H34 continuing issues

[splax]

Hello
I have some issues with my boat and would like some advice.

_vinyl cushions - repair and fabric covering
_solar panel mounting on bimini frame or other placement
_engine panel - replace and reinforce
_cockpit instruments - repair or replace Stowe Navigator 2
_I still need a mainsail cover, a bimini, a few winch covers, aft berth cushions. _I still need to clean the teak above deck. A link to a previous post would help.
_forward bulkhead needs to be shifted - doors won't shut


I look forward to your help dealing with these issues.

 

[splax]

Thanks to all who helped hash out the minor issues previously. I have reposted as requested and hope to help others by collecting your good advice.

Randall

 

[Steve Dion]

_vinyl cushions - repair and fabric covering
Contact US Yacht Cushions for a complete replacement.

_solar panel mounting on bimini frame or other placement
Do you have the Bimini? If you don't speak with the canvas guy. Personally I would not suggest them on the Bimini. This makes getting sun on cool days nearly impossible.

_engine panel - replace and reinforce
The panels are available from Yanmar.

_cockpit instruments - repair or replace Stowe Navigator 2
Yes, I would say it is time to replace the instruments. Some doubt if they can be economically repaired and would it be worth it.

_I still need a mainsail cover, a bimini, a few winch covers, aft berth cushions. _I still need to clean the teak above deck. A link to a previous post would help.
Canvas is available from SBO at good prices.

_forward bulkhead needs to be shifted - doors won't shut
Several of the H34 owners have had this issue. Is the compression post a problem?

 

[splax]

Thanks

Steve,
Thank you for your reply to my concerns. These answers are succinct and I appreciate your help.
Yesterday I installed the fuel filter and a squeeze bulb in the fuel line at the tank. I put OsFro on the keel. I washed the STBD topsides with Simple Green and a Scotch Brite pad. Looks good. I sanded the hull because of blisters below the water line with a belt sander and 80 grit sandpaper.
Today I used West System Six 10 to patch the keel "smile" and painted the first epoxy barrier coat.
Tomorrow the plan is for the second coat of epoxy and bottom painting. The barrier coat has to cure for 10 days before the boat is lifted to be placed in the water.
I guess I'll bite the bullet and purchase the mainsail cover, engine panel, and other necessary items.

 

[splax]

Well, the boat gets launched next week. I went to get the 3M marine compound and didn't find it, so I cheated and got the 3M gelcoat restorer one step compound and wax. There are several small issues that a user needs to know.
1. Simple Green needs to be rinsed well if used to clean the hull. I ruined two pads and had to be sure to buff out any visible residue. It seems like the job is ruined, but work the compound and the pad will pick up the greenish-blue residue.
2. This chemical says it is for severely oxidized hulls, and it worked. However, the compound cannot be allowed to set on the hull for more than a short time (~1 min.). It sets up and bogs down the buffer as you try to power through it or could cause injury as you are thrown off balance or jerked around by the torque.
3. I would work the compound into the hull, buff the area, then put a couple squirts of water from the spray bottle on the pad and rework the area. this seemed to keep from the material drying on the pad and getting "clumpy".
4. Light reflects well from this surface. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen on your face. My face got pretty sunburned working the boat on an overcast day in Maryland.

 

[Richard Bryer]

Boat looks good- the fixed port in the aft berth is interesting- did you install it?
Glad to see you got the prop installed.

 

[splax]

Thanks. I had the marina get someone to redo the taper and install the prop. It didn't fit correctly for some reason. the aft berth port was there when I got the boat in November. The previous-previous owners must have installed it before letting the boat go...

 

[spraygun]

Boat looks good now.put some collinite wax a nd get a shine like this.notice I also put a fixed port in aft cabin

 

[spraygun]

Having problems with pics

 

[Allan12210]

I'm intrigued by your fixed windows. Have they been replaced without frames? Some close ups would be nice.

Boat looks really nice.

 

[splax]

aft berrth port

Thanks Allan.
Spraygun, go advanced when you post and click the camera to include pics.
The boat's in the water. I'll be taking it from Middle River, MD to Edenton, NC over the next week. Here is a pic of the inside aft berth port. The Port side is obstructed, so I can't give you another exterior view.

 

[PGIJon]

We loved the job Lee Sail Covers did for us. Top quality, best price! At least in our opinion! She even help design a way to keep the wasps out.
leesailcovers.com

-Jon

 

[splax]

Well, I postponed the trip. The engine and head need to work! I plan to get things squared away Monday. I forgot to take the new batteries to the boat, so had to come get them when the old ones just wouldn't do the job. The window of opportunity closed, but there will be another.

 

[splax]

Alan,
Here is a better exterior photo of the port.

 

[splax]

Well, I took the opportunity to go. I left the Maryland Marina off Middle River Wednesday morning and basically motored the whole way down the bay to Hampton Roads Virginia. I got to a marina to refuel and pump out 4 PM Friday. Attached is a picture of my Thursday night anchorage and the sunrise Friday morning.