Andiamo - Let's Go!

[Portofino]

Last boat - Sunseeker had two , usual suspects - geny and ac
The mesh is quite fine ,a lot finer than you think .I guess with small impeller s finer channels in the machinery they are trying to protect .Removing the lid was a fiddle ,I often thought the little “ears “ on top were too short sometimes to get enough grip with a bar instrument- slips off .
Reinserting the mesh a few times the edges would start to curl up if you did not exactly align it .
My score 5 to 6 out of 10
View attachment 70875


.View attachment 70874

Current boat had this for the ac in .
Transparent top - so you see a bubble moving
And importantly a handle that fits snug to unscrew the top easier .
9 out of 10 design wise compared to the first pic.

 

[MapisM]

LOL, I have a funny feeling to have drifted the thread towards a debate about how popular those strainers are, which wasn't my intention by any stretch of imagination.
Hearing that they aren't used by Azi and Fer (nor Prin, as I understood?) was enough for me to not be concerned about my own memory losses...
...So, I'm happy to concede that they aren't as rare as hen's teeth, either! :encouragement:

 

[Hurricane]

LOL, I have a funny feeling to have drifted the thread towards a debate about how popular those strainers are, which wasn't my intention by any stretch of imagination.
Hearing that they aren't used by Azi and Fer (nor Prin, as I understood?) was enough for me to not be concerned about my own memory losses...
...So, I'm happy to concede that they aren't as rare as hen's teeth, either! :encouragement:

Yea - you have to keep an eye on these things.
Memory is one of the first things to go.

 

[petem]

As we've now owned Andiamo for a year (where did that go?) I thought it was time for an update.

We still really like the boat and have no regrets in choosing it over a bigger one. A Targa 40 would be better in some ways (grill and a tender garage) but the purchase price and mooring costs would be higher. The 34 is certainly way better than our 30 was.

Last year's debugging and servicing seems to have paid dividends as we've had no significant engine issues this year (touches wood). We're still having to fix other bits and pieces, as they break, but that's boating I suppose.

Jobs completed this year...

New seacocks
A/C commissioned
Toilet overhaul with replacement butyl hoses
New fire extinguisher
Hull and topsides machine polished
New stern socket for dinghy pump

Jobs to be done...

New dashboard switches (on order)
Fit Snap davits to tender
Replace washer nozzles (again)
Replace spotlight bulb (pointless really but hey ho)

Planned upgrades...

Not a lot really, will buy a PLB before we start heading offshore and perhaps a smaller liferaft that fits in the stern locker but that's about it. An electric galley would be nice but then I'd lose the storage space that an oven provides! I will also replace the halogen bulbs with LED's but I'd like some spare original Cantalupi Dallas fittings before I take that job on (some are bound to break).

Looking back, I think that Sant Carles was definitely the right place to start our Med boating experience. We've really enjoyed the comraderie (drinks in the bar) and the support that the local firms provide. In particular, the local Volvo engineers; it's great to have a firm close by that I can email in the evening and they'll be on board by 10am in the morning fixing whatever we need repairing. It's obviously cheap too.

My partner has just returned from two weeks on board and had a great time although he did say that it was too hot and that the mosquitos were unbearable when anchoring in the lagoon. I definitely see the boat being used more in the spring and autumn than the summer. Perhaps we'll have our maintenance done at the height of the summer in the future.

Our syndicate seems to be working well so far. I get on really well with both my partners and they are taking good care of the boat when they are on board. I do confess that I don't sleep quite as soundly when they are on the boat but I can live with that when all bills are shared three ways. My partners are also getting stuck in to the odd repair and also supervising tradesmen when on board. A small syndicate definitely works well, as it means there is rarely any contention for use. For example at the moment one of my partners is booked to be on board for 4 nights in September, I'm on board for four days in August and a week in October, other than that it's free for any of us to use at the last minute. Whilst we have a written syndicate agreement, we largely rely on common sense and good manners (i.e. make sure you leave some beer and wine for the next person and leave the tank full if possible). A lady comes and washes all the bed linen so the boat is always clean and ready for the next person to use.

Regarding anti fouling, the Hempel Hard Racing is now shot after being on the hull for a year so the boat is being lifted and antifouled with Micron 77 or 99 in September. I'll get the legs done too (probably Trilux 33) and see if this works for us.

