Pearson 365 and 367

It turns out we made a good decision, as it blew from the north for 4 weeks.  Unfortunately, the Keys and the Tortugas were a bit chilly (we were in Key West for the second coldest day in its history).  Because I'm a glutten for punishment....anyone know how the weather was in the Bahamas for the last month?

We have an older full batten main and really like it.  The battens seem to really stiffen the sail when we need it.  We just bought a new 7oz 135 genny from JSI and are happy with it.  We have a sloop.  Let me know if you want any details on our sails.
Scott

We shock bleached ours (don't remember the concentration) and always bleach whenever we fill ( 4 tablespoons per tank).  The nice thing about bleach is that it evaporates so there isn't much danger of over bleaching your water.  Our "filter" (what I would call a large particle filter) occassionally fills up with stuff but the Brita seems to take care of most of the taste and fits nicely on the shelf behind the stove.  Perfect?  No....but it works for us.

Thanks Jim!  I had no clue how much was "too much."  The boat was from up north, so I didn't expect to have any problems but you never know....

I don't know about the drain plug location, but if you pull the hose or the end cap off the heat exchanger that will get most of it out.  Just be sure to orient the heat exhanger cap correctly: there is a raised lip in the middle of the cap that must be properly positioned or you can ruin the cap.  Replacement costs around $125. 

Sorry for a bit of a hijack here, but I am curious about people's levels of crud in the racor.  After about 150 hours my filter has a noticeable bit of brown "dust" that comes off of it when I change it.  I am using a racor 500 series 3 micron filter.  I have also previously found a bit of crud in the clear bowl, but since last cleaning it out that hasn't returned.  I have been cruising for about 500 hours on the engine over the last 7 months and have definately been in seas that have agitated the fuel significantly.  I have been considering polishing the fuel, but haven't yet found a place to do it.  Is this level of contamination unusual?
Thanks! 

Hi All,
Between the weather, the cat, and only six weeks left on our cruise this year we decided to head for the Keys instead.  We're glad we made the decision, becuase it seems like it's been week since a decent weather window opened.  We're sitting in Key West for New Years and are going to head to the Dry Tortugas for a week or so.  If anyone is around feel free to call us.
Scott

I also take my 150% genny in to a manageable size

The POs put a microwave in front of mine, further reducing its access.  It has turned into a general catchall junk hole with everything from a ceramic space heater to fiberglass cloth suffed in there.  I dread actually having to get anything out of there.  The shower is definately a preferable wet locker.

In the great lakes mine ran at 175-180, here in maryland it is running at 180-185.  I attribute this to the increased water temperature.  When we were in the great lakes the water temp was 38-40 and here it is 65-70.  It may also be time to replace the impeller, which I will do before re-launching next week.  The original manual says between 180 and 190 is normal.

I ended up using 1/4 inch teflon flax from West Marine based on what I pulled out.  It was a real bear to get in (3 strips) so I am assuming that was the right size.  No way I could get anything bigger in

Assuming rain on Saturday, we will be there....otherwise, sanding

I think it's called the damper plate

Henri,
While you are in there you should take a look at the plate connecting the flywheel to the transmission (the name escapes me).  If the springs are loose, it is time to replace.  It is a very easy task and the plate should cost around $60.
Scott

No problem!  We can also give you tips on the jump from Sandy Hook to the C&D Canal if you want.