A sailor since a very young age, I grew up sailing my father's Catalina 27 on the Chesapeake Bay (Magothy River). Attended St. Mary's College of MD summer sailing camp from age 13 where I was eventually an instructor from ages 17-19. Did a bit of collegiate racing on International 420s and FJs in college (Drexel University in Philadelphia), and now work in the Auto Industry in Michigan. The boat was originally purchased by my uncle and sailed primarily on Lake Lewisville outside of Dallas, TX. My cousin eventually took ownership of her and offered it to me in fall of 2013. Spring of 2014 she made the trip from Dallas to Michigan, and I've been working on repairs and improvement ever since. We presently have the boat on Lake. St. Clair in Michigan (dockage along the Clinton River). Love both cruising and racing but presently don't race the boat (However I do crew on other boats).
I hope to cascade what I've learned to the community and hopefully keep others from repeating my mistakes!
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Thus far improvements/projects include Deck Layout, Winch Rebuilds, Deck Core Repair, Teak Replacement, Traveler Upgrades/Repair, Headliner Removal, Rigid Boom-Vang Installation, Propane Stove Repair/Rebuilding, Halyard Installation & Feathering Propeller Installation.
Future improvements will include: Chartplotter installation, Winch Cover Fabrication, Lifeline Pad Fabrication, Helm Cover Fabrication, Teak Cockpit Table Installation, Teak Cockpit Wedge Installation, Engine Partial Rebuild/Installation, Cabin Sole Replacement, Spinnaker Pole Fabrication & Stove Replacement.

As I have time I'll make entries for each of these improvements to hopefully aid your project and avoid the myriad mistakes I made while learning!

Enjoy, and happy sailing!

Ericson 35-3 "Moonshadow"