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the never ending recommissioning an old Tartan 3800

biscu1ts

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Joined
Aug 6, 2025
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1
I can't believe I'm recommissioning my 25YO Tartan 3800 for the sixth time. The boat's getting old, and so am I!

I got this boat from my pops when he passed, and I love it. I've got my routine down for the water system, which is great. I even have a bypass for the water heater that saves me from pumping 10 gallons of antifreeze through it.
But this year, I've got a few new problems. It's the water tank drain petcock that crumbled. I managed to close it with pliers, but it needs to be replaced.
And the Bilge pump switch is shot. Only the manual setting works.

I'm finally going to install a new Groco AS-100 switch I've had sitting around. I also think a wire might be causing my rapid zinc erosion.
Shower and fridge drain sump is cracked. It's draining into the bilge faster than the pump can get rid of it. I need to find a way to seal the crack.
On top of all that, the engine hoses are original and one is leaking, the canvas is torn and faded, and the cabin sole needs attention. The head/shower drain has a design flaw I want to fix, too.

It's a lot of work, and it never ends. Any thoughts, guys?
 
Oh man, sound like you have a quite a handful. Can't help much, but I can tell you that the problem with the petcock is a common with Tartan models, as far as I was able to find, so replacing the valve is the best course of action. Go for a high quality one and you should be good. As for the rest, good luck, you're gonna need it :)
 
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