advice

Hello all, I need some advice on how to sanitize my water tanks. I'm getting a foul sulfur like odor this year that I want to get rid of. Thanks Mike:confused:

I've recently purchased and have been restoring an Ericson 35-2 and I'm starting into one of the four big projects that this boat needs done. The first one I want to tackle is the freshwater tank. I don't know too much about ericson's but I have been going through the manual, it looks like this...

Hi, Our E30+ came with 2 oval zincs placed about an inch apart on the drive shaft between the strut and the hull. There is no zinc on the bronze propeller or on the strut, or anywhere else (other than the pencil zinc in the heat exchanger). Lately, I have seen or heard of sailors placing...

I have recently bought an Ericson 27 with an operational A4. Unfortunately, there is a broken strut on the hull of the boat inhibiting its usage. Do you think I should keep the A4 and get a haul out to get the strut situation fixed or should I sell the A4 and go with a small outboard. Any and...

I just removed the the old name from my boat. The old stickered name can still be seen on the transom due to a difference in the fiberglass shading at this point. I've tried cleaning it off to no avail. I'm thinking of using rubbing compound next but a friend has recommended fine steel wool...

Looks like I may have found a boat for the Admiral and me. It's an 89 322 and appears to be in pretty good shape. Haven't had her surveyed yet. The seller will take $23k. Is this a good model? Are there any known isues we should look out for? We intend to cruise the ICW, bays and coast...

It's time to replace one hatch on Penquin (35-2). I'm a stickler for keeping my baby stock so I'll be using Acrylic. The original screw holes were counter sunk. Would not it be safer to use a carbide Forstner bit first, then drill for the screws? I would also consider a counter sink...

Hi, I have read the various posts on these pumps, but still need some expert advice, please. I want to replace the electric fuel lift pump on our Universal 5416 16 hp diesel engine. The original is a Facet 574 A cylindrical pump, about 4 inches high and about 2 inches in diameter with the...

I would appreciate your opinion and advice on repair of one of my teak hatchboards. It is one (the bottom one) of three that fit together one on top of the other to form the companionway entry to our boat. This lower piece consists of a centre piece with two small vertical end pieces which are...

Hello Ericson lovers! Bought a 1969 Ericson 30' last year for 5k and have had only issues since. Spent 7k in repairs and a cradle. Love the look and how it sails. Atomic 4 engine is stalling even after carburator overhaul and electrical work. Had a cracked seal that led to water in the...

Hi, The bearings on the fresh water circulating pump on our Universal 5416 16 hp diesel engine are growling, so I think it's time to replace the pump. I have been told that rebuilding it can be a frustrating and sometimes futile process, so was advised to replace. I have a Kubota Tractor...

Hi, I would really appreciate some advice on how to proceed with my transmission. I have a Twin Disc MG340 which was installed new last summer after my original Hurth 50 transmission died. The new one has been working fine, with about 100 engine hours since it's installation. However, my...

We took our 27 out last week for a few days to celebrate the 4th. The weather was great although we could have used a litter more wind, but still had a great time. The only damper on the week was finding that a bird had gotten under the main sail cover and left what ever was for lunch behind...

I live in Lake Tahoe, and an opportunity arose to purchase a 50% share of an e-27 docked in Tahoe. We were told that it was a ’73, but since it has a t-helm, pedestal steering, stepped back traveler (in the cockpit), and an atomic gas inboard, I believe it has to be a post ’74 model. The boat...

I live in Lake Tahoe, and an opportunity arose to purchase a 50% share of an e-27 docked in Tahoe. We were told that it was a ’73, but since it has a t-helm, pedestal steering, stepped back traveler (in the cockpit), and an atomic gas inboard, I believe it has to be a post ’74 model. The boat...

So I am ready to pull the boat and install the new keel next week. Since I lost my keel I also lost the pendant cable and block. Does anyone have any advice as to how to contruct a new pendant line and which size it would be and what sized block I would use? I have seen pics but they are just...

If you are familiar with the 35-II's handling I really could use some of the groups collective wisdom. Thanks. I have spent the last 5 years slowly rehabbing our 1976 35-II (electrical, plumbing, deck re-core, standing & running rigging are finally done) and it is now time to replace the...

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1981 E38 anchor locker / bow cleats advice (PICTURES) So as most projects go I started this with the intent of finishing in a day. I wanted to replace the forward bow cleats and re-bed all forward hardware. The PO has installed a custom aluminum bracket under the weak anchor pan. He wanted it...

I also posted this over at plasticclassicforum.com. I've been thinking about this on and off over the past year, and now is the time to really figure it out. The mast is in reasonably good shape except for the area around the spreaders. There are a bunch of excess holes, and the old...

I have officially been granted 1 month off work this summer to plan a sailing trip. My fist mate and I are planning on taking a round trip voyage from Monterey Bay down the California Coast. We are trying to evaluate if we can comfortably go as far south as Avalon Bay and still enjoy the trip...

