Mathias D

Right at the very bottom on the starboard side, just below the oil dipstick guide, there’s a problem lurking in this engine. It’s the port for draining the oil during an oil change. For some inexplicable reason, VP didn’t include a screw cap here, but instead a rubber cap that’s simply slipped over the opening. This cap had become brittle without me noticing and had developed small cracks. No problem during short runs and with cold oil, as is always the case when docking and undocking. But after a longer trip in calm conditions, we had oil not only under the engine but also in the bilge. The tricky part of troubleshooting: The oil sprays out from this cap in all directions, mimicking a defect in the oil pan gasket. A replacement cap, and the problem is solved. But who carries something like that with them? VP doesn’t mention in its manual that this part requires regular inspection. We’ve been carrying two ever since: one for us and one for any colleagues who might need it.

Dear C35 community, I had a surprise on the first day after winter storage. When filling up with fresh water, the sound of water from the hose was suddenly drowned out by a loud splashing noise: The automatic bilge pump. Water in the boat. What had happened? The water was pouring out of the screw opening for the level sensor and it was only sitting loosely on it. The inspection revealed that the actual sensor had completely corroded off its thread. When taking it apart, it turned out that this structure was actually made of aluminum! Screwed into a stainless steel thread! So: Better have a look. Protects against surprises.

Oliver, we have solved this differently, namely without a plotter. Our basis is an NMEA 2000 system from B&G. However, the navigation does not work via plotter, but via PC. The system consists of * mini PC with 2 HDMI outputs * normal 15'' monitor on the chart table * 15'' monitor with 2,000 nits in the cockpit * control of the whole thing via radio trackball, either on the chart table or in the swallow's nest * TimeZero Navigator software with weather routing module The PC is installed behind the control panel. The cables to the external monitor take the usual route to the oil locker, where there is a connector panel in the top plate. When in use, the 2 monitor cables are plugged in through the open window. The monitor is secured in the port with a specially made, padded steel claw in the window frame of the wet cell. All in all, extremely convenient. Very easy to read even in bright sunlight from aft and when lounging in the pushpit at the tiller. In port, the monitor is gone and you have a comfortable seat again.