2.1 General Description
The interior layout of the Ericson 34 is designed for easy living and easy operation at sea or on the mooring, emphasizing the privacy afforded by separate cabins located fore and aft of a comfortable living area comprised of the galley and main salon, where crew and friends can converse, relax and dine. The head compartment is located to starboard of the companionway for easy access from the deck or below. Useful storage has been built-in throughout the interior.
Most of the interior woodwork is teak marine plywood with solid teak trim. The ceiling planking of the main salon are of solid teak fastened to 1/2" thick cleats bonded to the hull. Note that all door and drawer cutouts are edge trimmed in teak to prevent wear and tear on the teak veneers and for quality finish detail. All doors are of framed panel construction without exposed edge grain. Drawers are of solid teak facings with plywood box construction. The cabin sole is of 3/4" teak and holly marine plywood.
The bunk tops are fir marine plywood laminated with formica, an unusual level of detail in series yachts. The result is an easily maintained surface of great durability. The interior bulkheads of the head compartment are also formica laminated.
The overhead liner is leatherette with zippers located for access to deck hardware fasteners. Cushion upholstery is nylon from a selection chosen for its moisture resistence and color fastness.
The forward cabin has a large vee berth with filler cushion that may be used for seating or to extend the berth. An optional water tank may be installed in the after of the two compartments beneath the vee berth. Both are cleanly finished and provide stowage space. Shelves with fiddles are provided port and starboard over the vee berth.
Hanging lockers are located port and starboard at the aft end of the berth. Double hinged doors may be closed to separate the forward cabin from the main salon, providing ample space for changing.
The main salon has an "L-shaped" settee on the port side around the unextended dinette, and a straight settee on the starboard side. The aft end of the starboard settee provides chart table seating.
Standard water tankage and stowage space are located beneath the settees port and starboard.
Compartmentalized stowage space enclosed by sliding cane doors is located above each settee back. Open shelving with fiddles is located just above.
The galley been designed for handy storage as well as food preparation. A two burner stove with oven is standard (see the specific manual for your stove provided with your new Ericson 34). The deep double sink located near the center line has hot and cold pressure fresh water fixtures, as well as, fresh and salt (outside) water foot pumps for water and battery power conservation.
Icebox capacity has been separated into two compartments for ice conservation and convenience. One is in the galley countertop and one is located directly across from the galley on the starboard side with a locker above. Food items may be separated on the basis of frequency of use or purpose. By dividing up food supplies when cruising, several days perishables could be kept in one box without the need to open the lid. On day sails, the drinks in one box and lunch in the other might work well. Both boxes are adaptable to refrigeration installation and each has a minimum of 4" and generally about 6" of urethane foam insulation around it.
Just forward of the stove in the countertop is the hinged lid for the top loading dish- drainer/storage compartment. Since this locker drains to the bilge, wet dishes may be placed directly from the sink into it to drain. Retrieving dishes one at a time is simple on either tack.
General storage lockers are provided outboard and above the countertop. Additional drawer and tilt-out bin storage is provided on the athwartship face of the galley cabinet.
A wire basket for holding a trash bag is fastened to the door immediately below the sinks.
The head/shower compartment contains several features for convenience. The vanity sink faucet has a telephone-type shower attachment. Next to the vanity sink is a clothes hamper. Storage space is in the lockers above the vanity top and also in the drawer below the vanity sink. Access to the head plumbing thru-hull shut-off valves is through the door below the vanity sink. A double 110 volt outlet is locates the vanity at the forward end of the locker face along with the shower sump switch. (see "Plumbing", chapt. 4)
NOTE: BEFORE USING THE SHOWER, BE SURE THAT THE PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE 110 VOLT OUTLET ARE CLOSED, OR SERIOUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK COULD RESULT. ALSO, BE SURE TO USE THE SHOWER CURTAIN PROVIDED.
There is a sump in the forward end of the shower pan to collect water which drains to a second sump under the cabin sole cover just aft of the galley cabinet. The second sump contains an electric bilge pump and float switch controlled from a three-position toggle switch in the cabinet facing above the vanity. The switch should be turned on, normally to the "auto" position, whenever the shower is in use.
An opening portlite provides ventilation to the head compartment.
The aft cabin of the Ericson 34 includes a large double berth, changing area and a large hanging locker. One opening portlite in the cabin side and one in the aft end of the port cockpit seat are standard and provide cross-draft ventilation for the cabin. Up to two additional opening portlites may be added to the port cockpit seat side for ventilation directly over the quarter berth.
