Messages

31

Engine and Drive Train / Re: ALMA's trusty Atomic 4 out for first overhaul

« on: November 22, 2020, 10:56:57 PM »

I removed the flywheel/bell housing and tried attaching my stand to that end.  The shaft flange got in the way and the bell housing bolt pattern was so narrow I couldn't manipulate the stand arms enough to attach them. I had to make an adapter out of 3/4in. plywood to interface between the engine and stand. So far so good!  I want to be able rotate it upside down to remove crankcase pan for easy access to connecting rods.

32

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Re: Port side water tank

« on: November 22, 2020, 10:35:50 PM »

I use the galley sink foot pump to prime when the electric pump has trouble drawing water up to the valves under the sink.

33

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Re: Atomic 4 Water Heater Plumbing

« on: November 19, 2020, 06:02:37 PM »

That is tempting even at $725!  This boat has always been in fresh water so I may have to wait on that.  I'm also considering PSS dripless packing gland/stuffing box.  My engine is also mechanical fuel pump and points/condenser ignition both which I should upgrade.

34

Engine and Drive Train / Re: ALMA's trusty Atomic 4 out for first overhaul

« on: November 19, 2020, 05:40:05 PM »

Thanks for the info.  The crane is $107 plus I may have to pay a guy to operate it.  I may consider using a halyard/boom setup to put it back in.  I may scrounge up a few jack stands to ease the pressure on the cradle pad.  Looks like I'll have to remove the V-drive in order to attach the engine stand I just bought.

35

Engine and Drive Train / Re: ALMA's trusty Atomic 4 out for first overhaul

« on: November 19, 2020, 10:42:31 AM »

My Atomic 4 is setting on salon floor.  Picking it out tomorrow with a crane.  I'm on a cradle and am not comfortable trying to use the boom to lower it to the ground.  It seems like too much weight pressing down on the rear cradle pad.  I've had "oil-canning" issues in the past as it is.  I left the V-drive attached.  I see you removed yours.

36

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Atomic 4 Water Heater Plumbing

« on: November 19, 2020, 10:28:19 AM »

Anyone have a water heater that operates off either engine raw water cooling or 110VAC?  The plumbing from engine to heater baffles me.  It's very hard to regulate engine temperature.  There is a gate valve with round handle that I believe is meant to control the temperature but is quite temperamental.  It's very easy for raw water to completely bypass the engine and circulate through the manifold causing overheating.  It further baffles me why the external inlet to the thermostat housing is bypassed.  Any suggestions as to how best to plumb this?  Picture attached.

37

Interior Structures / Re: P323 Dinette Table Clamping Bracket

« on: September 13, 2020, 07:46:28 PM »

I've got to tighten mine up. I'll try that quick release bicycle axle trick.

38

Interior Structures / Re: P323 Dinette Table Clamping Bracket

« on: September 12, 2020, 09:10:21 AM »

Is it tight enough to keep the table from spinning?

39

New Member Introductions / Re: Hello Everyone !

« on: August 04, 2020, 01:08:21 PM »

Nice! Congrats!

40

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Backstay modification(helm seat encroachment)

« on: July 03, 2020, 08:48:38 AM »

Has anyone modified the backstay in such as way so as to keep it from encroaching in the space directly above the helm seat?  It's quite uncomfortable to sit right in the middle of the helm seat.  I have to sit on either side of the backstay.

41

Steering System, Hull Structure / Re: Binnacle Sissy Bar

« on: July 03, 2020, 07:24:50 AM »

Excellent idea!  My brother-in-law loves tinkering with his printer.  I'll hit him up.  Buying them is a "last resort!" ha  Spanish Lake, eh!  My family was stranded there when our sailboat engine conked out around 45 years ago.  My brothers and I met this cute little local girl there.  Great times.  Nice place to get stranded.

42

Steering System, Hull Structure / Re: Binnacle Sissy Bar

« on: July 01, 2020, 11:02:17 PM »

Ouch, $83/pair. I may try gluing them back together before I bite the bullet on those. Thanks for the info. Knowing the proper name is quite helpful.

43

Steering System, Hull Structure / Binnacle Sissy Bar

« on: June 30, 2020, 11:11:11 PM »

My binnacle has what I would call a sissy bar or handhold attached to it. The bar is attached to the cockpit floor with plastic feet that are crumbling.  Any suggestions where I may find replacements? I've attached a picture.

44

Mast and Spar Issues / Re: Boom height

« on: June 16, 2020, 10:41:19 PM »

I just read in scuttlebutt about the guy racing on a 22 footer in colorado. His boat gybed accidentally. The boom knocked him out of the boat unconscious. His body was recovered the next day in 180 ft of water. It's the accidental gybes I worry about. And not just for my sake. At five ft off the cockpit floor it'll take out most anyone. I'll look into rigging a preventer. Though I remember many years ago accidentally gybing on a hunter 30. We couldn't release the preventer fast enough. We heeled wildly and spun wickedly upwind. Had to be pretty close to a knockdown.

45

Mast and Spar Issues / Re: Boom height

« on: June 14, 2020, 09:10:13 PM »

And I'm 6ft 3in. I have two mains exactly the same and are originals as far as i can tell.