Posted: November 20 2007 at 17:45 | IP Logged

I just purchased a 1976 Marinette Sedan 32 ft. Since I am new to boating, I am looking for advice on how to keep it up, where would be the best place to put a generator, and the best place to put A/C. Also, what is the normal amount of water in the bilge.

Posted: November 21 2007 at 18:41 | IP Logged

Good luck with your Marinette purchase.  Mine is a 32' 1986 so there were a lot of changes between the times our boats were built.  Some features are the same.

First, let me point you to an excellent forum for Marinette owners, there are hundreds of posts on virtually every topic.  Browse this:

http://login.prospero.com/dir-login/index.asp?webtag=maincon f&lgnDST=http%3A%2F%2Fforums%2Edelphiforums%2Ecom%2Fmy%2 Dforums

You will have to register to post but I have never had spam from the site - only an occasional ad after you log in. You can quickly skip past that.

Two items: my generator was installed on a platform between the engines, just aft of the engines.  It's accessible most easily from the hatch on the cockpit deck.

Air Conditioner (CruiseAire) fits under the rear galley seat. It is installed diagonally. One air outlet is a flexible duct that comes to the cabin helm station cabinet...the other duct runs under the dinette, snaking to the forward v-berth. In the worst heat of the summer, with cabin temps approaching 95, the unit will cool things down noticeably in about an hour.

Bilge always accumulates some small amoun t of water because of pump location. I am sure that if I could install the pump lower there would be less water.  There are some very small pumps that have a small footprint that could be squeezed lower.  A plan for using one could be quite helpful.  Mount your smaller pump as low as it can go.  That will take care of most small leaks including rainwater. For serious water intrusion, a large capacity pump, mounted perhaps 6 inches higher, would be your emergency backup system.  The small pump will do most of the work.  BoatUS may have an article on this.  Incidentally, try to avoid using that cheap corrugated hose. It has lower capacity and is subject to breakage.

have fun. I just put the boat away for the winter today.