Giving up on sailing

[jratis]

After purchasing a Cal 34 and sailing it around Vancouver Island I headed towards Mexico. While transiting the Washington coast i hit a crab pot. Since then I've had to replace my Transmission, V-drive, Drive shaft and Damper plate(three times). I can no longer expect to get more than 6 - 8 hours of total engine time before the Damper plate fails. I've had the best people possible attempt to resolve all issues(KKMI) with no success. Other than KKMI every mechanic, boat yard or spiritual healer I've enlisted has taken all of my retirement funds only to tell me they cannot help. Cruising is simply out of reach for the common man. For sale: 1978 cal 34. new transmission(velvet 71c) new vdrive(walter RV 10) new drive shaft. Engine runs like a horse, Westerbeke 30 C. four used sails. San Diego. will trade for 70s winnebago.

[Don C L]

Sorry to hear this. The Cal 34 is a good old boat. If you are serious about selling, post this in the classifieds with price and photos.

[jratis]

not seriously selling yet. On the hard, shaft out, new(3rd) v-drive on the way.

[JPA Cate]

jratis:

You might not want to hear this, but you might have better results if you considered a whole new drive train. it is that if the "Velvet Drive" has shown itself to be irreparable, then a new approach is needed.


I have never heard anything good said about Velvet Drives.....

Sorry but years of this.

Ann

[jratis]

Thanks. Thats the kind of response I need to hear. The shops keep saying "repair it" so they get paid again. I might re-engine and complete re-drive train. 'cept now I'm broke.

[KTP]

Just curious, how was the sailing around Vancouver Island? Did you circumnavigate it? We have a Pacific Seacraft 34 in Blaine, WA and are considering sailing it up the inside passage soon.

[Kelkara]

Originally Posted by KTP

Just curious, how was the sailing around Vancouver Island? Did you circumnavigate it? We have a Pacific Seacraft 34 in Blaine, WA and are considering sailing it up the inside passage soon.

KTP, you might want to start a new thread if you have questions about sailing Vancouver Island ... there are lots of people on here with experience there, but the title of this thread isn't a good place for that conversation.