search led him here & he downloaded it. He volunteered that he thought the site was pretty well put together and appeared as if it were quite helpful to Ericson owners. He knows something about websites, too, as he's been working in the IT area for quite a long time, including spending almost 2 years in Iraq in the Green Zone, doing network stuff, server admin, etc.

I just thought I would pass the info along. :egrin:

Regards,

Ed

Sean Engle

08-03-2007, 04:58 PM