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  1. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    Volvo told me that the oil to fuel burn should be no more than .14%. The oil analysis was posted just incase anyone wanted to comment on the results, and because someone requested it on an earlier post. Again, I'm not sure of the actual oil burn. I discovered that it takes these engines an...
  2. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    Perfect! Just what I was looking for. I think I agree with the "neutral rudders" method as a first (major) step in close quarters maneuvering. I plan to use the wheel only in extreme circumstances but need to take that next step. Thanks!
  3. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    RickB, Thanks for your comments on this. I don't see how I've talked myself out of anything. Volvo has committed to replacing the long-block, and will keep the case open until 3/31/16. If at that time it's clear that the engine needs replacing - they'll do it.
  4. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    Oil analysis came back. Blackstone Labs in Indiana summarized that both engines seem extremely healthy. I Called them as the samples from October 2014 were not compared, in the second report, to the ones in June 2015. The guy on the phone could not have been nicer or more competent! He reviewed...
  5. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    Aren't they called "suicide knobs"?:whistling: I have always left our rudders neutral when docking but would like to know, backing in with strong current or wind, how you remember which way to turn the wheel? I'm pretty sure you want the aft edge of the rudder to "point the way", right?
  6. rclarke246

    Your Best Technique or Invention

    OK, a really broad question: What are the 1 or 2 little "tricks" you've discovered to make your boating safer or easier? I'll lead off with these: 1) Here is a pretty simple way to keep us reminded of where the ATONs belong. See the red and green "snack bag" clips on the windshield? When...
  7. rclarke246

    Neat little emergency light

    Bought 2 of the SiriusSignal SOS-C 1001's. One for ST and the other for the dink. Got 'em yesterday. Seem to be of high quality. Maybe will get me off the hook if my flares expire.
  8. rclarke246

    How about a Swift Trawler Forum???

    Yes, thanks for the ST forum.
  9. rclarke246

    SF to LA in 30 Hours -

    Easy to forget the dink plug! I twist-tie mine to the corded boom control so I'm reminded of it every time I go to lower the dinghy. I need "foolproof" techniques like this for reasons that are becoming all too obvious! Please feel free to share yours, ASAP.
  10. rclarke246

    'Trawler' capable of 12-14 knots

    Why not look at the Beneteau 34 or 44? No aft cabin but perfect for the Chesapeake, but I'm biased! The fuel consumption figures on boattest dot com are pretty accurate.
  11. rclarke246

    SF to LA in 30 Hours -

    Did you drive from the fly station?
  12. rclarke246

    SF to LA in 30 Hours -

    CB, Thanks for relating your trek! Please tell us about the sea-state, speed, and handling. Did you use auto pilot. The biggest sea we've seen has been 4-5's directly on our stern. Once we were confident that the bow wasn't going to bury we relaxed and enjoyed the (rollercoaster) ride! The...
  13. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Here is a (poor) photo showing a thru-hull which leads to a strainer for my A/C. What do you think?
  14. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Joebad, You are obviously invested, so am I, but I can tell you that absolutely no one from Beneteau has ever contacted me about my experience. Maybe a form letter / survey, at the most. We bought a new ST 44 in Annapolis in 2012 and feel kind of invisible. By the way, we're very happy with the...
  15. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Interesting. NPS, NPT, meaning what?
  16. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Are you referring to all the thru-hulls? Sounds like a project when next hauled.
  17. rclarke246

    Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 advice/opinions

    Congrats! Please keep in touch.
  18. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    They ran oil samples in the fall, around 50 hours ago. I'll have them take new ones and compare. Why coolant samples? Thanks for your help.
  19. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    This oil burn rate is interesting and I'll see what Volvo says what my range should be. Do you mean .4%? Because .04% equates to .0004, which is minuscule. 65 x 128 x .0004=3.328 oz, right? But 65 x 128 x .004= 33.28 oz. The first calculation seems low and the second seems high.
  20. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    Volvo has agreed to allow me and their service rep time for due diligence. During this time there will be diagnostic testing, dip stick calibration, and 50 additional running hours. Along with your comments, any suggestions on what tests can / should be done are most appreciated Volvo has...
  21. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    The Volvo service rep has visited the boat only one time, hooked up his computer while I ran the sea trial, and told me everything was to spec. Afterwards, even he was fooled by the oil level, which was extremly slow to rise. That has been the extent of their "hands-on" involvement.
  22. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    I checked, the dipsticks are identical so switching them to the other engine wouldn't tell me anything. It DOES worry me that the engine serial numbers are consecutive. Volvo is working with me by giving me and their service rep time for due diligence before major surgery. As stated on this...
  23. rclarke246

    AIS Transponders

    Our Raymarine AIS has a "silent" mode which can be switched on/off. What about this: Marine Traffic has shown Lady Di in Ft. Meyers ever since she passed thru there in late September. Have taken her out of Marco 20 times since then with no change. No, I'm not on "silent" and other AIS targets...
  24. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    I understand about the engines finding their "happy level" and have given them a chance to do so, but when the level drops off the dipsticks I feel the need to add oil, right? I'm really looking forward to the service that ascertains exactly WHAT the dipsticks are showing. Totally agree that...
  25. rclarke246

    Replacing Engine After Only 335 Hours!

    Howard, No, they haven't been calibrated. This has been a suspicion of mine since day one. I'm Going to have them do this, take another oil sample, and run a compression test. Other suggestions? I look at the block replacement as major surgery, which I'll do after I'm sure that it is...
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