2.2 Tri-axial Force Grid Floor System
Note: Also see Section 1.2.
The Tri-axial Force Grid floor system bonded into the hull of the Ericson 34, in addition to its structural advantages, has many functions connected with the interior systems and maintenance. Of importance is its function as a gelcoat-finished sump for bilge water and shower water. The engine pan is also molded into the floor system, but kept separated from the bilge water to prevent any oily materials from entering the main bilge area. The floor beams act as baffles, reducing the sloshing action of any bilge water and aiding in its removal by providing sumps for bilge pump and shower drain pump pick-ups.
Attention has been given to the usual problems associated with the bilge. Since the shower drains to a separate sump and is pumped directly overboard, the accumulation of bacteria in the bilge is prevented. Bacteria is the main cause of the rancid odors often associated with improperly designed bilges. Also, iceboxes drain into the galley sink and overboard via the standard salt water foot pump instead of into the bilge.
2.3 Bilge Maintenance
An added feature afforded by the molded floor system is its glossy gelcoat finish. Bilges may collect all types of dirt and filmy substances, but the glossy finish allows easier cleaning. Some of these contaminants can generate unpleasant odors. In some cases fumes generated can produce an environment so corrosive that it will actually tarnish brass and
chrome fixtures.
Several biodegradable liquid bilge cleaners are available that can be added to bilge water to emulsify contaminants, which can then be pumped through the pump system. Adding some to the bilge before going sailing will utilize the boat's motion to help your own cleaning efforts.
Household bleach works best for deoderizing the bilge. Add about 1/2 gallon to approximately 5" of fresh water in the bilge and allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before pumping the bilge dry.
CAUTION: DO NOT PUMP ANY OILY SUBSTANCES OVERBOARD.
You are probably aware of the aforementioned, however, to augment your conscience, the law is very explicit. A sign should appear in the engine compartment which reads:
"DISCHARGE OF OIL PROHIBITED THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT PROHIBITS THE DISCHARGE OF OILY WASTE INTO OR UPON THE NAVIGABLE WATERS AND CONTIGUOUS ZONE OF THE UNITED STATES IF SUCH DISCHARGE CAUSES A FILM OR SHEEN UPON, OR DISCOLORATION OF, THE SURFACE OF THE WATER, OR CAUSES A SLUDGE OR EMULSION BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE WATER. VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO A FINE OF $5,000."
We recommend that periodic cleaning of the engine pan consist of sponging with bilge soap, taking the cleaning water off the boat in a bucket and disposing it in a proper manner. Many harbors have installed drums and tanks for the disposal of waste oil.
2.4 Woodwork and Cabinetry - Doors. Drawers and Floor boards
All woodwork is checked for fit, operation and finish by your dealer during the commissioning process, however, some initial shifting and dampness may cause doors and drawers to stick. In some cases, catches may misalign. Simply planing the sticking surface and following with a coat or two of teak oil or varnish will usually correct this situation. Catches or striker plates may need realignment. Your dealer can assist you with these adjusments. This may be expected since the boats are assembled in a drier environment than they are used in.
Shelter from sun, salt, grit, etc,. will mean that major cleaning of interior woodwork may never need to be done to the same extent as with exterior teak. Damp sponging should handle most cleaning needs. If refinishing is desired, a light sanding with 180-220 grit sandpaper and light oiling or varnishing will suffice. The cabin sole may require varnishing at some point. When revarnishing, use a good grade of marine varnish or, one of the clear epoxy or polyurethane coatings compatible with the underlying varnish.
Caution: When sanding the cabin sole, be careful not to sand too deep. Sand only enough to provide a good surface for successive coats of varnish. Do not sand to "bare wood".
2.5 Ventilation
A generous amount of ventilation in the cabin is provided by seven opening ports and three cabin top hatches in addition to the companionway hatch.
Opening portlites are located two on each cabin side forward, one on each cabin side aft of the main portlites, and one at the aft end of the quarterberth. Two additional optional opening portlites may be installed in the aft cabin as well. Insect screens are provided as standard.
The opening ports are made by Lewmar (part no. 8910). To close them securely, be sure that the "dogs" (handles) are completed seated in the detents in the frame to fully compress the gasket seal on the frame.