Hello All, I'm in the process of R-n-R'ing the 5432 in my E38 with a used engine. In the process of removing the engine several other things are receiving attention including the lack of sound insulation. There is essentially NO sound insulation on my boat. The factory stuff was only...

I am closing in on buying a 1980 Ericson 30 Plus. The boat looks good other than some cosmetic issues and suits my needs well. Of course I will get a survey but would love to hear from owners about the boat in general and any trouble spots to look out for before buying. Thanks, Rhicke

We are going to take the pedestal apart so we can install a guard and new compass. does any one have pics of the process or any advice on a easy way.

Our 1984 E30+ has a bulkhead at the foot of the V berth (ie. at the bow of the boat). The approximately two feet of bow/hull that is walled off by this bulkhead contains the anchor locker (enclosed and accessible from the deck), a drain hose from the anchor locker through this space and exiting...

Hi, I have done a search and read related threads, but need some more help, please. We recently replaced the transmission on our E30+. The new transmission (a Twin Disc) was slightly larger, about 1" longer and the control lever is on the opposite side from the previous Hurth transmission...

Well, here she is: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1866793&checked_boats=1866793&ybw=&units=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=1424&url= Hi Everyone, New to this site, but trying to catch up with lots of reading - resulting in some rather bloodshot...

Sold my E29 to move up to a bigger boat. Am considering an early 70's E39. Any advice on what to look for, be aware of, etc would be appreciated. When selling my E29, the surveyor said it was best boat he had seen for one that age (77)....that made up for the worse name for a boat -...

Fellow Vikings: Well, we can't put it off any longer. There is a steady trickle of water coming into the bilge and it isn't the packing gland and it isn't the through hulls. It's the keel bolts. So the guys at the yard are getting ready to haul us out, drop the keel, clean the bolts and "reeve"...

Well, after 32 years my Main Sail has succumbed to the sun and the wind and I'm looking for a good used Sail. I can't find one....Anyone got an idea for a source? Or, here's a better question: The Luff is 31'6" and the Foot is 9'6". Since I've not been able to find exactly that measurement...

Hi, I would appreciate your advice on how best to attach a piece of wood trim. The problem that I'm solving is that the companionway hatch boards sit too low and leave about 3/16" space between the top board and the hatch slider. So I want to place a thin trim piece on the base below the...

1968 e26 resources Hey now, I just bought a 1968 e26 and I'm looking for other people in the bay area that might have one. The fleet one web site hasn't been updated in a long time so I thought someone here could help me.Thank you for your time.

The Atomic 4 that came with my 1977 E-32 has been a pain in the rear ever since I bought the boat 2 years ago. I contacted a local mechanic who quoted me $2500 to rebuild it. While talking with him, I mentioned that I would rather have a diesel, but can't afford it. He told me that he has...

The spinnaker on our 1984 E30+ came without spinnaker sheets. The specs sheet that came with the boat list the sheets as 55' in length and 3/8" dacron double braid line. Can anyone confirm that this is the correct length before I buy them--it would not be good if they were a foot or two too...

Hello all, I'm a new owner in the Bay Area, having just bought my first sailboat, an E 29, a couple weeks ago. The rain has begun and, as would be expected, so have the leaks. I think there's pretty significant amounts of water coming in through the handrails (evident behind the wooden...

I am going to purchase a handheld bearing compass. Anyone have a good suggestion for me? Either what to look for, or a favorite brand. Price isn't as important as utility, durability, and usability.

I've been looking into having my mast, boom and spreaders repainted since the paint is bubbling and chipping. My two ballpark estimates so far are in the $3000 - $4000 range. But one alternative that was mentioned was to just strip it to bare metal and let it do its own thing over time. Does...

Does anyone know of a catalyst or additive to speed up the drying time of varnish? Have repaired the bulkhead forward of the settee on and it is taking an eternity for the varnish to dry. The first coat was applied 50/50 varnish and thinner as per the instructions and I might be able to apply...

Hi All......My first post on this site! I'm changing back from Power to sail boat. My wife does not like the slap slap bag bang of our 21' Bayliner.....Nor does the dog to be honest. We live in North Saanich BC, near the Gulf and San Juan islands. Lots of places to go in fairly sheltered...

We have an S2 propane sniffer on our E30+ which must be turned "on" after the propane valve is opened, and the stove button on the panel is turned on, in order to get propane to the stove/oven. It has a green light to indicate when it is on. During a recent sailing trip, after going through...

I want to replace my Port Window on the head side. I need help. Does anybody know a good replacement window that would fit the old one? The glass is cracked but not leaking yet. I want to keep the same look and of course that means aluminum. Does anybody know the cutout size for 1985 E30+? I...

Thinking about a Santa Barbara Island Visit. I would love to hear from anyone who had done this and share any specifics about what to expect. Such as, approach, hazards, kelp beds, anchoring and getting ashore. My plan is to sail to Cat Harbor from San Pedro. Spend the night at Cat...

