Messages

1

Engine and Drive Train / Engine overheating?

« on: October 10, 2011, 01:44:40 PM »

My 1980 MD 11 Volvo Penta engine guage yesterday showed that it was over heating. Right at the beginning of the red... I checked everything I could, but found no reason why it should be. Water flow out the stern was normal. If I increased the throttle, it actually went down a little. I'm thinking it's the guage, not the engine. Thoughts appreciated.

2

Boat Handling / Re: Backing up my P323

« on: October 06, 2011, 10:38:12 AM »

Hi. My 1980 323 won't back up worth a darn. I'm jealous of the other skippers on my pier that back their boats in like a car. Mine backs to starboard, but I need it to back to port! I solicited help from the greater Pearson web a couple of years ago. Got lots of ideas..... The best one that works wonders is what we call our "warping line." I have an @ 60 foot line of 3/8th inch. I put the end loop around my aft port cleat, take a half turn around the stern piling and hook that end loop to the cleat near the winch. As I back out, the line feeds itself out, keeping an eye on it so that it doesn't get anywhere near the prop. When it reaches it's end, the bow has already cleared the outer pile on the other side and the line tightens, swinging the stern and bow around so that I'm pointing in the right direction. I let the line slacken and my wife quickly pulls the line in to the cockpit. Works like a charm! People on the pier watch, some thinking I have a bow thruster.

3

Sails and Canvas / Roler furling headsail

« on: September 05, 2011, 01:51:51 PM »

At times, when I pull on the furling line to bring the sail back in, it doesn't completely roll up the sail. The roller furler drum at the deck literally runs out of line. I tug, but it can't turn anymore to continue wrapping the last two or three feet of sail.

Thoughts please. Does the line need to be longer?

4

Sails and Canvas / Doyle Stack Pack mainsail furling

« on: August 31, 2011, 02:44:11 PM »

Has anyone installed this system? While we love a good sail on the Chesapeake, my wife and I don't look forward to folding, securing and covering our mainsail. Especially if it's very hot and humid. Maybe we're just getting too old and it's time to look for a small trawler.... But honestly, it's the job my first mate dislikes the most and the less she dislikes the more sailing we do.

5

Cruising / Lights for inflatable

« on: August 10, 2011, 08:16:58 AM »

Just bought a new inflatable to use with my 2 1/2 hp outboard. What navigation light(s) will I need?

6

Electrical Systems & Electronics / Starting battery

« on: July 24, 2011, 02:28:22 PM »

I'd like to add a starter battery to my boat. I currently have two wet cells in tandem for everything. Had to get a jumpstart from BoatUS towboat today getting back into the river. I let the chiller unit run all night as I was on shore power. I believe something went wrong and the batteries must have taken over...

I have hull #270' 1980.. How do begin? Where should I put it? I have an antique battery selector, the old round red ones. My battery charger does have the wires to allow a third battery. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Please use small words, I don't know a darn thing about electronics  .. Thanks.
Bill Eggert
West river, Maryland

7

Steering System, Hull Structure / Fouled knotmeter

« on: July 04, 2011, 06:17:17 PM »

What can I use to keep my knot meter paddlewheel from constantly getting fouled? It's a pain to keep pulling it.
Thanks.
Bill
Annapolis, MD

8

Engine and Drive Train / Engine drip pan

« on: June 28, 2011, 07:44:23 AM »

My mechanic suggests I keep the pan area under the engine free of water collected from the stuffing box to help prevent rust. Any suggestions as a good way to do that?

9

Engine and Drive Train / Starter

« on: May 26, 2011, 07:33:14 AM »

Looks like the starter has finally gone up on my Volvo Penta 23 HP. Hull #270.  I imagine new ones are not available. Can they be rebuilt? Where do I look? Any idea what this is going to cost?

10

Interior Structures / Re: removing salon/dining table

« on: May 23, 2011, 08:13:00 AM »

Hi,

Do you have a photo of your new table?

to Bill Eggert   Coppifan@AOL.com

Thanks!

11

Interior Structures / Re: removing salon/dining table

« on: May 13, 2011, 09:57:04 AM »

Hi,

I'm looking forward to seeing anyone's advice. I  had a carpenter visit the boat yesterday to look at replacing the table with one in teak that would have one folding leaf.

Bill Eggert
Fortunata
West River, MD

12

Interior Structures / Dinette table

« on: May 11, 2011, 06:51:30 AM »

Has anyone replaced their cabin table? I'd like to get a new, teak table capable of folding. Looking for ideas and a carpenter.