1979 Independence 31

Projects and Tips

Disclaimer:

All the information contained within the pages of this website is presented "as is", and the use and implementation of any of the information contained within this website is solely at the judgment and risk of the person so doing. I make no representation as to the fitness or accuracy of any of the information contained within this site for any purpose.

On this page, we'll track the major projects I tackle and things I have found handy and as an alternative sometimes to normal "marine" solutions. Of note, some of these are from my first Ericson, an E-27.

Emergency Clearing of Clogged Water Inlet for the Engine
I had a clogged strainer on the exterior of the hull, which was choking off the cooling water supply to the engine. After a variety of things, I decided I must be battling something in the strainer itself, algae, grass, exactly what, not sure.

So, the ultimate solution was to take the bellows pump for the Avon, hook it up to the water intake line going down to the seacock (end I connected to the pump was attached to an interior strainer, could also have been direct to sea water pump in certain configurations), and then I applied continued firm increasing pressure, initially had quite a bit of resistance and then swoosh, the sucker (blower) breaks free! I then pumped slowly, each pump becoming easier, until I had what seemed to be a pretty consistent stroke.

The combination of the hose on the Avon's bellows pump, plus the length of hose going to the seacock, was long enough for me to operate the pump up high above the water line, and give the last few pumps from up in the cockpit, so I could look over and grin at the big bubbles blorping up from below.

$3.00 Mooring Line Shock Absorbers
I am sure I am not the only one to come up with this. You'll have to click to find out.

Painting Trailboards
This page is more to share inspiration (than tech tips) on those fun but time consuming projects.

Improving Work Access Under Galley
A really easy way to improve access to the engine and other items under the galley sink.

Stop Water Leaking Down the Mast into the Cabin
These photos are from my prior Ericson 27. Both of these boats have deck stepped masts with a compression post below to the keel, and the following project applies to both boats. Of note, I have not had any mast leaking issues on my Independence 31.

Rebuilding A Raritan PH Head
This is another project from my E-27, but a head is a head within limits. I've got a great store nearby that specializes in used sails and assorted other items. Found a rebuild kit for $5.00 and away we go!

Ericson 27 Mast Dimple Repair

This is another project from my E-27. Over the years, the hardware used to attach the spreaders on the E-27 masts often causes dimples in the E-27 mast from aft loads. This tracks the repair of my E-27 mast.

Ericson 27 Atomic 4 Repower and Related Tasks

When I purchased my E-27, Avanti, an unknown prior owner had removed the original inboard Atomic 4. Initially, I thought I had everything in place to just drop in a motor. Haa! That was a nice fantasy that lasted about 1 hour the first day of the project. Check the page for the full scoop.

Thru-Hull Repair

As part of the first haul out with an old, new-to-me boat, I have become religious about replacing all thru-hull fittings. I've owned four boats, 1966, 1967, and the 1975 Ericson 27 in these photos, and now my 1979 Ericson Independence. All have exhibited electrolysis on fittings, and on the 1966 boat, I actually had one break off while replacing the rubber drain line that was connected to it. I was on land, luckily, for the winter, scheduled to go back in to the water the next day. After this experience, I've decided I'll replace all of this hardware on any boat I own whenever I don't know the age and history.

Mast Step Re-Core

This is a detailed account of the steps involved in re-coring the step (on deck) for the mast of my Independence 31

Rudder Re-Core

A cracked rudder and saturated foam require a full split and recore. A work in progress, almost done.

Home Page | Links | Miscellaneous Photos

Last update: 8/28/05 - Copywrite 2007 independence31@comcast.net