questions

I purchased a wonderfull 1984 30+ last fall. Now with a few days experience with her, I have a few questions I need help with. 1. I suspect some leaking along the rub line, is putting a bead of chaulk along the top seam a solution? Is silicone or polybutylene chalk better? 2. It was...

just got a 26' sail boat and know nothing about it i have had power boats would love to learn sailing can anyone please give me pointers its in my driveway now i have no owners manual not sure how to find one online thanks

I probably have this in the wrong place, but I just can't figure out how to use part of this site. If I want to find an answer...HOW DO I TIGHTEN MY WIDGET, I tried going to mechanical section, typing in Widget and hitting go. All I got was every topic ever discussed in the univers under the...

Just recently purchased my first Ericson...I am very happy with the new purchase but she needs work...My main problem is the ports leaking...I want to replace them any ideas???

We're going through the documentation process to let us legally leave US waters and enter other countries. I'm hoping someone here who has gone through the process might help with some of the questions ? 1 - "Endoresements for which application is made" - do we just check off...

I'm a realtively new owner of a 1987 Ericson 32 and I have a few questions I need help with. - Keel bolts, are all of them visible thru bilge openings in cabin sole or is there one that does not have access forward of the mast ? - Mast/Rigging - I'm not accustomed to the T-ball rigging...

I am wiring in a new marine stereo, Sony CDX-M10 (boat did not previously have one) to an '87 32-2. I have a couple of questions: 1. The primary power wire will obviously go the the switch on the DC panel. The secondary power (for the stereo memory) needs to have constant power. Where is the...

Hello, I am new to the site and am a former owner of an E30. Since then, I've owned, sailed and lived aboard a Columbia 50, Comar 43 and Baltic 42DP. I am considering a E34T for an East Coast cruiser... Spending summers in New England and winters as far south as the Bahamas and places in...

Hello, I am new to the site and am a former owner of an E30. Since then, I've owned, sailed and lived aboard a Columbia 50, Comar 43 and Baltic 42DP. I am considering a E34T for an East Coast cruiser... Spending summers in New England and winters as far south as the Bahamas and places in...

Hello all, I recently purchased a 1973 e 27 and have a few questions. I got the boat for a song $500, And i joined the yacht club i bought it form (also very reasonable). The boat is equipeed with a roller fuler and a 150 genoa, and a standard mainsail. I noticed there appears to be a block on...

I am replacing pretty much all the bulkheads in my E38 ('83 #77). I'm wondering about the possibility of changing positions (or eliminating) various bulkheads. My plan originally was to restore back to original, but I could also go custom w/ her (I can always change her back)- Obviously I...

I have a 1987 E-28 with the original M-12 universal diesel motor. I would like to replace the current low oil pressure idiot light with a proper oil pressure gauge. I assume I need to replace the idiot light sending unit with something different. 1. Where would I buy the new sending unit...

Despite the 33oF and wind I have this morning removed the prop shaft from our boat. The boat is powered by an A4 and has a 3/4" shaft -both factory installed as far as I know. I sanded the vast majority of antifouling off the strut end/sleeve but can see no signs of any dimples, recesses, or...

I have a question about the "swing up" windows on the 32-200. Not the right name I'm sure. Looking at them it would seem you could remove them from the boat...LENS ONLY, take off the hardware and then get Tap Plastic or someone if Lewmar doesn't sell them to cut a new "plastic, acrylic"...

I saw the bottom of my 1980 25+ for the first time this weekend. I bought it last year off a mooring and stored it wet last winter. Boat has saildrive and the unit was two or three layers deep in large barnacles. Barnacles had gotten under the rubber collar that is supposed to lie flat and...

I have found some info..so I have canceled this post.

I spent a couple of nights on our boat this week with my wife and our 7 yr old son. I have some questions about different items. I will also do a search but for the life of me never get the direct results from the search engine on this site. Light bulbs, i need them for the nav. Table - the...

Please help solve my confusion. I have switches in my fuse box for a masthead light and bow light. Neither do anything at the moment. But both of them have wires coming off of them. I haven't yet tracked down where they go. There is a light (non-functional) 2/3 of the way up the front of...

I am going to pull the heat exchanger on my M-18 engine this weekend to inspect and clean. Will a mild muratic acid wash necessitate repainting? Also, I believe there is a rubber gasket in one or both ends; can these be reused or should they be replaced? Where should I look for them? The h/e...

