Topics

16

Deck Mounted Hardware / Traveler

« on: August 08, 2013, 11:38:50 AM »

I'm not too happy about the standard P323 traveler setup - awkward to use, always seem to be pulling from the wrong side - and was wondering if anybody has tried any alternate ways to rig it.

I have what I think is the standard layout, double block on either side, block with fiddle on the car.  The blocks on the car started disintegrating a year ago, so I replaced them.   Now the double blocks (sheaves) are falling apart.  So since I now have to replace those, I was wondering anybodyy has figured out a better way to rig things.

One idea I had was to rotate the double blocks 90degrees, so the line tails to the stern...I have also seen boats with cam cleats on the car, which is a feasible mod.

Just starting my research - somebody has to have thought about this before!

Thanks....

17

Electrical Systems & Electronics / Where is your starter battery?

« on: August 29, 2012, 11:46:38 AM »

I am considering adding a starter battery to the standard 2-house configuration, to give me more flexibility and prolong the life of the house bank.

If you have a separate starter battery, where is it located?

In a neighbours' 323, the PO had reworked the stbd lazarette, putting the plumbing above the water heater, and the starter batter beside the heater next to the motor.  Another option would be to leave the plumbing as-is, and build a separate platform next to the boiler for the battery.  I have even heard rumours of a starter located on the port lazarette, beside the house bank, but that seems like a long cable run for high amperage.....

Anyway, just noodling on it, and would appreciate any thoughts.

18

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / New Mainsheet

« on: August 04, 2012, 10:06:28 PM »

Looking to replace the mainsheet - the old one is getting, well, old!  Instead of going for Sta-Set or XLS (probably overkill), some people have suggested I look at Salsa or Regatta braid.  Anybody had experience with these ropes?  Looks like they could fray in the (metal) jam cleat. 

19

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / How do you store your whisker pole?

« on: May 14, 2012, 09:38:07 PM »

Looking for ideas/best practices.  My whisker pole is currently secured on the stbd deck, midway, with bungees holding it to a couple of stanchions...inelegant but functional.

I bought some chocks from West Marine, but with the pole amidships it rubs on the shroud turnbuckles - the chocks cannot go all the way to the deck as the stanchion base prevents this, so they have to be ~1" off the deck, thus putting the pole against the shrouds.  Further forward, and the curve of the hull interferes; further aft, it gets in the way of the jib sheets.

I have also stowed it against the mast; there is some windage, and it works fairly well except that it is sometimes fiddly to drop the mast car to the right position.  If ever you are in a hurry the mast car tends to stick!  Plus it takes longer (more steps).

So...best practices to share? Anybody tried the new Forespar chocks?

20

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Bilge outlet routing

« on: October 17, 2011, 04:10:19 PM »

I currently have a single Rule2000 bilge pump, not automatic, which joins the cockpit drain on the port side (after it's venting loop).  I am looking to add a second pump, with a float switch, bit higher than the first, as backup.

The question is - where to I route the outlet?

My current ideas are:
(1) out with the shower sump - stbd side. Only problem is that the outlet is a smaller bore than the pump (~3/4"? vs. 1-1/8")';  it would be a pain to change the through-hull.

2) Run it to the transom - the manual bilge outlet is on the stbd side, there is a covered-over hole in the same position on the port side.   Put a new marelon through-hull there.  Longer run - not sure where I would put the venting loop; it would have to be high enough so the water would go downhill to the thru-hull.

Any suggestions?

21

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Changing out wire to rope

« on: September 26, 2011, 10:52:31 AM »

So, looks like my old rope/wire halyards are finally beginning to fail. The wire is becoming a bit 'rough' - not true meathooks, but getting there. Time to move to rope halyards.

I would welcome any thoughts from folks. Like, with my 1980-vintage mast, do I need to replace the sheaves at the masthead? How easy is it to do that?

Also, any rope size/material recommendations?

Thanks - likely have to send a rigger up, but would prefer to do it myself if possible.

22

Boat Handling / Racing Tips

« on: August 14, 2011, 01:49:39 PM »

Do what I may, even with our PHRF of 180, I am not doing as well in the beercans as I would like. (I am generally using a working jib, have a fully-battened loose-footed main, sailing in 20-25 knot SF Bay winds.) Now clearly my sailing skills can be honed, and the P323 doesn't point as high as a modern boat, but I know we can do better - and would welcome any tips.

Before you jump in - clean bottoms are good  , and if ever I get the budget, a folding prop would really help.  And yeah, many pump out all water/diesel/waste, remove spare anchors, generally strip out all weight possible...and I knew I wasn't getting (or looking for) for a racer when I bought her!! But what I was interested in is any sailing/trim tips to get the best out of our babies.

Here's one for starters: The traveler position is REALLY important.

Any other tips/thoughts?

23

Standing & Running Rigging and Fitting/Tuning / Rigid Boom Vang?

« on: July 27, 2011, 11:07:27 AM »

Would appreciate any opinions on rigid boom vangs.  It looks like my PO rarely used a vang - and with the weight of our boom, I can see why.  Mine is rigged, and definitely has some use....however, on other boats, a lot of folks like rigid boom vangs, claiming improved sail shape, better overall performance...so what do you think?

Obviously it would eliminate the topping lift - yeah, it is kinda ugly when under sail, but not a big deal - but beyond that, any thoughts?

Thanks!

Paul