Well, Bob, a couple of things.

Posted By: Gary, Santana 2023A, Milwaukee
Date: 4/11/08 8:55a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Tank notes (Bob Frak 2023C Marquette Mi.)

After I cut out a 4" deck hole... assuming that I'd spot the tank done, then simply screw the plate in for future inspections... I stuck my arm in there with a digital camera, started snapping pics at '12:00', then circling the clock. Fore blkhd is obviously discolored, but appears to be very sound, 'tho first glance had me somewhat taken aback. Solid yet, 'tho needs sanding/prep work per usual. The under-sole looks pretty damned good in all but one spot. Just layered resin, as everyone else's, but in truth, all I'd intend there is a light sanding, then cover up (probably doesn't need the covering, but why not while in there?). The one spot that doesn't look good 'ties' in with your question about how they modified the tank. I saw where they had cut through the deck, roughly 8" x 24", crossing the CB. Thus, arm room access on each side of trunk. That was visible to me, once I started looking (per George's comments a year or so back). Well, whoever the guys were, they certainly could have taken a few extra minutes to create a better seal on the replaced piece of wood. So, I'd (tentatively) give my for'd blkhd an 'A-', the under sole an 'A'. The aft blkhd? Well, snap shot is from to far forward to be certain, but it looks easily the worst, which would be consistent with other owners findings. That being said, could simply be very dark discoloration from a distance, as I've certainly never had so much as a drop of water in the air chamber. As for the mast support plate and support 2 x 4's: I used my thumb fingernail to push hard against the plate. Felt a quick moment of 'give'... but odly enough, that 'give' was... I doubt if even one millimeter. My 'nail then ran into the hardwood support. Let me tell you, that piece of wood was so incredibly hard! Perhaps it petrified? Anyway, now suspecting my 'nail simply pushed into a thin covering of slime. Remember, when my arm is in the portal hole, I certainly cannot also look in at same time. The 'ply used as combo sole support (extension for'd of trunk) and baffles is likewise still very hard wood. Granted, I've opened her completely, but she looks very good yet, once you get past the discoloration look of the wood. As for the non-OEM pipe fitting added to vent/fill the tank, I was unable to get a picture of it. Angled my arm, roughly 'pointed' the camera (unseen, below sole) at the correct angle but, after 4 pics or so... nothing. That, in turn, has me suspect (and would make the most sense) that the 'bottom' of the pipe is quite FLUSH with the under-side of the sole. Obviously, you'd not want it projecting into the ballast chamber? But I am hoping to hear from George, Rudy, Seth, and anyone else that's done it. See, I'm positive I read a MUCH more detailed account... in fact, I *know* that I've read a much greater detailed account of the tank repair, broken down step-by-step, even down to simple detailing the screws used, the number of them, inches between each, etc. Had thought it was on George's site, but apparently not. In any event, the entire repair will be 'nothing'. As in time consuming, but not hard to do, although certainly I believe everyone that it's physicall awkward, uncomfortable, etc. The one area of... not concern, but thoughtfullness... at this point is how to best seal the baffles, support, 2 x 4's, etc. The bulkheads and underside of the sole seem like they'll be much easier. I see the mast support (under-sole, NOT 'pole') as of primary importance, as failure there could cost you several thousand dollars on a future mast replacement. Will probably wrap a couple layers 'glass around all that. As for the undersole... it's so nice, haven't made up my mind to simply add a few layers of resin, or simply also 'glass it while I'm there. It certainly doesn't need any glassing... but... since I'm 'there' anyways, you know? So, anyone out there recall a more detailed account of the WB chamber repair? I'm thinking now that perhaps Seth sent my a ton of pics a couple years back. If so, I can only hope that they are on my present computer...