The admiral and I are interested in stepping up and have located a 1979 29T. It has been on the dry for 2+ years, I performed an initial survey and did not notice anything that set off alarms to run away from the boat. Prior to making an offer and paying for an official survey I wanted...

I have questions regarding non-skid on my E38 which is the same as this Columbia 26MKII that I have here. The PO of the C26 painted over the non-skid (& the rest of the deck). The paint is flaking up on the non-skid but seems to be sticking well to the rest of the deck. This is probably a...

I am the proud new owner of a 1976 E23 MKII. this is my first boat, and I am really excite to take her out. It is currently moored in Saint Helens, though I will be moving it into Portland soon:egrin: She has been well maintained, so the only thing I am really concerned about right now is the...

Hi all-- Thanks you all for sharing your detailed and insighful knowlege on E-34's in response to my last thread on E-34 engine power. Another question has come up relative to the E-34 that I may purchase. I sail out of a port where there is limited water depth and its important to have a...

Hi all-- I am considering the purchasing an E-34 (1989 Bruce King design) but before making the plunge thought I would seek some advice from this group. I have a couple of concerns/questions: 1) Is the E-34 adequately powered with the Universal 24 HP diesel given its the 13,000 lb...

Hey Gary, how did you get access to the dorade water seporators?

Hello, I've been looking at a '75 Ericson 35. Overall the boat looks great, and I'm ready to jump at it. My question/concern involves the headliner on the interior of the boat. There is one section, above the vberth, where the headliner has drooped down a fair amount. I would estimate it to...

We're looking at a 1982 25+. I've given the boat a pretty thorough walk around and it has been well taken care of as far as I can see. We have yet to make an offer and take it out for a trial. My question is this; did all of the 25+'s have inboard diesels? This one does not. It has a...

How thick are the cockpit coamings? Are they the same thickness all around, or do they narrow toward the stern? Also, from the pictures, they appear to be plumb with both inner and outer surfaces parallel. Is this true? For those with teak caprail on top (not all of them do apparently)...

I am about to replace the standing and running rigging on my E32-3. The boat will be used for cruising and club racing. Perhaps an offshore passage to Cuba or Key West from the St. Pete area. I intend to go with low stretch lines for sheets and control lines. Recommendations for types of...

I am looking for advice/opinions regarding adding an asymmetrical spinnaker to my 1989 E38-200. The A-sail is going to function for both limited ( unfortunately) cruising and local racing. I have some questions regarding the possible setup and seek assistance with any and all. 1)Has anyone been...

It's a long shot, what with only 39 boats built and only a handful registered here.... But, has anyone done a forced air furnace install on one of these boats? Or any similar size boat?? One of these years we would like to have a furnace in place... I have seen one O-34 with a hydronic system...

Has anyone had the bottom of their boats Soda Blasted? If so, what were the costs? Also.....the positives and negatives. I have been quoted a ludicrous figure (at least it appears so to me) per foot. What are some of the prices paid, or quotes received?

Vikings, Ever wonder why the waterlines forward in the 38 are hollow? Or why only 70 or so 31's were ever built? I'm doing research on the history of Ericson and will be interviewing my father about his 30 year relationship with that company. If you have Ericson specific design questions...

A short intro then some questions about an E39. My name is Jay, my wife and I have been living in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for the last year and a half. I am a life long boater, although I have to admit to having grown up a power boater. I learned to sail about ten years on charters...

While my E27 is out of the water (being completly repainted along with a host of other things), I pulled my prop and found it to be a 10/6. Other atomic owners I know have 12/6 or 10/7, (all 2 blade). I spoke with Don Moyer who also seemed surprized that I had a 10/6. I thought about making it a...

1) I put in a bladder water tank the sink works great. The only issue is two it inflates big and pops up the access panel for a few days . The hand pump sink works initially due to the amount of air I guess than doesnt work any more any suggestions 2)The two large windows on each side of my...

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?t=4925&referrerid=28 While looking thru this prior prop thread, I decided that a new thread might be better, since the Autoprop was only mentioned in passing. I have a chance to buy a three blade Autoprop at a good price. Having been...

Hi all, a friend let me use his boat (drascomb drifter 21.5) for the last 3 years in exchange for some help on the maintenance. That was perfect to give my wife and I a chance to go sailing, and needless to say, give me the sailing bug. We now have twins and need some extra room. I found an...

I thought about hijacking my thread about livability, since it's all about the same boat, but figured a thread in Maintenance was more appropriate. I'm looking at a 77 E35-II that I started off looking at because it was local, even though I didn't want that particular boat. It's insanely...