Looking forward, we have agreed to move on from Sant Carles. I don't think SCM deserves some of the bad press that it gets but we would rather be closer to the islands, closer to an airport (so we don't need to hire a car), in a town with a bit more of a holiday feel and more life in the winter. Altea seems to fit the bill so we're going on a recce (by car) to check the area out on our way to the boat in a couple of weeks time. If we like Altea and they have a berth available we'll keep it there for six months. If they don't have a berth then I'll look at Denia or perhaps San Antonio (Ibiza). I can see the attraction of SCM for owners of larger boats, but for us, we don't need to be somewhere that cheap and Ibiza is a lot more doable from Denia in a 34ft boat than SCM is (50 miles instead of 100).

I'm looking forward to taking the boat south which will be a 150 mile cruise (scarey!) and I'm definitely looking forward to the years to come.

 

[julians]

As we've now owned Andiamo for a year (where did that go?) I thought it was time for an update.

We still really like the boat and have no regrets in choosing it over a bigger one. A Targa 40 would be better in some ways (grill and a tender garage) but the purchase price and mooring costs would be higher. The 34 is certainly way better than our 30 was.

Last year's debugging and servicing seems to have paid dividends as we've had no significant engine issues this year (touches wood). We're still having to fix other bits and pieces, as they break, but that's boating I suppose.

Jobs completed this year...

New seacocks
A/C commissioned
Toilet overhaul with replacement butyl hoses
New fire extinguisher
Hull and topsides machine polished
New stern socket for dinghy pump

Jobs to be done...

New dashboard switches (on order)
Fit Snap davits to tender
Replace washer nozzles (again)
Replace spotlight bulb (pointless really but hey ho)

Planned upgrades...

Not a lot really, will buy a PLB before we start heading offshore and perhaps a smaller liferaft that fits in the stern locker but that's about it. An electric galley would be nice but then I'd lose the storage space that an oven provides! I will also replace the halogen bulbs with LED's but I'd like some spare original Cantalupi Dallas fittings before I take that job on (some are bound to break).

Looking back, I think that Sant Carles was definitely the right place to start our Med boating experience. We've really enjoyed the comraderie (drinks in the bar) and the support that the local firms provide. In particular, the local Volvo engineers; it's great to have a firm close by that I can email in the evening and they'll be on board by 10am in the morning fixing whatever we need repairing. It's obviously cheap too.

My partner has just returned from two weeks on board and had a great time although he did say that it was too hot and that the mosquitos were unbearable when anchoring in the lagoon. I definitely see the boat being used more in the spring and autumn than the summer. Perhaps we'll have our maintenance done at the height of the summer in the future.

Our syndicate seems to be working well so far. I get on really well with both my partners and they are taking good care of the boat when they are on board. I do confess that I don't sleep quite as soundly when they are on the boat but I can live with that when all bills are shared three ways. My partners are also getting stuck in to the odd repair and also supervising tradesmen when on board. A small syndicate definitely works well, as it means there is rarely any contention for use. For example at the moment one of my partners is booked to be on board for 4 nights in September, I'm on board for four days in August and a week in October, other than that it's free for any of us to use at the last minute. Whilst we have a written syndicate agreement, we largely rely on common sense and good manners (i.e. make sure you leave some beer and wine for the next person and leave the tank full if possible). A lady comes and washes all the bed linen so the boat is always clean and ready for the next person to use.

Regarding anti fouling, the Hempel Hard Racing is now shot after being on the hull for a year so the boat is being lifted and antifouled with Micron 77 or 99 in September. I'll get the legs done too (probably Trilux 33) and see if this works for us.

Looking forward, we have agreed to move on from Sant Carles. I don't think SCM deserves some of the bad press that it gets but we would rather be closer to the islands, closer to an airport (so we don't need to hire a car), in a town with a bit more of a holiday feel and more life in the winter. Altea seems to fit the bill so we're going on a recce (by car) to check the area out on our way to the boat in a couple of weeks time. If we like Altea and they have a berth available we'll keep it there for six months. If they don't have a berth then I'll look at Denia or perhaps San Antonio (Ibiza). I can see the attraction of SCM for owners of larger boats, but for us, we don't need to be somewhere that cheap and Ibiza is a lot more doable from Denia in a 34ft boat than SCM is (50 miles instead of 100).

