Hello

Aug 25, 2013
7
O`Day 31 Charleston
Just wanted to say hello. Acquired my first sailboat, a 1985 O'Day 31, back in August, moved aboard in September, and she's been schooling me in her preferences ever since. She's a beauty who hasn't been used much in years.

So far, I've learned a good bit about her cooling system (overheating, turned out to be a cruddy heat exchanger), fuel system (sludgy tank/filters, now clean/replaced) - that lesson involved being towed back to the marina after heeling in some glorious wind) and electrical system (replaced the charger, many excursions into the DC panel).

Today, I'm tackling the recently failed temp gauge. Purchased a new gauge and it doesn't work, will be checking the sending unit today. One of the old salts here at the marina said I need to make sure there is compatibility between the new gauge and the sensor - the old gauge was an auto parts store Sunpro. Trying to upgrade when I replace. Any ideas on this would be appreciated.

She still needs lots of hose replacements, wiring connection replacements and she has a few cabin leaks, one that will entail replacing the shelving over the galley. The hot water tank was stored in a locker - need to troubleshoot it and reinstall. Will be pulling out the old pressurized alcohol stove soon - tank leaks and the oven knob shaft is broken. Planning to build cabinets and set in a twp burner propane stove. Storage for spare parts, tools, etc. is pretty limited on this boat.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Advice and palaver is welcome.

Clint
 

azguy

.
Aug 23, 2012
337
Catalina 22 Lake Pleasant
Your my hero, living the dream !!

I would love to see some pictures of the inside and out...

I know you said you are trying to upgrade where appropriate but your old gauge can probably be rebuilt...
 
Aug 25, 2013
7
O`Day 31 Charleston
Azguy - The old gauge was a cheapo - priced it at 23 bucks, with the sending unit, at an auto parts store. Probably will replace with something designed for salt water.

Got a few pics in an album under my profile - one interior, coupla exterior. Love living on the boat!
 

Ritdog

.
Jul 18, 2011
184
Oday 25 Portland, ME
Reference your temperature guaage, if you want to be REALLY accurate with it, hook it all up to a 12 volt power source , making sure you have a ground, and put it in boiling water. There is a small hole in the back that allows one to tweak the gauge with a screwdriver. That's how they do it at the factory.