Messages

496

Engine and Drive Train / Re: P323 shaft struct

« on: June 12, 2012, 10:50:10 AM »

It's not necessary remove the fuel tank.  You can get to them from the cockpit lockers if you remove the perfboard "walls"  in the stern.  Tight but doable.

497

Cruising / Re: First Cruise

« on: June 11, 2012, 09:44:01 PM »

I just noticed you're in Gloucester Point.  By any chance, is your 323 the former "Dawn Treader" (hull #197)?
It was located in Gloucester Point when it went up for sale last year.

498

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Re: Wash down system

« on: June 11, 2012, 03:08:13 PM »

If you plumb your washdown for both fresh & salt, be VERY careful to install check valves so you don't accidentaly contaminate your freshwater supply with saltwater!

499

Cruising / Re: First Cruise

« on: June 11, 2012, 11:27:32 AM »

We are doing a DelMarVa circumnavigation next week and plan to be in Cape Charles Town Harbor around the 19th. Maybe our paths will cross.

500

Cruising / Re: First Cruise

« on: June 04, 2012, 02:49:49 PM »

And you picked a great weekend for it!  Weather (at least here on the upper Chesapeake) was perfect.

We, too, spent the whole 3-day weekend on the boat, anchoring out in Rock Creek (off of the Patapsco), and Swan Creek, just north of Rock Hall.  Even got a swim in!

501

Ports & Hatches / Rebedding Small Portlights

« on: May 04, 2012, 03:33:11 PM »

Well, I finally got around to putting this up on my website, even though it's been 2 years since I did it!

The small opening port in the head was leaking badly wheb we bought the boat, both through the
worn-out gasket and through the bedding.  I did a lot of research among sailors who had
performed successfull waterproof repairs and "borrowed" all their good ideas.  Full story at:

http://www.chessie.com/boat/projects.shtml#Port

It's now been two years and this repair has been rock-solid and leak-free.

The two key points that were essential were :
  1. Epoxy-fill the gap between the cabinhouse wall and the inner liner.
  2. Use Dow Corning 795 as the bedding.

502

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Source for eye straps on the port side of the boom for reefing lines

« on: April 22, 2012, 04:55:53 PM »

Try here: http://search.defender.com/?expression=eye%20strap

Defender has a wide range of choices.

503

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Re: Boom vang

« on: April 19, 2012, 05:22:54 PM »

If you go with the rigid vang, you should consider pulling and reversing the main cabin's deck hatch, as it will be unable to be opened.

504

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Re: Refrigeration

« on: April 16, 2012, 11:03:24 PM »

My PO installed an EZ-Kold holding plate system.  It has impressive energy consumption specs (only 30 to 36 Amp-Hrs per day), but requires a well-insulated box to achieve this.  My icebox is unaltered from the factory, and has inadequite insulation, as with most production boats. I place a 1-inch foam panel on the countertop, and it gets quite cold underneath. 

But the real problem is the wall up against the engine room.  It gets HOT in there.  I plan to inject foam behind the plywood, and then put another inch or two on top of the plywood.  We'll see how it goes.  Meanwhile, we use ice and the regrigeration together.  Works much better than just ice alone. 

505

Electrical Systems & Electronics / Re: In-Line Ignition/gauge panel, four bank, 12 volt Fuse block

« on: April 10, 2012, 04:46:25 PM »

Wow,  I've never seen anything like that!  And Volvo prices are absurd.

You could replace it with any in-line fuseholder with a replaceable cartridge fuse, as long as you get the current rating right.

There's nothing "magic" about a Volvo fuse! 

You could use something like this (http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|296553|319681&id=50638 )
or this ( http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|296553|336270&id=333199 ).  Replacement fuses are
only a few bucks and available at any automotive store.

506

Electrical Systems & Electronics / Re: In-Line Ignition/gauge panel, four bank, 12 volt Fuse block

« on: April 09, 2012, 08:39:44 PM »

There are a lot of different kinds of inline fuses.  Glass AGC, Automotive ATC, mini ATC,...

A photo would help a lot.

507

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Expected running temp MD11c?

« on: April 09, 2012, 09:18:54 AM »

Did you replace the sender along withthe gauge?  Senders must be matched to the gauge, and there is no "standard" or universal sender. 

Even within the same brand of gauge, there are different senders needed for different models.

508

Mast and Spar Issues / Re: Original Mast Manufacturer

« on: April 06, 2012, 10:27:30 PM »

I re-measured my mast, using a big clamp as a caliper, and got 7 3/4" x 4 3/4".

So it looks like mine, at least, is an SS-7747.

509

Mast and Spar Issues / Re: Original Mast Manufacturer

« on: April 02, 2012, 05:42:44 PM »

I tried measuring the mast this weekend, but didn't have any calipers big enough, so I tried to eyeball it.

By eye, I got 7 1/2" x 4 1/2".   The closest match on the Rig-Rite site is the
Sound Spars SS-7747, which is 7 3/4" x 4 3/4".   The mast boot and mast
collars for the SS-7747 claim they were used on the Pearson 323.

510

Deck Mounted Hardware / Re: Where to mount 15W solar panel?

« on: March 25, 2012, 10:36:16 AM »

For me, the back rail isn't a good mounting choice.  It's already too cluttered with the swim ladder, dinghy outboard, and grill.  I also have a tower on the aft-port corner for a wind generator.

I have a bimini, so my prime location would be on top of that.