I'm looking forward to taking the boat south which will be a 150 mile cruise (scarey!) and I'm definitely looking forward to the years to come.

Just bite the bullet and put the boat on either Mallorca,Ibiza or menorca. Split 3 ways the mooring costs will be bearable (just about) and you're immediately in some of the best boating grounds in the world.

Being in somewhere like SCM works fine for larger boats and owner than can go away for weeks at a time,but less well for smaller boats and those who are relatively time poor

 

[petem]

Just bite the bullet and put the boat on either Mallorca,Ibiza or menorca. Split 3 ways the mooring costs will be bearable (just about) and you're immediately in some of the best boating grounds in the world.

Being in somewhere like SCM works fine for larger boats and owner than can go away for weeks at a time,but less well for smaller boats and those who are relatively time poor

As I've said before, I can get a berth in Portals for €8k p.a. and I see there's a 12m berth for rent in Santa Eulalia for €9k p.a. I actually think it's nice to try different places so perhaps we'll try the southern Costa Blanca for this winter and move across to the islands for the summer.

Forgot to add, we might need a pasarelle at some point but there's no way I'm forking out €10k for a hydraulic one and finding somewhere to store a folding one would be a challenge too.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

As I've said before, I can get a berth in Portals for €8k p.a. and I see there's a 12m berth for rent in Santa Eulalia for €9k p.a. I actually think it's nice to try different places so perhaps we'll try the southern Costa Blanca for this winter and move across to the islands for the summer.
.

If you go to Denia I dont see that you gain much because its still 1 1/2hrs drive from Alicante airport and whilst it is 60 odd miles to Ibiza, it is still not a sea passage to be taken lightly. The coastline either side of Denia isnt the most interesting either and it can get pretty windy there. Having been down this route ourselves, I agree with julians. Just bite the bullet and park the boat in Majorca which is where you always wanted to be anyway

 

[julians]

As I've said before, I can get a berth in Portals for €8k p.a. and I see there's a 12m berth for rent in Santa Eulalia for €9k p.a. I actually think it's nice to try different places so perhaps we'll try the southern Costa Blanca for this winter and move across to the islands for the summer.

Forgot to add, we might need a pasarelle at some point but there's no way I'm forking out €10k for a hydraulic one and finding somewhere to store a folding one would be a challenge too.

Pasarelle is definitely not a hard requirement for a 34 foot boat in Mallorca, we have never needed one on any of our boats (15 foot to 37 foot)all based in Mallorca. So I wouldn't let that put you off.it makes life easier,but absolutely not a deal breaker, not by a long way.

 

[Bigplumbs]

As a guide what would be the mooring fees in Mallorca for a 34 footer for a year ?

 

[julians]

As a guide what would be the mooring fees in Mallorca for a 34 footer for a year ?

Depends on exactly which marina,but Pete says he's found a suitable mooring in portals for 8000 euro, portals is one of the more expensive locations. But that price Pete has found sounds quite good to me for Majorca if there are no other charges on top apart from water and electric

 

[Bigplumbs]

Depends on exactly which marina,but Pete says he's found a suitable mooring in portals for 8000 euro, portals is one of the more expensive locations. But that price Pete has found sounds quite good to me for Majorca if there are no other charges on top apart from water and electric

Are swing moorings generally available which I assume would be less expensive ?

 

[julians]

I guess they must be as you see quite a few boats on swinging mooring in the Lee of most marinas,but I haven't a clue what they cost,I've never investigated as they wouldn't work for how I use a boat.

When we used to have small inflatables we just used to leave it on anchor in the bay where we have an apartment while we were there and take it out of the water when not there. that cost nothing,but there are risks with that approach (lack of protection from weather and thieves) , and strictly it's against the law to sink your own 'unofficial' mooring, however we did this for years with no trouble. But I wouldn't do it with a proper boat.

