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James Alberding · 03-11-2012, 01:08

Hello!

My name is James. I have an older (1978) sail boat that is actually in great shape. Before my grandfather passed away, I used to race with him growing up. First on an Olson 30, then on this current sail boat. I was told that a previous owner had completed a race from Victoria BC. To Maui once!

After my grandfather passed, there had been an odd situation that prevented me from using the vessel for the past 9 years or so. Now that has changed, and I am taking on the privilege and responsibilities of using and maintaining the boat.

I'll be cruising this site ( ha ha... see what I did there ) for information on projects, ideas, or whatever. For example, one of the first things I want to tackle is replacing the head, pump, and holding tank. I'm sure questions will arise that I might find answers to here. And since I'm new to keeping up a sail boat I'm interested in learning little tricks of the trade to preventing mildew and musty smells as well as making things more comfortable and welcoming.

I have a lot to learn and I think I will get a lot out of this community.

**minaret** · 03-11-2012, 01:14

Welcome to CF from a fellow Seattleite.

James Alberding · 03-11-2012, 01:34

Thank you!

**GordMay** · 03-11-2012, 03:12

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, James.

Waterway Guide · 03-11-2012, 04:32

Welcome aboard, James! Good luck with your projects...you'll find lots of help around here.

donbaker55 · 04-11-2012, 12:27

Welcome aboard, lots you can learn here.

alikuban · 04-11-2012, 13:03

Ahoy James

Welcome aboard...

Regarding the head, consider Lavac, Zenith if you can find. You will not regret...

Wish you luck here and on the wet

Ali

James Alberding · 04-11-2012, 16:25

Thanks everyone, and I'll be looking into that Ali thanks.

Cheechako · 04-11-2012, 16:54

Welcome! The Crown 34 is a good boat, thick hull. My brother in law worked on them. I'm not sure of the consistancy from boat to boat, as not a lot were built. As I remember it, the mold for the hull was from a pretty good pedigree formerly of a different name/brand. Never thought of it as a racing boat though....

maxingout · 04-11-2012, 17:15

Welcome aboard and enjoy.

delmarrey · 04-11-2012, 17:25

James,
Welcome aboard from a neighbor. This is the right place to get the tips on maintenance/repairs. But you do have to make the final decision yourself. You will get MANY different opinions on how something is properly done. The more detailed the question the better the answer.

I completely rebuilt a retired racer. A lot of the do's & don't came from here along with previous experience. Do use the search pulldown. There's lots of good info already available.

James Alberding · 04-11-2012, 18:06

Cheechako, it really is a fast boat for its size. From what I have read about the original design it was Hein Driehuyzen' first attempt at designing a boat. The molds were sold and became the San Juan 34 I believe. Driehuyzen was quoted in an article published in Pacific Yachting back when it was introduced, "We wanted an ultimate boat for the average family sailor, one that can be single handed in any conditions, yet will contain an average family in comfort, and will be fun and competitive in racing."

James Alberding · 04-11-2012, 18:15

Delmarrey, I appreciate the advice, I don't think I will have any issues making those decisions, but being so new to it I probably won't know what all the different options there are for me to choose from. I'm looking forward to researching and working on stuff!