I hope this is the right forum section for this. I've posted a few times, with lots of good responses, and today my G/F and I actually went aboard an E35-II for the first time. This one is a sad example of extreme neglect, but we knew that going into it -- we wanted to actually see one, and...

This has been touched on in other threads, but I'm still not sure how to handle. Would appreciate advice. The cockpit drains on the e35-2 drain to throughhulls p&s. (Not sure where the helmsman well drains - does it T in? ) When the throughulls are closed, rainwater backs up into the cockpit...

I finally got up enough gumption to rip out the old Kracor recirculating tank and hoses. A roll of duck tape, a box of heavy duty latex gloves, a can of bleach wipes, and stack my daughter's size 3 diapers came in handy to make this a stinky but tolerable job (the hoses were rank!). While I...

I have just traded up to an Ericson 34T #124 from a Pearson 30, sort of a penchant for older designs. Any words of wisdom from other owners? Brian in Mandeville Louisiana

I am considering the purchase of a 1969 30 ft. Ericson, and I haven't found much info on this model. My question is; what is the draft? also, when I look at the boat, what known problems shoulld I look for? Thanks, in advance, for your help.

As part of my continuing program of looking for trouble I have noticed that there is no fuel flowing through the return line to the tank. There is not even a drop of fuel flowing after 3-5 minutes of full throttle operation or at idle. Everything I have read says that the engine pumps more...

Just removed the hot water heater on my E30+ in preparation for replacing the fuel tank. In the engine coolant supply/return lines to the water heater there is an accumulation tank. After removing the water heater I just closed the circuit so coolant would continue to run through the...

I arrived at the boat yard this weekend, only to discover that when the yard moved my boat, the lower aft corner of the keel crumbled. The yard is claiming a weak keel. Based on the two photos attached, I don't think I can argue. I plan on using Don Caseys book as a reference. My questions...

Seth wrote in another thread: Seth, et al- I'm in the process of doing a major overhaul on everything below the waterline (peel, barrier job, replacing all and relocating some thru hulls, etc). A couple of questions for anyone who wishes to comment: 1) I contacted Centek industries...

Is the hose from the crankcase breather supposed to connect to anything? (On my motorcycle it routes back to the air filter; on others it has it's own filter and collector bottle.) On the parts schematic at Torresen Marine I see that the breather has an internal element. Does this element...

New to sailing and purchased an E-29 just over a year ago. Have lots of questions, but will limit it to a couple? To rebed a toe rail (it is a toe rail or a genoa track?), can a person simply back the bolts out from topside, or is more involved? Pulled back the mahagony trim and could see a...

This was my first post and it was garbled, so I reposted it under the same heading. Sorry, rookie mistake.

I have a couple of questions regarding the Kenyon boom on the 1985 E 30+. The outhaul car is somewhat corroded and frozen in its track. How can I free it? And related to that, the line for the outhaul exits the bottom of the boom near the mast, but there doesn't appear to be a cleat for it...

I notice my 1980 Hull #3 E 38 rudder turns 1" more to port than it does to starboard. Investigating this, I found a pipe attached to the pedestal base which extends down inside the quadrant which seems to be intentional as a stop to prevent over steering. However, the quadrant comes in...

My original 1979 mainsail is coming to an end of life point. Three more new holes opening up and stretched out material around the tack that no tensioning of luff or foot will firm up makes me think it's time to start looking for a new main. I have come across a used main that is in truly...

My wife and I are considering a 1981 Ericson 38 and I have a question, the boat is a light brown color and it doesn't seem to be painted. Did Ericson make many with this color gel coat? Also what should I look for in my self survey? I will be hiring a pro to do the real survey if we decide to...

new to this forum. does anyone know the mast height and the speed rating for the 32-200? thanks

Now, realize, I have an A-4 which does not have an oil filter in the loop (not that the filter kits I've read of will filter 100% of the oil flow) and I'm wondering... Realize that I've done mechanical work on cars-- all right, so we're talking ancient air-cooled volkswagens-- and I've...

Hi all, we are relatively new to the SF Bay sailing - bought the boat and got a baby right away, so technically we are just starting serious sailing now. My question to fellow Ericson owners is - how much heel is "normal" for the 32-3 on the windward beating? We love our Ericson, but most...

Was finally able to remove my E-27 handrails intact and will now thru bolt them back on with accompanying handrails (I made myself out of 1' teak stock, since aftermarket rails have too short a span betwwen loops) on the inside cabin to same bolts. Any suggestions as to embedding material...

