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 by researching, rolling up my sleeves and digging in, and by asking the advice of the knowledgeable owners here at the marina. I now have a pretty fair understanding of: the 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 the electrical system (replaced the charger, many excursions into the DC panel, lots of following wires to their often-corroded ends).
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.
So far, I've learned a good bit about her by researching, rolling up my sleeves and digging in, and by asking the advice of the knowledgeable owners here at the marina. I now have a pretty fair understanding of: the 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 the electrical system (replaced the charger, many excursions into the DC panel, lots of following wires to their often-corroded ends).
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.
