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It is not uncommon to have 1/2" of water remaining in the bilge. While designed to try and pickup as much water as possible, when the pump turns off, any water still in the hose drains back into the bilge. On my 36, #71, I traced the leaks following every rain until I had them all. The only way wate...

Try Jamestown Distributors at http://www.jamestowndistributors.com. They have types from several manufacturers.

Google: "edson marine elk hide kits"

The web page contains description and order information to get a DYI kit on its way to you.

Zinc anodes are installed to protect expensive underwater metal from galvanic corrosion. A galvanic cell is formed by two or more, "dissimilar" metals (your zinc anode is one-half a galvanic cell); electrically connected together, (the bonding system or direct contact provide this electrical connect...

I found this a problem when anchoring my F36 in areas with a large swell running. Check that this is not caused by the mainsheet. As the boat rolls, the boom tries to shift to one side. This causes the mainsheet to "load up." The additional load on the line causes a creaking or groaning sound. I fou...

Richard Knowing the mfg and color of the gelcoat won't help when making repairs. The pigments in all gelcoats fade when exposed to sunlight. The best you can do is ask around your area to find a guy who has a good reputation repairing gelcoat. Its a finicky game and the lessons require a lot of pati...

If the solenoid engages, the connections at the panel and switch are working properly. The solenoid is a relay, activated by the switch on the panel through the connections in the harness, that closes the high-current contacts to power the starter motor. It also physically "engages" the gear on the ...

Bob These cracks appear to be just the "mud coat" applied over the laminate to provide a smooth surface for paint. If applied too thick, this "flexible" fairing compound will crack. To be sure these are cosmetic, chip away a small piece to verify that the cracks do not extend into the fiberglass "ho...

I removed the line from the mast entirely on my F36. When not in use I supported the aft end of the camberspar with the jib halyard. I also had a two-foot piece of 3/4"" PVC pipe over the turnbuckle to support the forward end of the camberspar when not in use. These two kept the camberspar above the...

The righting moment of the vessel is considered in the initial design of the carbon fiber mast. The mast can handle rolling the boat. A major problem for CF masts is "point loading." This is most often caused by a spinnaker or staysail halyard. There have been several cases where a mast failed when ...