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Today was another step in learning the boat and building a reliable underway workflow. Here is a breakdown of the exact checks I ran, what worked, and the issues I found.

Pre-Startup Checks

Battery and Electrical:

House batteries ON at the selector. Start battery ON at its dedicated switch. Verified battery monitor voltage, DC breakers, and ensured shore power was unplugged.

Engine Compartment:

Inspected raw water hose, exhaust elbow (still corroded and scheduled for replacement), mounts, and belt. Checked oil level and coolant reservoir. Confirmed shaft packing gland was not leaking.

Bilge and Pumps:

Bilges mostly dry. Electric bilge pump works manually. Float switch non-functional. Manual bilge pump still not taking suction. Secondary Rule bilge pump not wired in.

Fuel and Water:

Fuel tank roughly half full. Freshwater pump cycles intermittently due to a likely worn check valve.

Dockside Departure Workflow

Lines and Fenders:

Lines adjusted for wind and tide. Fenders set mid-ship and aft.

Helm and Navigation:

Raymarine chartplotter powered on. Depth, wind, and speed pages loaded. Autopilot powered but still fails with a “no data” message.

Sails:

Main halyard clean and ready. Furling line and sheets free.

Engine Start and Warm-Up:

Glow plug heated for 10 seconds. Engine started immediately with water discharging from the exhaust. Throttle cable extremely stiff and hard to set. Tachometer initially dead, then jumped to an unrealistic reading while underway.

Underway in the Estuary

Motored at about 3–3.5 knots for the hour-long run out of the estuary. While underway:

Engine temperature stayed steady. No unusual vibration. Hand-steered due to the autopilot issue. Rudder play not noticeable.

Sail Checks

Main Hoist:

Tides track smooth. One luff slug out of its track (needs reseating). Sail shape looked good.

Jib:

Furler smooth. UV cover stitching worn and due for renewal.

Traffic Separation Scheme Reminder

While returning downwind toward the Bay Bridge, a tanker closed distance much faster than expected. Good reminder that big ships move deceptively fast and to exit channels early when possible.

Return Trip and Engine Notes

Before the bridge, I dropped sails and motored in. Engine stayed cool, discharged water normally, no leaks. Still could not precisely adjust RPM due to the stiff throttle cable. Tach remained erratic.

Autopilot Discovery

I eventually got the wheel pilot to engage after learning the correct sequence, but it still throws the “no data” error. Likely a Seatalk bus or fluxgate compass wiring issue that needs a deeper dive.

Berthing in Rain and Low Light

Returned around 4 PM before rain and darkness set in. Docking was smooth. Secured lines, shut down the engine, turned off both battery banks, and opened the cabin for ventilation.

Issues Identified for Follow-Up

High Priority:

Replace throttle, shift, and stop cables. Replace mixing elbow and riser. Diagnose tachometer irregularities. Repair autopilot data fault. Install functioning bilge float switch. Rebuild manual bilge pump.

Medium Priority:

Reseat mainsail luff slug. Repair bow-light wiring insulation. Replace toilet intake vent loop. Track down freshwater pump cycling issue. Repair dodger stitching.

Low Priority:

Clean up wiring behind panel. Renew jib UV stitching. Update stove propane cylinder to OPD valve.

Summary

The boat performed well overall and continues to show solid structure and reliable mechanical behavior. The remaining issues match the survey and are manageable. Once the cables are replaced and the autopilot is online, the boat will be fully ready for longer Bay and coastal trips.

Date: November 14, 2025

Crew: Jeremyn + Becca

Time Underway: ~6 hours

Route: Grand Marina → Oakland Estuary → Yerba Buena Island → SF Bay → return

1. Departure & Systems Check

We cast off from Grand Marina at 11:15 and performed a slow-speed test down the Oakland Estuary. Engine warmed up normally, though the tachometer behaved inconsistently—initially dead, later jumping to an unrealistically high reading above 2500 RPM. Based on boat speed (5–6 knots), the true engine RPM was likely much lower. Throttle and shift cables were functional but stiff. Steering and autopilot powered up as expected.