The opening portlites may be left open while sailing as long as conditions permit, but be sure to close them securely if there is a chance of water on the deck. Be sure to see that they are closed before washing down the deck too.
The Ericson 34 is also fitted with three Lewmar 3-position "Super hatches". One is located on the cabin top above the main salon, one just forward of the mast (with a guard rail over) and one on the forward end of the cabin house. The design of the hinge system on the Lewmar hatch eliminates the need for telescoping hatch adjusters with set-screws. The hatches will open to 45, 90, and 180 degrees, (back flat on the deck).
To operate the hatches, lift them firmly until you feel the hinge settle into the detent for the desired position. 45 degrees is the desired vent angle, depending upon the direction of any air movement. We would not advise sailing with any of these hatches open, except the vent hatch forward of the mast, without caution, since they are not protected from running rigging such as jib sheets, etc. Ajibsheet or other line will almost surely get caught in the hatch, possibly damaging the hatch and perhaps backwinding the jib and reducing your steering control in the meantime. However, a guard rail over the vent hatch will prevent the jib sheets from fouling it so that it may be left open while sailing conditions permit.
Be sure that, while you are sailing, the hatches are securely dogged down by checking to see that the handles are properly turned outboard, parallel with the centerline of the boat, and that the cams on the handles are engaged on the bottom of the gussets in the hatch corners so that they properly clamp the hatch down on its gasket.
Note: the center detent in the corner gusset on the hatch is for securely locking the hatches in the "vent" position. This is to allow a small draft for ventilating the cabin with the hatches "locked". Wind driven rain, a misdirected hose, or spray from sailing could still get water into cabin. This is not the watertight position. It is however, a very handy feature.
When leaving your boat at the end of the sailing day, check to see that the opening ports are dogged closed along with the deck hatches, which should be closed at least to the "draft" position. Leaving the hatches in the draft position will prevent dampness and moisture in the ambient air from condensing inside the cabin. The draft inside the cabin will keep air moving within the cabin and have a drying effect on gear stowed inside. If there is detectable dampness in the cushions, tilt them on end and allow them to remain that way during the time that you are not aboard. Leaving locker and head doors open will provide good ventilation in those areas as well. Hang up all wet lines to dry; leaving them in a heap is one of the quickest ways to generate a stale mildew odor.
2.6 Cleaning Interior Upolstery and Hard Surfaces
The overhead liner is vinyl and may be cleaned with many products, among which "409" is quite good. Care should be taken to avoid chafing or scraping the headliner with any sharp objects.
If cushions become wet beyond damp, remove the zippered nylon covers and allow the foam rubber to dry before reinstalling it in the cover. Thoroughly drying the cushions will prevent mildew.
Since the cushion covers are 100% nylon or equivalent, they may be spot-cleaned with soap and water using a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the fabric through to the foam rubber. Oil based stains may be removed with cleaning fluid. General cleaning with an upholstery shampoo (available at most supermarkets), can be done year ly or as required. Brushing the fabric after cleaning will raise the pile once again.
You will also find "409" and "Fantastik" to be effective cleaners for formica countertops, formica chart tables and exposed fiberglass surfaces, as in the head and shower area.
2.7 Icebox and Optional Refrigeration
Located outboard in the galley on the port side and just aft of the chart table on the starboard side are top loading iceboxes, prepared for refrigeration installation if desired. The sides and bottom of the boxes are insulated with 4-6" of dense urethane foam. The top is insulated to about 3".
The ice box drains by closing the saltwater intake thru-hull, opening the icebox drain valve located in the compartment beneath the galley sink, and using the saltwater footpump to pump the water from the icebox into the galley sink. See "Plumbing" section 4.6.
Food and dampness odors can be controlled with baking soda, much like your home refrigerator. Clean the box as required with baking soda and fresh water and pump out the drain. Take care to avoid spraying water on any refrigerator unit and make sure all power is off. When possible, leave any refrigeration unit shut off and the lid the of the box open when leaving your boat for any length of time.
2.8 Dinette
The dinette table in the main salon has a removable leaf which extends to the starboard settee. It is supported by a bracket attached to the mast and by a pedestal to the sole forward of the mast. With the leaf in place be sure that the barrel bolt latch on the hinge is engaged, or the leaf hinges could slip apart. Also be sure that the support legs for the table leaf are locked in place when the leaf is raised for use. When extended, a "click" will be heard when the legs are locked into place.
