Christopher,
This is a great source for the information you need and want. This is a community of fellow sailors who are onboard with the idea that the better off you are in your boat, the less bother they will have in their own. Besides, the prospect of smug amusement some might feel as people make the same mistakes going through the same struggles, is just an added bonus. Look through the owner modifications for the 34. See which mods are desirable for how you use your boat. See what things need to be changed for safety and seaworthiness.
For your boat a list for how I did things, since I was in much the same situation, is my thread titled minor issues. Through-hull valves need to be ball valves. Oil and filters need to be changed. The fuel needs to be clean and usable. The water tanks need to be clean. Batteries need to be good. Hull blisters removed and hull sealed. Bilge pump float switch operating correctly. Potable water system not leaking. Steering cable good. Compression post and standing rigging situation evaluated. Depth sounder functionality is a critical item to go anywhere in this boat. I have not yet replaced mine since it works, but plan to do so soon. My paddle wheel speed indication does not work, but hand held GPS does. I am looking for new instrumentation myself, but getting the boat reliable is more important than having everything work ideally.
To get the best response from this community, have a specific problem, then do your own research, ask specific questions, and work through the problem sharing your experience. This way you are giving something back by either providing entertainment or increasing the community knowledge base. I try to do both.
For example, a better way to start your tread might have been to say that you are trying to get your first larger sailboat functional and need to save money buying the necessary equipment. Then ask,"Does anyone here have stuff they have upgraded and are willing to sell or suggestions where to find a good deal?" List those items that you have decided that need replacing from your evaluation of your boat and that you want to change. Good luck with your boat and I look forward to your involvement in the forum.
