I'd like to thank everyone for the warm welcome and many helpful responses to my questions (no matter how dumb). I've had my Hunter 34 for almost 3 months now and I'm slowly coming up to speed with the boat and sailing overall.
I know those of you who answered my questions are dying to know how it all worked out so I thought I'd give you some closure on a few of my issues
Dinghy Storage
Problem: Couldn't figure out an easy way to deal with my Walker Bay dinghy as the marina makes me keep it out of the water
Solution: Many creative ideas but in the end a simple block and tackle did the trick for hauling it on and off the foredeck. Those who said they can use the halyard alone are clearly in better shape than I.
Slow Under Power
Problem: Boat can only make 6 knots under full power - seemed slow
Solution: Nothing unusual about that speed with a 2 blade prop. I'll be installing a new 3 blade prop next year.
Alcohol vs. Propane Stove
Problem: I was disappointed that there was an alcohol stove on the boat rather than propane - should I upgrade?
Solution: On the advice of many I stayed with the Origo alcohol stove and so far have found it to be just fine. It has made some nice bacon & eggs, potato and onions and many pots of coffee. And drop dead simple. I'm in no hurry to convert to a more expensive (and dangerous) option.
Reefing Question
Problem: When I went to reef for the first time I found I had to remove sliders from the track, which seemed odd and more trouble than it should be.
Solution: Some great suggestions about jacklines, but in the end it's not a big deal for me to take a few sliders out. Also I make a point of reefing before I head out if the wind might get big.
Clutch Jammed
Problem: Halyard clutch won't release, leading to mainsail being stuck fully raised.
Solution: Some of you suggested lubricating or rebuilding the clutch clamp. I opted to replace them with new ones that are more modern and don't have the little switch on top. I like these MUCH better. So much simpler and more positive operation.
Head backing Up
Problem: Dirty water keeps backing up into the bowl, no mater how much water I flush through
Solution: Most suggested that the joker valve needs replacing and this is what I am doing. Check that, it's what I'm having someone do for me.
Thanks again for all the great advice, and thanks to the administrators of the site for creating a great resource!
I know those of you who answered my questions are dying to know how it all worked out so I thought I'd give you some closure on a few of my issues
Dinghy Storage
Problem: Couldn't figure out an easy way to deal with my Walker Bay dinghy as the marina makes me keep it out of the water
Solution: Many creative ideas but in the end a simple block and tackle did the trick for hauling it on and off the foredeck. Those who said they can use the halyard alone are clearly in better shape than I.
Slow Under Power
Problem: Boat can only make 6 knots under full power - seemed slow
Solution: Nothing unusual about that speed with a 2 blade prop. I'll be installing a new 3 blade prop next year.
Alcohol vs. Propane Stove
Problem: I was disappointed that there was an alcohol stove on the boat rather than propane - should I upgrade?
Solution: On the advice of many I stayed with the Origo alcohol stove and so far have found it to be just fine. It has made some nice bacon & eggs, potato and onions and many pots of coffee. And drop dead simple. I'm in no hurry to convert to a more expensive (and dangerous) option.
Reefing Question
Problem: When I went to reef for the first time I found I had to remove sliders from the track, which seemed odd and more trouble than it should be.
Solution: Some great suggestions about jacklines, but in the end it's not a big deal for me to take a few sliders out. Also I make a point of reefing before I head out if the wind might get big.
Clutch Jammed
Problem: Halyard clutch won't release, leading to mainsail being stuck fully raised.
Solution: Some of you suggested lubricating or rebuilding the clutch clamp. I opted to replace them with new ones that are more modern and don't have the little switch on top. I like these MUCH better. So much simpler and more positive operation.
Head backing Up
Problem: Dirty water keeps backing up into the bowl, no mater how much water I flush through
Solution: Most suggested that the joker valve needs replacing and this is what I am doing. Check that, it's what I'm having someone do for me.
Thanks again for all the great advice, and thanks to the administrators of the site for creating a great resource!
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