You are absolutely right of course. As one of the first respondants, and one who did write my piece with more edge in it than intended, I apologize. This list is about and for the exchange of knowledge, and while the question "in question" was something that rather surprised me, I could have been more cordial.
Twas the start of my second of 5 Mondays this week...
Cheers!
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30
Catherine Monaghan wrote: Many of our beloved CDs have been purchased used without manuals or documentation of any kind, some by those that have been maintaining boats for years and some by new sailors to our sport without much knowledge of sailing, nevermind maintenance. Others, like myself, owned daysailsers that didn't have any machinery, gadgets or gizmos -- just a hull, rig and sails -- so even though we sailed for years, we were unfamiliar with the maintenance procedures for engines and the like when we first purchased our CD. We were lucky enough to get the Owner's Manual for the boat and the engine and the previous owners were willing to help us commission her. Not everyone is so lucky.
Let's not forget that the intention of this board is to freely share knowledge and experiences as well as to allow a forum for those who need questions answered. Please keep in mind that no one asks a question unless they're truly looking for advice or suggestions. And advice/suggestions should be delivered in such a manner that will encourage them to return to this board again and again and to continue to ask and/or throw in their own 2 cents.
Everyone who visits this board should feel free to ask and/or respond without feeling belittled, humiliated or intimidated. Let's try to remember that those reading our posts have feelings and we should try to resond positively and constructively.
Thanks,
catherine_monaghan@merck.com
CCDOA Assistant Webmaster
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay
Joel wrote: There seems to be alot of correspondence on this board about maintaining and/or replacing seacocks/gate valves. The work involved sounds tricky, the devices hard to get to and the benefits dubious. Seems like a perfect topic for controversy.
When I purchased my '73 Ty Weekender in '87, the seacocks (or gate valves) were frozen open, as they have remained for the last 14 years (all in freshwater, soon to be salt). From what I've read, I can see no reason other than hose leakage or breakage that would require me to close them. Wouldn't annual futzing with the hoses, clamps, valves, etc. be more likely to cause a failure than leaving the system intact? Wouldn't it be just as likely for a hose to burst or leak when I am not aboard as when I am? Given that the seacocks must be left open when not aboard to allow rain water to drain, it seems highly unlikely that I would be aboard to close them if there was a problem (obviously a daysailor's perspective). I guess turning a valve would be alot easier than trying to use a plug if I was aboard, but ...
How likely are the kinds of scenarios that we seem to be fretting over?
Joel
Pokey II
'73 Ty Weekender/#549
Bayside, NY
demers@sgi.com