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H. WARREN TIMM
PO Box 66 130 NE 26th Ave, Apt301
Waretown, NJ Boynton Beach, FL
08758 33435
609-693-4513 561-739-9100
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August 16, 2000
Dear Mainshippers;
Summer weather is about as predictable as gazing into a crystal ball to determine one’s future. And sometimes, the predictions that have been aimed in our direction have resembled those of the fortune tellers. For those in the south, it has been hot, hot, hot; and if anyone even mentions the word “rain” to we northeasterners, expect to be rewarded with vivid descriptions of our local weather. But alas, there is nothing that lasts forever. At the end of this month, the law of averages says that we certainly merit a clear, calm weekend that will be just ideal for a raftup of we Mainshippers at Tices on Saturday, August 26th – followed by dinner at the Captain’s Inn if you wish. Reward yourself, and come out to say hello and have some fun talking about great events in our lives – experiences on the water. If your boat is not in the area and you would like to join us, please let us know. We have room for a few, and there are others that would be happy to have you aboard.
There’s certainly a lot of them out there, aren’t there. But when you are looking for a folding lounge seat that is built well and is quality merchandise, they suddenly become hard to find. Nick Senzamici was faced with the task of replacing his seats on his Model III, and found that Price Custom Products (1000 13th St. SW, Hickory NC 28602, Phone 828-322-2211) made a unit that is worthy of spending some leisure time on. It has thick foam, extends in both directions, and is sturdily built to last. These seats have aluminum extension hardware beneath the seat that moves similar to a pair of parallel rules as the seat opens and closes. Nick didn’t mention it, but I presume that the seat also offers support under the open ends when extended. One of the pleasures of dealing through a small manufacturer is the personal attention that the owners of such a business will give to your concerns. Seat prices range from $200 to $225, depending upon hardware you wish. If you do decide to order from Price, be sure to talk to Charlie Price, whom Nick assures us is a pleasure to deal with.
It doesn’t taste like a martini, and it certainly doesn’t taste like the river, so where could that stuff be coming from? Ever have those lingering doubts as to where that water in your bilge had its origin? Terry Carr was faced with that problem recently, and let’s let Terry tell it as he told me.
“Was over at the boat a couple of weeks ago and whamo, I had about fifteen gallons of water in my normally dry bilge. As I was pumping it out, I noticed that it was nice and clean water, and certainly didn’t come out of the river. I got to looking and thought I had located a leak in my water tank. Naturally, it was installed before the deck went on, so I had to cut it up to get it out. (Note – the ads say 50 gals, but I couldn’t help but notice that it has 40 gals stamped on the tank. Hmmm.) (It was originally specified as a 40 gallon tank, but some boat sales people gather enthusiasm with a sales pitch – ed.) Anyway, I got it out and checked it. Just my luck – it WASN’T leaking. Haven’t finished checking yet, but it looks like a water line somewhere.
“I had replaced about half of the water lines last summer, and it seems that Mainship put a 90 degree fitting every time it turned a corner, and of course, there was no way to tighten some of these clamps in some of the places they put them. Anyhow, I re-ran all lines so I can observe all connections now.
“I hated to ruin the other tank, but it looked kinda cruddy anyhow, so perhaps it was time for a change. But alas, I’m having trouble finding one of the same dimensions (need one about 10 inches shorter to get in through the lazarette hatch). Does anyone in our club have an idea where a tank along those configurations can be located? West and Boat/US don’t have anything even close”. (Ed note – the tank in my 34 footer measures 58” x 13.75” x 12” height, and with these dimensions, should hold a little over 39 gallons. If this tank were 10” shorter, its volume would be 7 gallons less). Perhaps a dual tank system consisting of two 20 gallon tanks manufactured by Todd? Or a bladder type of tank? If anyone has any questions on the installation of these, our expert is Randy Smith who recently put one under his forward “V” berth. “Ask the man who owns one!”
It’s amazing, isn’t it? Normally a boat doesn’t grow bigger until you haul it out of the water and start doing work on it. But Mainship has a model that started out as the 350 Trawler, then progressed to the 390 Trawler, and one dealer has even listed it as a 400 trawler so we understand. Not to be outdone by Mainship, Jay Leonard built a cardboard boat to race at the recent Luhrs Group Rendezvous, and asked Chip Shea of Mainship just how big that piece of cardboard was that they gave him for his construction activities. His reply – “It’s eight feet long!” With that, Jay constructed his craft (Did it win? Did it float?), and put a name on the side in big letters that read, “MAINSHIP 120”! If you’ve never been to one of these affairs, plan to go next year. There’s lots of fun, and it’s a terrific place to meet other owners and talk with them.
It’s difficult to build a structure as complex as a new boat to perfection, and many builders of craft spend a lot of time checking out their products to ensure that they meet standards. A few owners have reported difficulties with some of the new 390 Trawlers, such as leaky windshields, and some wiring problems with the air conditioner (in one case). There have also been comments on the noise level of the generator with suggestions that a sound shield be used on these, as well as several other comments on quality matters in connection with these boats. And yet, there are many that have reported high levels of satisfaction with these boats as delivered from the factory. Although inspection of the final product adds little to the saleable value of that product, it is an essential part of establishing customer loyalty. The dealer also has an essential part to play in this scene – that of the final inspector to make sure that nothing has been overlooked by the factory before the boat is released to a customer. It appears as though Mainship might have a few areas here that merit attention.
LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME DEP’T
· Norm Berenback is upgrading to a 36 aft cabin, and has a 1979 34 foot Model I for sale. This boat has been recently detailed and is loaded with electronics. Details can be found at www.yachtworld.com, or Norm can be reached at 845-279-3885.
· Need a top for your 350 (390?) trawler? Dean Martin is replacing his with a hardtop and has a dark blue cover plus 4 side enclosures made by Florida Marine Canvas in excellent condition for sale. He may be reached at 847-359-8162.
Hope that everyone is enjoying the summer. Here’s to a great fall and winter ahead!