Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: USCG documentation application declined - net tonnage too low

« on: April 14, 2020, 05:05:08 PM »

Dolce_Vita - That's IT! Silly mistake to make.
Deck house doesn't count, because it's less than the volume of the hull. But I'll still pass muster.

2

General Discussion / USCG documentation application declined - net tonnage too low

« on: February 10, 2020, 04:00:44 PM »

Hey all,

I just received notice that my USCG initial documentation application has been declined. They calculate that my 323 does not meet the minimum of 5 net tons. I am really surprised to hear this, and would like to appeal the decision somehow. Surely a 323 is big enough. I've heard most vessels over 25 feet meet the requirement.

Has anyone here received USCG documentation? Has anyone had their net tonnage estimated at 5 tons or more?

Thanks very much for your assistance.

Edit - They made their judgement based on the form I sent in for simplified measurement, using the numbers from sailboatdata.com: LOA 32.25, Beam 10, Draft 4.5.

3

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Metal plug/bolt on strut drowned!

« on: July 23, 2019, 10:31:54 AM »

Thanks for giving me the name. Hard to Google the damned thing when I didn't know what it was. I'll order a replacement and avoid motoring til I get em back in.

4

Engine and Drive Train / Metal plug/bolt on strut drowned!

« on: July 22, 2019, 11:48:26 PM »

I was diving on my prop to check and replace zincs when I noticed two little bolts/plugs with Alan wrench heads sticking out on each side at the bottom of my strut where the prop goes through it. In the dark and murk, I thought they might be attachment points for more zincs. As I undid the second one, I lost my grip and it sank to the bottom.

Obviously I want to replace it as soon as possible, but how urgent is it? Don't want sea life growing inside the strut... What are the plugs for, though?  What are they called, so I can order a replacement?

I was anchored out. Sailed off anchor, but had to run the motor to get into my slip. Didn't notice any ill effects. Please help me not damage my prop shaft beyond repair!

Cheers, lads.

Adnaan

5

Boat Handling / Re: Weather Helm

« on: June 28, 2019, 01:49:40 PM »

Right. I'll test that out this weekend and report back. I have a 140% Genoa stowed belowdecks. Would you think that putting that up would help move the Center of Effort forward?

6

Boat Handling / Weather Helm P323

« on: June 27, 2019, 09:37:44 PM »

Hey all, I bought a 323 in San Francisco recently, and have been sailing her 3-4 times a week, all over the bay. Her rigging was in good condition when I purchased her, so I haven't really touched much, other than to replace a sail slide and tack attachment that broke when I gybed too fast.

The boat has quite a bit of weather helm, and I'm constantly fighting her whenever the wind picks up above 15kts or so, and by 25kts I have the helm hard-over to lee. It's hard on the helmsmen and the boat alike. She carries a 110% jib, I believe, and I usually keep the foot of the main pretty tight. I've read that tensioning the mast more for'ard may help... What steps should I take, and in what order? Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.