 

[petem]

If you go to Denia I dont see that you gain much because its still 1 1/2hrs drive from Alicante airport and whilst it is 60 odd miles to Ibiza, it is still not a sea passage to be taken lightly. The coastline either side of Denia isnt the most interesting either and it can get pretty windy there. Having been down this route ourselves, I agree with julians. Just bite the bullet and park the boat in Majorca which is where you always wanted to be anyway

Mike, I'm not ruling out any options for next Summer but I would like to spend a year in Ibiza before heading to Mallorca. And I think a winter in Altea (Benidorm) would be a fun and cheap option.

 

[Hurricane]

Yep - I agree - bite the bullet and go straight to the islands.
Whilst you have been here in SC, you have been one of the keener boats to get away on short cruises.
And in this respect, the lagoon is a great asset in SC.
If you go down the coast, I think you will have an itch to go cruising that can't easily be scratched.

I also think you missed the best parts about SC's holiday atmosphere.
At the moment, the place is buzzing with holiday makers - we have just had a week of the town Fiesta and there are other events later this month.
Fantastic firework display which lots of us watched from JW (a huge party on board whilst anchored just off the town beach).
F and F (Food and Fashion weekend) for example.
Alcanar is setting up at the moment for its town Fiesta.
Yes - it is hot - and hotter than I remember this year - A/C is a real MUST - I certainly couldn't manage without A/C
Mozzies this year are no worse than anywhere else in Spain.

But I agree, the cruising and anchorages that are available in the islands draws us real boaters there.
Whitelighter left here a couple of days ago for his summer cruise to Mallorca.
Seralia has been there twice this year.
John1006 from this forum used to own a Targa 38 (EDIT sorry it was a Targa 34) - he went across using SC as his base so this type of cruising is possible on the smaller boats.

That said, it seems that you have made it a success with your partnership.
So, IMO, just go to Mallorca.
Getting the boat across is easy - just wait for the weather or cross with one of us.
Your partnership seems set for paying for all the services (unlike us where we do most of the jobs ourselves) so why not pay a little extra and have the best cruising grounds right on your doorstep.

Probably too early, but I'm planning a long cruise across mid Sept to mid Oct when the islands will be quieter.
In the meantime, we are enjoying SC for the summer - Aqua-aerobics in the morning in the pool - maybe I will even loose some weight!!!

 

[stelican]

Are swing moorings generally available which I assume would be less expensive ?

There is no cheap boating in Mallorca!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Are swing moorings generally available which I assume would be less expensive ?

There are few if any swinging moorings in the Balearics and you probably wouldnt want one anyway 'coz like everywhere in the Med you really need shorepower to keep batteries topped up for fridges, icemakers etc and for aircon and TV. Yeah you can survive without any of that but you can bet your wife and kids wont be interested in surviving it with you

 

[jrudge]

I am not aware any swinging moorings are avaialble in winter.

Andratx remove all the guest bouys and a few of the "resident" bouys remain but are empty.

The storms are BIG in the winter and you would not want a boat on one even if available.

 

[petem]

Incidentally, did anyone see the videos of the mini Tsunami in Alcudia the other week?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/ne...ts-Alcudia-Mallorca-flooded-mini-tsunami.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/ne...nt-sailers-catamaran-caught-mini-tsunami.html

Talking of Alcudia, how easy is it to get a berth there and what are the prices like?

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

The storms are BIG in the winter and you would not want a boat on one even if available.

And certainly not in Andraitx which is open to the east and has suffered extensive boat damage due to storms and surge waves on at least 2 occasions in the last few years. Unlike the UK there are few if any completely sheltered rivers in the Balearics where you could safely leave a boat on a swinging mooring. Just about the only locations I can think of where you could have safe all year round swinging moorings would be Mahon in Menorca and Colom in Majorca but I dont remember seeing any in these places. If you live a thousand miles away from your boat best that its tied up to something concrete when youre not there

 

[Hurricane]

We have been to Alcudia lots of times and it is cheaper than the rest of the island.
I have met people who have annually berthed there and they thought it was cheaper.

Actually, Alcudia is a good alternative.
Despite your video, it is very safe but the top of the island is more exposed to the mistrals.
Nice anchorages locally but not as many as in the south.
Fast road from the airport - taxi about 80-100 euros - less than an hour
Alcudiamar is the name of the marina - helpful staff - give them a call.