1970 Ericson 39 first yard visit (New Ericson sailor Pt. 2)

We went out and spent some time on the boat, cleaning, organizing, and for me inspecting the systems. I brought a generator to hook up "shore power". I'm impressed by this old girl. Not only are the lines good, but the deck is solid (no sponge that I could feel), the general electric systems all appear to be functional though I'll obviously need to connect the mast lines to test a lot of it. That's within my skill set so I should be good there.

I was surprised to find she's got an Atomic 4 rather than a diesel. It's extremely clean, the fluids are good, and I'm told the last rebuild was three years ago. It'll be easier to maintain than my motorcycle or cars, so I'm not worried about it. The blower works well, btw. Re-powering her with a diesel isn't in the budget, and I don't think it's necessary anyway.

The prop is a two blade folder. That's new to me. I understand why they're great under sail, but am less aware of how they do under power. I understand reverse is especially problematic? Because I'll be motoring her out of a narrow waterway for my very first time I'm plenty apprehensive. Any observations there would be very very welcome.

We'll be motoring up a well marked rivers that's nonetheless taken more than a couple of boats. Hull speed on the E39 is somewhere around 7-1/2 knots and the current can run 5. I should be able to help the engine with the jib at least, but again I admit I'm a bit apprehensive.

Oh, and one other thing I really hated seeing was plumbing made out of garden hose! T-fittings, clamps, and hoses that have been disconnect and I don't know where the hell they go. I know I can figure it out, but... yeeesh!

So there's the down and dirty overview of the Black Diamond. Thanks gang!

That 39 is a heavy sucker and will need all of the potential 30HP that the A-4 can produce. I loved the A-4 that came with my former 73' E- 27. Very simple to work on. Sounds like the plumbing is a nightmare. Time to start ripping and tearing. Go with PEX if you can swing it. Congrats on your project.

Thanks Al. Yep, I agree that the plumbing's gonna be an adventure. I'll start tackling that as soon as I have the go ahead. How did your 27 footer do in reverse? I'm hearing from everyone that the A4 with a folding two prop on the E39 means reverse is almost nonexistent. That will make getting in and out of the slip very interesting

Had a two blade fixed prop on the 27 and reverse was interesting but doable. If I had kept the boat I would have gone to a three blade Indigo or the like.

Her owner and I have been talking about changing out the props. I've gotta say I'd love that folding prop under sail, which is what I'm looking to do with this boat, sail. For now it's moot anyway because money is tight.

Since 1994, I have used the stock two blade fixed, then an AutoStream two blade feathering, and for the last decade a three blade with the thin width blades, aka a "sailor" prop.
The feathering was best for sailing speed by far, and reverse was excellent. It really needed, IMHO, more blade area for going forward.
The current 3 blade gives best motoring speed by far, decent reverse, and unfortunately noticeable drag under sail.
Big Boat, your E-39.... budget permitting I would want a 3 blade feathering prop on it. We have not found room in our budget, at about $2700. in the box, delivered. Plus haul out fees.
Fair Winds,
Loren

No problems in reverse with my folding Martec Eliptec. Try popping the vessel into gear while you're still attached to the dock with fenders out. At the very least you'll be able to spot how much and which direction the stern will move with the prop walk. If you can get the moon and sun to help with the current, that'll ease your mind too. Here in the PNW I use DeepZoom dot com to keep from having 12 hour long cruises that were supposed to be over by noon.


A tide chart would likely work as well, but isn't as colorful or animated.

We have a 3-blade max prop which does fine in both directions. Our prop walk in reverse is still really bad. Or really good, depending on what we are trying to do. Prop walk is all I think about when moving around in tight quarters.

Our procedure with motoring is to get the main up as soon as possible. I've found I can pull the traveler up high and short tack through a very narrow angle to allow the main to help us along. I might sit out the tide change if faced with 5kts of current though!

Good luck with the boat, post up some pics!
Chris

You give great advice particularly because of the examples. Thank you. I suspect we'll stay with the two blade folder for the time being with the intention of replacing it later. For now I love that it's made for sailing. I have had worse and managed to bring her into slip, and believe I can do it now. Maybe I'll teach my crew something they didn't expect!

(Probably learn somethings I didn't expect too.)