Recent content by Cbuydos

Have any of the Olson 34 owners installed a proper shower sump pump in their boat? Currently the drain simply goes into the bilge, which is not a good option for multiple reasons. Due to our shallow bilge in our boats, a grey water box does not look to be an option. Curious to see if anyone...

Can’t say enough about Marine Fabricators based out of Branford,CT. https://marine-fabricators.business.site/#summary Ask for Joe and tell him Chris & Jim Buydos sent you. Joe is a life long sailor and focuses on marine applications. He is more than fair with his pricing and he will always...

Loren, I have a brand new Universal in the boat and the pitch is spot on. There are some differences between the new 25 and the old ones, but they are close. Yes, just worked with the team overseas. Started with the online form and a few conversations over the phone and went from there. I’m...

Hi Charlie, My project is on hold until the end of March/April. Needs to warm up a bit here in CT. My original bearing did in fact slip down the shaft and is sitting on top of the quadrant. Plan A is to try and get it mounted again. I know, easier said then done. Plan B is to simply...

I just went through this on our Olson 34. There is not a quick fix and you have to hit it strait on. You have to kill/eliminate the mold spores. Hard surfaces, can be a wipe down with the right cleaner designed to kill mold spores. Wood, if caught early, can be a wipe down or light sanding or...

Great topic with some great advice. As an avid racer and owner of an Olson 34, I would advice you to look at the situation in a different way. Since you will be likely racing PHRF, you will want to do some research. PHRF only works if you can race your boat against other boats with similar...

Thanks for the input. I had a feeling there should have been some type of support at the top of the post. New project just added to my list. Just glad to have found this now prior to some offshore sailing.

OK, so I have pictures now. From what I am hearing the Olsons don’t have a top bearing as you can see. As I said above, the rudder tube is well made, but after the flexing in the hull that I witnessed when going to weather in 18 knots, I have made the call to install a self aligning Jefa...

Question for Olson 34 owners. Do you have a top bearing installed for your rudder shaft at the removable port for where you insert you emergency tiller? I was a bit shocked to not find one on my boat. Granted the current set up is quiet substantially built, but I am nervous at the amount of...

Just an end to the Season summary with the new Flexfold prop. Wow what a difference over the Martec. The prop really bites when you put it in grear. No more uncomfortable pause. Very little prop walk and almost instant control in reverse. It immediately gets flow over the rudder so the control...

There is no question that we need to organize some type of gathering in the North East for Ericson owners. Now if we can only get past this pandemic so that we can properly socialize. Time will tell. I have a few good ideas as well as a fun treasure hunt idea in RI area come March to get the...

The neoprene gasket idea works great. Used an old wetsuit. When you take them off you can see the condensation. Any tip on what to use for the oven. Not enough clearance for neoprene as you have to slide the canister in and it tends to bunch up you lose the seal.

Chris, my intention was not to pick a fight over the topic. Maybe I was not as clear as I should have been. Yes, you can hook up an asym. to your bow roller as you have shown above. Unfortunately you are not receiving the full benefit of the sail. A bowsprit will significantly enhance the...

If you have a true asym. you need to have a sprit of some sort to get it out in front of your boat so that it will draw properly. You might be able to get away with a Genaker tacked to you roller, but not a true asym. Take a look at both the Trogear and Selden sprits. Both are great options...

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I am off to pick-up Flexofold prop. The above link should be archived for all of the members. Extremely valuable information to help make an educated decision. Chris