2. Transit Down the Estuary

We motored at about 3 knots to evaluate vibration, prop wash, helm response, and handling in close quarters. It took about one hour to reach the mouth of the estuary due to slow motoring and outgoing traffic. Commercial activity was moderate, with tugs and freighters transiting the channel.

3. Under Sail — Rounding Yerba Buena Island

Once positioned east of Yerba Buena Island, the breeze filled. We raised the main, then the jib, and headed northwest toward the Golden Gate. Boat balance felt predictable, and the updated Raymarine instruments worked well. We sailed until roughly 14:30 before turning back to ensure we were tied up before rain and sunset.

4. Return Toward Bay Bridge — Traffic Avoidance

On the downwind run toward the Bay Bridge, a large tanker with two tugs made rapid progress behind us. Their speed difference in deep water was greater than expected. We powered up the engine, dropped sail early, and cleared the channel. This reinforced the importance of monitoring VHF CH 13 for commercial traffic near restricted-maneuverability vessels.

5. Autopilot Exercise

Once clear, we tested the wheel-mounted autopilot. Initial “No Data” errors resolved once underway on power, and the system held course adequately. The heading sensor will need calibration for consistent response.

6. Approach and Docking

We reached the Grand Marina fairway around 17:00, just before dark. Approach was controlled: slow entry at idle, neutral coasting, and gentle helm inputs. Docking was successful, but stepping off the stern allowed the bow to drift toward a piling. Quick correction prevented contact. A pre-rigged midship spring line will simplify future single-handed arrivals. After securing lines and fenders, we noticed the flag halyard had been left uncleated, but no damage occurred.

7. Condition Notes & Action Items

• Tachometer reading unreliable; inspect alternator excitation wiring and grounding.

• Throttle and shift cables remain stiff; replacement planned.

• Autopilot requires calibration.

• Monitor VHF CH 13/14 near the Bay Bridge and YBI.

• Rig a midship spring line before entering the slip.

• Verify halyards and topping lifts before securing the boat for the night.

Summary

This first full outing under my command provided a solid shakedown of the Ericson 32-200. Despite a few learning moments typical of a new boat, the vessel performed well. The engine ran smoothly, the sails handled predictably, and we returned safely before dark and weather. A successful initial voyage and a strong starting point for future improvements and more ambitious sailing plans.

Establishing Baseline Condition & Performing Initial Repairs

This week focused on systematically assessing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural condition of a 1990 Ericson 32-200. The goal was to build a clear technical baseline and begin addressing items that affect reliability, safety, and long-term offshore readiness.

The following summarizes key findings, diagnostics, and next steps.

1. Documentation, Identification & Compliance

1.1 Hull Identification Number (HIN)

Primary HIN confirmed on the starboard transom (ERY32915D090). Secondary “hidden” HIN not yet located (required by CA for registration verification). Inspection continues in typical locations: Under cockpit sole Inside cabinetry near major bulkheads Glassed into hull behind liners

1.2 Registration & COD

Vessel appears properly documented with USCG. Ongoing alignment between COD information and state requirements.

2. Plumbing & Sanitation Systems

2.1 Toilet System Backflow

Observation:

Toilet bowl was full of water after time away from the boat.

Technical Causes Identified:

Wet/dry selector left in wet mode. Intake seacock remained open. Vented loop location requires verification (height above waterline critical on Ericsons).

Corrective Measures Planned:

Store head with seacock closed + selector in dry. Inspect vented loop orientation and renew hoses as needed. Confirm survey recommendation: install or service the high vented loop between pump → toilet.

2.2 Holding Tank Vent

Hissing/bubbling traced to holding tank vent on the stern. Hose functions but will be replaced to reduce odor permeation per ABYC sanitation hose lifespan guidance.

3. Propulsion System – Yanmar 3GM30F

3.1 Dipstick – Not Located Yet

Dipstick not yet found despite multiple access attempts. The 3GM30F has two possible dipstick locations, only one active: Starboard low on block Port side beneath intake manifold Access is restricted by engine enclosure and adjacent structures.

Next Step:

Remove side panels, use inspection mirror, verify active dipstick tube, and proceed with full oil service.

