Messages

1

Interior Structures / Re: Help with water tank replacement

« on: April 23, 2012, 03:12:30 PM »

Hi Gerry,

Thank you for the reply....I looked at the site that you recommended and it appears that he just cut out the fiberglass tank. Because the 323 has solid fiberglass over the tanks that will need to be cut out, I am really looking for some ideas about how to replace the fiberglass reinforcement over the tanks. Like I said I have no experience with fiberglass nor do I know how to rebuild it after I cut it out.....with that being said....I was hoping someone had already replaced theirs and could share some incite on the best and easiest way to do the job. Thanks again though!

Sid Longo
S&M, Hull #203
St. Petersburg, FL

2

Interior Structures / Help with water tank replacement

« on: April 17, 2012, 01:52:29 PM »

Hello Everyone,

I just found out that my port water tank is leaking  and it is not any of the hoses.... it looks like I have to cut out a lot of fiberglass to change out my tanks....has anyone already replaced their port and starboard tanks yet? I am trying to figure out the best way to get them out....hopefully find a place here in Tampa Bay to make new ones....reinstall them.... (here is my major dilemma) rebuilding the fiberglass support over the tanks (I have no experience with fiberglass) sure I  have a few inventive ways in my mind on how to redo it....Danger Will Robinson!!!  I just wanted to reach out there and see if anyone has pictures of their experience with the water tanks.....

Thanks,

Sid

3

Mast and Spar Issues / Re: Mast corrosion

« on: December 07, 2011, 11:17:42 PM »

Hello Everyone,
 My wife and I just recently got out of the yard where we did a bunch of work to our boat. I often read in various blogs about the mast step rotting…I kept an eye on my step, I knew that it was pretty bad but I didn’t know how bad it was until I removed it. Luckily it held out for one last 9 hour sail prior to replacing it. I talked to a friend with a 323 and his mast dropped 2” while under sail and that worried me even more. Another friend had his chain plates break again while under sail, needless to say it wasn’t pretty in either case. So while we were in the yard we replaced all of our chain plates, including the one on the bow (still had the 323 written on the bottom of it and it was a major pain to change out!!). We also replaced the mast step and cut out 2” of the mast. The bottom of the mast wasn’t too bad however, I cannot say the same about the step. While talking to my step fabricator I decided to go with the aluminum step (for dissimilar metals issues). Now I can’t wait to take it sailing again soon. Here are some pictures of what I experienced with mine. Happy Holidays!
Sid