Hello All, I have the Universal 5432 with what I am assuming is a Hurth transmission in my E38. I don't have a manual for the transmission which leaves me with some questions: 1) How high should the oil level be on the dipstick? There is a line on the stick but it is at the very bottom end...

Hello All, I have questions regarding the setup and operation of the mainsail reefing on my E38: 1) The current reefing system has lines running from the forward boom section and cleats to sheaves at the aft end. The lines then run forward to Merriman cheek blocks on tracks on either side...

I have a set of Barlow Mark 1 self tailing winches on my E27. 2 questions. Question 1. I think that the winches are mounted wrong. On the port winche the line lifter is pointed at the 9 o'clock postion and the starboard winch line lifter is pointed to the 3 o'clock position. It seems to...

Hello all, I have an E38 with the YS steering setup. I was working on the boat today, was in under the pedestal to service the steering gear and noticed what I think is a problem. There is no steering/limit/travel stop on the steering gear! The steering quadrant is hollow in the center. The...

San Juans in September Whats the weather like in September curising the San Juans. Its not as crowded I'm told. How about the winds etc. Thanks Chris

A few weeks back, I posted about the rusted coupling. Now I know why it's so rusted. The stuffing box is practically right up against it. there is no shaft exposed. Is this normal on all E-38s? How would one change the packing if need be? I clearly will have to cut this coupling off. Maybe I can...

Sorry I borrowed a picture until I can get out to the boat and take some... Is the bronze piece in the picture with the arrow pointing at it supposed to rotate with the shaft or is it supposed to stay stationary with the fiberglass tube? I've been finishing up a re-power and I noticed last night...

I am a very interested potential owner of an Ericson 25+. I have done so many comparisons with a host of other boats by proxy, (Practical Sailor, the net, etc.) that I am approaching paralysis by analysis! Never been aboard one, though and I do have to take that step, but... If anyone owns...

Would like to know how much the lead ballast weighs in a 1970 35MKII? I would also like to know where to view pictures of a 1978 35MKII, the one with the engine in the galley, no dinette, with teak galley sole? I would also like to know what model windlass was installed in the kidney shaped...

Hi, I am planning to install an Espar heater in our 1988 38-200 in the spring. However, I have thought about this before. I am hoping that someone has completed an installation in a similar boat and would be willing to share their knowledge. I am wondering which unit was chosen, were the...

I am in the process of purchasing a one-owner 1988 E-28 that appears to have been well maintained with a few notable exceptions. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p> 1) The mast which at some point was painted white is losing its paint...

This is a 1979 Atomic Four in my Ericson 27 "Luffin It". I've got 18 hours on my completly overhauled engine. I added fresh water cooling, PCV value, Oil filter system all from Indigo Electronics. Everything else was from MMI including the Overhaul book. When I start the engine the oil pressure...

I am looking to replace my original Bomar portlights. I am not sure if they are smoked or not. They are so crazed it is hard to tell. Does anyone know? They appear to have a slight bluish tint but I would not call that smoked. My Lewmar hatches deffinately have a smoke tint to them but this...

I bought a 76 E25 this year and have a few questions. Does any one have pictures or sketches of the starboard settee berth sliding out to a double? I need to add this feature. Second, does the gooseneck slide up and down in the luff groove on the mast? I live a days drive from the boat and can't...

hi all 1.just rehosed the sanitation system. it had a recirculation system and now its gone. the toilet is a par and it looks like a jabsco. are they one and the same ? because i have to rebuild the pump and i don't see par anywhere. 2. both water faucets are beyond repair. i would like to...

Well, things went pretty well this weekend. Our first on the new E35. I got my radar and chartplotter installed. Kathy did a lot of cleaning and organizing. She was astounded at how nasty it was under the head sink. It looked like it had never been cleaned. And I love the zip out liner...

Well it's officeial. :egrin: We are now the proud owners of "Fidler on the Sea", a 1985 Ericson 35-III. Our sea trial went very well yesterday and we closed on the sale. Kim, the shifter worked very smoothly with no binding. Thanks for the heads up though. Here are some questions: 1 -...

Hello All, My E38 is on a mooring this year, which is a first for me. I thought that being on a mooring would be easier than docking..... I was wrong! Getting off the mooring is quite easy, just pull up some slack and drop the pennant, no problem. The problem came when I tried to get the...

I just bought a 1972 (or so I am told) E 27. I can't seem to locate the stamped hull number. Any sugestions? Also, I would like to add a couple of cockpit combing storage areas. Any suggestions on where I can get these. I know years ago, they were available in most marine catalogs but I...

