Recent content by escapade

My wife usually refers to these types of projects as "Another home project gone wrong". Having replaced the motormounts on our E34 (as well as the cabin sole, transmission, added 3 1/2 feet to mast, bottom, etc) it is comforting to know it's not just me. BTW, watch the screen in your air filter...

The spreaders on my old 30+ (1980) were hollow. I used 8/32's for flag halyard blocks, but rivets would work, also. Bud

E34 draft My '88 E34 w/wing keel actual measured draft is about 5'6". I've seen brochures listing at 5'1" & 5'3". They do ride a little lower in fresh water. The other option is maybe a P.O. cut (OUCH!!!) the keel off. Not what I'd recommend, though.

More E34 I too have an E34 (1988). It's our third Ericson and our last. It's generally a good layout but with the exceptions noted by others. Could use more refrig space and the cabin sole tends to rot around the mast. I have posted pictures of the replacement on this site. M25XP is a solid...

Oil consumption Paul I use straight 30W oil. Motoring aprox. 30-45 hrs/year (Michigan) my oil level does not drop a bit. BEWARE!!! If you run the engine, let it cool off and then pull the dip stick, it WILL show a quart low. Checking it again will show the oil to be at proper level. This is...

For what it's worth My 88 E34 has a ton of hours on it and still runs fine. I did replace the reversing gear (Hurth). Found I could get a new box with 36 month warrenty for less than a rebuilt! About $1,100 w/shipping from Fla to Mi. Installed it with boat in water in August (hotter than blazes...

Diesel woes Have removed the head from my M25XP and a 5411 a few years ago. Both very straightforward. Injectors stay in head, intake & exhaust mainfolds come off, as well as fuel lines. I would spring for the shop manual from Thorensens (Marine Diesel Direct) as it's invaluable for working...

E34 w/wing keel Martin; Could you ask your dad about the wing keel used on the late model (1987+) E34's. I have one and am wondering if there is anything I could do to optimize it for distance racing (Bayview Port Huron to Mackinaw). Usually ends up about 50% kite work & 50% to weather. Will...

temp woes I wouldn't get all hung up on the indicated temp as long as it's consistant. There are Sooo many electrical contacts between the sender & gauge that it's a wonder they work at all. The infared temp will answer actual temp value and just use your gauge as a relative indicator (which is...

I've used Sta-Set X on both my 30+ & 34-2 with no problems. Didn't use a thimble and see no issues w/wear after 7 seasons of use. Yes, it is stiffer than regular double-braid but I found it easier to splice. Just follow instructions from manufacture & you should have no problems. Have fun &...

There are 2 spinnaker sheaves, 1 jib & 1 main sheave. I'm not sure if the spin pole topping lift (storm sail halyard?) is smaller or not. Hope this helps. Bud

sole redemption I replaced the sole on our E34 4 years ago. At that time 18mmX4'X8' teak & holly ply cost $220 per sheet. Needed 2 sheets. Of course EVERYTHING cost more today but I would think it would still be under $500/sheet. Made posterboard templates of the old sole before removing and...

harbors On our first cruise (with an E27 BTW!) we tried to stop at every harbor either on the way to or back from Mackinaw Is. from Saginaw Bay. It has been helpful as now we have some "local knowledge" of every harbor along that section of coast. After 20 years there are a couple we haven't...

trailer info I trailered my 30+ for the 7 years we owned her. With the 5'10" (6') draft keel sitting in a pocket that was 4" off the road it would fit through a 12'4" door if you removed the bow pulpit first. We stored the mast at the marina rather than on top of the boat as that would not fit...

mast splice I have a splice in my spar @ the partners on our E34. This was due to having to lengthen the spar to take it back to factory specs. Have had "0" problems with this in 5 years of sailing & racing. I have it set up with a hydralic backstay so I do put some strain on it. I must agree...