Recent content by driftless

Our engine seems to really like 2200 rpms on the tach. Everything runs nice and smooth at that speed. That pushes us along at about 6 knots. 2 blade Michigan fixed prop, don't recall the specs.

I believe my 38-200 holding tank is a Ronco B187, 20 gallon. With conservative wet-flushing, seems like we can get a minimum of 5 days with the 2 of us. If the skipper doesn't flush her pee paper it saves some rinse water (garbage it like in tropical countries that don't flush paper). We're in...

Happens from time to time even without a hard gybe. As Christian mentioned above, I think the issue is that this setup just doesn't handle side loads well over the long run. If you've got a loose footed main (I don't) seems like a strop would be a great fix. Previous discussion with source for...

I addition to what others have said above (especially about doing oil and filter changes in Fall), spring is a great time to replace your raw water pump impeller and check/change your heat exchanger anode (if engine is freshwater (antifreeze) cooled). Good time to change the joker valve in the...

I feel very fortunate to have had an ASA 101 instructor who literally wrote a book on docking. It was my first experience on a large auxiliary powered sailboat. The entire first day we didn't leave the marina and never set the sails. We just maneuvered under power and practiced docking in all...

Hey fellow freshwater sailors. We're moving up north, and hoping to sail our boat up to a new home in the Apostle islands area. I'm looking for advice on two things: 1. Opinions on marinas in the Ashland-Bayfield area. 2. The route and things to see along the way. We're hoping to have ~3...

Big fan of the switch I installed in my main bilge - similar cylinder design as the aqualarm. Very well reviewed on cruiser forums. https://www.ultratef-gel.com/ultra-bilge-pumpswitches/ Too big for the shower bilge though so just replaced the Rule there with same old, but vastly improved the...

Thanks for tending the hive that hosts the oh so helpful hive-mind here!

Took mine off and took them to my local West Marine. They sent them off to one of their rigging shops and I picked the new ones back up a few weeks later. $1,018.92. Double lifelines for a 38', uncoated 3/16", all new hardware. 2020 prices. Don't really see what the beef is with "old style"...

15-2, 15-4, that's all there is, there ain't no more

Eric I have the same pump, and the similar issue. It's sometimes quite stubborn to start pumping in the spring when we flush the system and when we launch. What worked for me this spring was to pull the input line to the pump and give it a little suction to start pulling water through. I figure...

Well I'm definitely not that! But, from your description Don it sounds like the rubber gasket is just worn out. Here's a clue towards finding a replacement, FWIW. No guarantees this is the correct part, claims it's for the M-40, so might depend on your year of 5432...

Not my listing, but seems very much worth sharing. Sounds like a very well equipped and maintained 38-200, for a very reasonable price if true: https://ventura.craigslist.org/boa/d/oxnard-1989-ericson-38-sailboat/7672142480.html

The current system is plastic grocery bags hung over a hook or door handle. Works great until there's a hole in the bag and my spent coffee grounds dribble out (overboard with compostables isn't a legal option in the Great Lakes). I need a bucket or bin. I'll try bungeeing something right sized...

Found some right-sized drawer organizers and treated with deck stain/oil. Color is a little off, but the fit is just about perfect. Still haven't found the perfect garbage spot.