Hello E38 owners! (and anyone else who may have a clue) I am researching line size requirements for my E38 as I am looking to upgrade a good portion of the running rigging. What I would like to know specifically is the recommended line sizing for each controll. Some of mine look a little...

Hello All, I have been following the threads on installing a rigid vang on an E38 with interest as I just purchased an E38 with a "soft" vang. Not knowing a whole lot about the advantages/uses of the rigid setup, and the removal/use of a topping lift I just have to ask.... 1) I have a...

I am currently in the process of getting a bimini for the E-38-200. I got a frame from another e 38 owner that will fit fiine. It has 4 bows. Two large ones each with a small one angled towards the center. My bimini guy suggested I may want to consider doing a bimini that runs just forward to...

We're thinking of upgrading our running rigging and also adding a backstay tensioner and am hoping for some input. We have an e32-2, standard rig. About 75-80 percent of our usage is racing. 1. Running rigging. I'll be replacing at least the jib and spinnaker halyard. I'm seeking...

First a quick intro... I am the new giddy owner of a 29' Ericson. Built in 1974, she's trimmed in blue and in great shape. I'll be keeping her on the lake here in Az and her and I will become very well aquainted. I also have a 18' Mirage, which was the largest boat I have sailed before...

A lingering question, -I never have found an Ericson rigging schematic to follow on the E35-3, only a factory inventory list of rigging materials, I've always wondered about the official main sheet rigging layout versus the apparent slight interference with the boom vang at the boom...

Got a Coupla Questions... 1. Is the keel on an Ericson 27 designed to hold the weight of the boat while it's out of water, and sitting on boats stands. I'm pulling out my E27 out this summer to conduct hull repair, recondition and apply new bottom paint, my second question is: Is it...

Hi, I recently bought an 73 Ericson. Aside from thoroughly washing it, I want to do some simple cosmetic improvement. I'd appreciate your advice on the following questions (for each I have attached a photo): 1) The decorative blue stripe on the side is fading, and I want to paint it...

I have an E27 that I just bought in September. First, there are blisters on the hull which are small in nature, but are numerous. My question is, what is the most expedient way to repair the hull. Secondly, the boat has a tiller for a helm, which is fine, I have no problem steering, but...

We just bought an 1973 Ericson 35. The mast has a winch for the jib which is on a roller furling, but no winch on the mast for the main halyard. There is a aprox. 3/8" aluminum pad on the mast obviously intended for a winch placement. I have the drill, the tap and die set, etc. and a Barlow...

We just bought a 1973 Ericson 35. The mast has a winch for the jib which is on a roller furling, but no winch on the mast for the main halyard. There is a aprox. 3/8" aluminum pad on the mast obviously intended for a winch placement. I have the drill, the tap and die set, etc. and a Barlow 20...

Standard Horizon Depth Finder Questions I have purchased a new Standard Horizon Depth Finder DS45 for my E-2, because the digital numbers were starting to break up on the old one. I hoped it would be compatible with the existing transducer because all the connections were the same. I...

E35-2 Questions - Chain Plates; Rub Rails, etc. There is a 1979 35-2 for sale in my marina. It almost lost the rig a while back when the stbd upper shroud pulled out of the main bulkhead. Practical Sailor mag says that rot in the main bulkhead can be a problem in the 35-2. Soooo . . ...

Hello gang, glad this site exists. I've downloaded all the specs for my E25 (1973), but I still have some questions for you hardened sailors out there. 1. Anyone know the head reservoir capacity? 2. My boat takes on a couple of inches of bilge per hour in medium chop during sailing(I...

The boat is a 1980 model 25+. I've had it about 2 years and now having to do some work on the engine. Can't seem to find any documentation on it, photo attached. Does anyone recognize if this engine is an original. Who would have been the mfg?

Backing over the stern line of a fore and aft mooring can be tough on your shaft strut. Can anyone tell be where I can obtain a new strut for my 1974 E35-2?

My boat is an E32 manufactured in 1985, Sail No. 637. Is the sail no. the same as the hull no.? If not, where can the hull no. be found? What is the difference between an E32, E32-200, etc.? Thankyou for your help I've only had this boat since last April and it's fantastic! Jim C.:confused:

I spent my first night at anchor on Nirvana (1984 E-38) this past weekend and have come up with a number of questions: 1. The bottom of the anchor locker has a padeye to which I have tied the bitter end of the rode. When securing the knot I pulled up on the rode and noticed that the entire...