3.2 Control Cables

Throttle, shift, and stop cables all exhibit high resistance. Replacement scheduled in line with 2023 survey recommendation.

3.3 Exhaust Riser & Mixing Elbow

Findings:

Existing cast-iron mixing elbow shows significant corrosion and staining. Threaded nipple connecting elbow to riser is seized.

Corrective Actions Underway:

PB Blaster applied (multi-day soak). Plan to remove elbow/riser assembly and extract nipple on bench. Stainless elbow selected as replacement component. Nickel anti-seize prepared for installation. Exhaust hose to be inspected during disassembly.

3.4 Cooling System Hoses

Blue-striped hose confirmed as part of cooling circuit/vented loop system. Further cleaning and inspection planned.

3.5 Alternator Wiring

One white connector with blue wire found unconnected. Likely for indicator lamp or sensing circuit. Wire will be traced and correctly terminated or capped.

4. Steering & Rudder Systems

4.1 Emergency Tiller Tube

Vertical tube under cockpit contains water. Determined normal for this Ericson design where the rudder tube extends to hull penetration.

4.2 Rudder Condition

2023 survey noted a crack/delamination on upper trailing edge. Visual inspection to confirm condition and evaluate whether additional work is required.

4.3 Steering Cables

Cables move freely but are dry. Plan to clean and lubricate sheaves and tension system.

5. Electrical System

5.1 Bilge Pumping System – Comprehensive Rebuild Needed

Survey findings confirmed during inspection:

Primary diaphragm pump operates manually only. Automatic/manual control switch unpowered. Rule 1500 submersible pump present but not wired or plumbed. Manual pump does not take suction. No strainer on any suction side. No vented loop on discharge. No high-water alarm.

Planned Rebuild Includes:

Dedicated fused feed for automatic/manual switch New float switch New high-water float + audible alarm Service or replace Whale manual pump Install intake strainers Install proper vented loop high under coaming Replace hoses and secure all clamps

5.2 Wiring Cleanup & Safety

Several dead-end wires and unlabeled conductors identified. Will be traced, labeled, or removed. Plan to reorganize DC panel backside wiring for maintainability and safety.

5.3 Shore Power

GFCI functional. ELCI + galvanic isolator recommended upgrade per ABYC E-11.

6. Electronics & Network Systems

6.1 Starlink Connectivity Issue

Symptom:

Speeds measured at ~0.03 Mbps.

Findings:

RJ45 Ethernet cable run to the external antenna appears degraded (sun exposure and outdoor routing). Starlink Ethernet adapter requires CAT5e/CAT6 certified cable.

Next Steps:

Replace with UV-rated outdoor CAT6 Add drip loops and proper strain relief Re-test throughput

7. Structural & Deck Systems

7.1 Chainplate Moisture

Areas of elevated moisture near chainplates noted in 2023 survey. Inspection ongoing; rebedding will be scheduled.

7.2 Aft Cabin Moisture

Light dampness observed near aft bulkhead. Likely source: cockpit sole fittings or steering access hatch. Resealing planned.

8. Priority Action Plan – Week Two

Mechanical

Locate and access dipstick Replace throttle, shift, and stop cables Remove and rebuild exhaust riser/mixing elbow Inspect and verify exhaust hose routing and back-siphon protection

Electrical

Begin full bilge system rebuild Add high-water alarm Label/troubleshoot DC conductors Clean and secure wiring behind DC panel

Plumbing

Inspect toilet vented loop height Replace holding tank vent hose Confirm all sanitation hose conditions

Network / Electronics

Replace Starlink Ethernet cable and re-test

Structural

Continue inspection for hidden HIN Begin chainplate rebedding planning

Conclusion

Week One established a clear technical baseline for the Ericson 32-200 and identified priority systems requiring attention. Overall, the vessel shows strong core structure and a solid engine platform. Most work items are age-related and can be addressed through systematic refit practices. Future logs will include detailed procedures, part numbers, and measurements for owners seeking to complete similar upgrades on Ericson models or comparable 30–35 ft production sailboats.