Winter Projects

[Chance]

At this time Pearson 323,Chance, Hull 10 1977 is on the hard for another winter in Milwaukee WI.

1.    Winter project is to remove the Bomar forward and center hatches, along with the main hatch splash cover, check deck core and epoxy for new mounting screws.  This is completed.  Looking for advice on bedding them back down.  Tape or caulk.  Bomar does not sell tape anymore.

2.   On the cockpit seat hatches has anyone put anything on to prevent them from closing so quickly when crew drop them?

3.   Atomic 4 gas when running the engine for a long 80-100 mile distance, returning from races.  When cabin is closed up tight because of rain squalls or sea conditions, fumes & heat seems to build up in engine compartment and cabin.  Has anyone added an additional blower to help rid these fumes?

Bob K

[selene]

Personally I am a big fan of Butyl Tape. The more I use it, the more I like it.

These are the link that got me interested in the stuff:
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

Same guy also sells it. If you do go this route, buy from him. I have used a few different "blends", his works best (disclaimer: not associated in any way!). The main difference seems to be the viscosity and "tackiness".

Paul

[Captain Bri]

Did you find the thread on rebedding? (not obvious under a Happy Holidays title)  http://www.pearson323.com/forum/index.php/topic,390.0.html

[Chance]

Thanks Selene & SeaFever for great information on Butyl tape and links to websites.  Chance will be using the good quality Butyl tape.  Any thoughts on the other 2 projects?    Bob K

[Sanctuary]

Hi Bob,

Re:2  I have extended the sides of the hatch base to meet the top and sealed it with foam seal tape (same as on the hatches). Used Starboard with a groove routed into it.  If you look at the hatches from the inside you will see they are not water tight. If you do any offshore sailing this is a weak point on 323s. If you take a wave into the cockpit you will ship a lot of water through the hatches. They don't bang when dropped anymore. Before doing this I used a custom sized bungee cord from the lifeline to the hatch top and it helps with the hatch slamming shut when you don't want it to.

Re: 3    I have a diesel but the heat issue is the same. I run an inline or tubaxial 4" blower fan (about 220 cfm) whenever running the engine. Outlet and fan are mounted on the port stern dorade to the port lower side of the engine and the inlet hose runs from the stbd dorade and hose/duct goes to the center top of the engine where the alternator is. The air flow does a couple of things. It helps cool the high output alternator when heavy charging is going on. It also helps keep the engine compartment nice and cool even after running for hours. This helps keeps the ice cubes in the fridge/freezer from melting and any engine odors go out the back.

Hope this helps

Al
P323 #217 Sanctuary

[Chance]

Hi Al,
Thank you on your suggestion for my hatches in the cockpit, but I'm not sure how you install the star board on the sides. Could you let me know?  Your idea on the blower for cooling the engine compartment was what I was thinking too.  I have an Atomic 4 with a bilge blower going on the port side now.  Other side has a 4" vent hose going to the carburetor area of the engine. Still trying to figure out how to get better ventilation of the heat out of the engine compartment.  Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Bob K

[Frayed Knot]

This winter I installed a below deck auto pilot by Garmin.  Class B compact drive (over kill) with an GHP 12.  All hooked up NEMA 2000 (Plug and Play).  Hardest part was making a platform for the drive and the rudder stops, all in all not to hard.  Used it on the Weekend of the 28th of May on a five day trip my wife an I took .  I have to name it, it's like another person on board.  I can't wait to get the wind guages...

[selene]

My below-deck friend is called "Otto".

As in "Ottopilot" 

[Frayed Knot]

I like it...