We are beginning to think about buying a dinghy for our E30+, partly as a safety back-up in the event of major boat problem, but mainly for my wife and I to explore the little bays and shoreline when we anchor out in the Gulf Islands, BC. With the limited storage on the E30+, I don't think we...

I am considering buying an Ericson 35. I have sailed most of my life but never owned a boat. I'd like comments, good, bad or indifferent on an Ericson 35 with a keel laid in the late 70s. Is there anything I need to look for that has been an issue on other boats and I need to consider before...

I'm thinking of buying an E39B. It's the only Ericson for sale in New Zealand. I've attached the advert'. Looks like the hard dodgers are an afterthought, and home-made looking. I guess that doesn't matter too much so long as they work well. Do you think hard dodgers necessary? I haven'y...

I'm thinking of buying an E39B. It's the only Ericson for sale in New Zealand. I'll try an attach the advert'. Looks like the hard doggers are an afterthought, and home-made looking. I guess that doesn't matter too much so long as they work well. Do you think hard doggers necessary? I...

I need some opinions and expert advice. I have never commissioned a bimini for a boat before. I have a spray dodger on my E25 and am having a new custom bimini made this week for additional shade next summer and I want to do it right by avoiding pitfalls. My question is this: Should I have...

I race my 1987 E34 but do not have a proper headsail for 18to upper 20's. The sail must be furling. I first leaned toward a blade but am told the design of 1980's boats with large fore triangles did much better with a traditional overlaping headsail (plus I was encouraged to get leach...

My wife and I will soon be new owners of a 1979 Ericson 35 II (awaiting sea trial, survey). I have a few questions. 1. I want to replace all portlights with opening ports. There has been some discussion on the four large saloon ports, but little on the six smaller ports. Any...

I am going to look at an E34 this weekend:egrin: and would like to do as much of a survey before I hire a professional. I bassically want to possibly eliminate this boat before I pay for the surveyor. If it passes my exam then I will get a professional survey. So here is the question...

My Father in-law was out in the San Juan Islands years ago cruising and monitoring the VHF. He hears a woman frantically calling the Coastguard. The Coastguard answers with the usual all business precision they are known for. The woman explains they are onboard a powerboat somewhere near San...

I'm getting ready to replace the instruments on Sequoia from the 1987 original order form Datamarine stuff to Raymarine ST-60. I wanted to check with all you experts to see if there is anything specific I need to watch for? I'm planning on keeping the transducers in the same holes up under the...

My old HP Pavilion xh485 is just not up to the task of running the newest version of Nobeltec, it only has 4meg of video ram. The old laptop had a problem with visibility in direct sunlight but since it is 5 years old I figure that there have been some improvements. So I am on the market for a...

I have a 1979 29T On of my cockpit drains is leaking down into the stern quarter berth. We have tried to remove it and re-seal it but it has not worked. We think we need to put an entirely new drain in and seal it, but it is nearly impossible to get to since the drain is located right on the...

My Ericson 38 is on the hard at a sailboat broker outside Detroit for the winter, being shown for sale. What is new to me is that this will be the first winter that the boat has been stored outside, or with the mast up. I will be having the boat shrink wrapped at the end of November, but...

I was out sailing on Sunday, and when I dropped the sails and started up the motor to come in to the doc, there was an unhealthy banging, followed by the sound of my motor spinning very freely - but we were not moving. After docking under sail (a whole other story...), I dug into the problem and...

[Also posted on the Sailnet list] One lock bar across the engine mount screws. One massive cable lock around the backstay. Still, our 5-month-new Mercury 4-stroke, 6 HP, longshaft is history. Someone stole it in the very busy Dolphin Marina in Marina Del Rey. A very down weekend as...

I am considering the purchase of a used E35 in the late 70 to early 80 vintage. One in particular in my area (a 78) is attractively priced but will need some TLC. I would to find a source of info on the hull and deck layup schedules (to find out about coring and delamination of same). Would...

Is it possible to add an electric vertical windlass to an Ericson 38 without extensive (expensive) structural changes to the bow? I am told the hatch is too big and the locker is too small for any reasonable modification. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. Jeanne :) Smooth...

Hi, I'm a new Ericson owner in the LA area. I have a 1985 E28 on which I'd like to replace some of the tired running rigging. I can't find any specifications for the existing lines. Recommendations? Also, I'm looking for a rigger to inspect my standing rigging. Can anyone recommend a good...

We're going to Avalon for our first time on Friday, August 9. We're leaving early to get a better shot at a mooring. Should I expect any problems? Everyone I've spoken to doesn't seem to worry about it, but the whole 1st come 1st serve kind of makes me nervous.

I'm considering removing the nave table area on my 77 E-32 to replace all my seacocks and valves, as well as evaluated my engine mounts and rear engine area. Has anyone done this and what am I in for? It's pretty tough servicing that area properly due to space limitations and I'm thinking...