Hi Jim,

Welcome to the fleet.

Quick answers to some of your questions :

1) I haven't a water tank under the v-berth before. But many boats did have a porta-potty installed just forward of the bulkhead.

2) Most racing Tuna sailors now run the jib track to the cabin-top. You can get a good idea of placement by looking through some of the photos on this site. I don't think there is any precise measurement for position.

3) The keels were cast, and often have a cavity on one side from where it shrank when cooling. So yes, it's normal that these were filled in with some sort of goop, and it can be quite thick.

4) Chainplates. If you've still have aluminum ones, you'll want to keep an eye on them. They have a reputation for failing. I had some stainless ones custom made. They're not complicated

5) Keel bolts... don't know what to say. On my boat, they were heavily corroded but when I sawed through them, it was clear they'd last another 30 years.

6) Old-timer... I don't really count, but everyone in the fleet is helpful. Consider turning up to the fleet meeting at Pineapple Sails on Feb 17th - 7pm. Steve Seals has a lot of experience and can sell you a lot of the gear you need.

James http://www.dilworth.org/archive/boat/haulout.php

:: I just purchased hull 474, a real project, out of the
:: water for 12 years.

:: I have under the V-berth what I calculate to be about a
:: 34 Gal aluminum water tank. Is that standard? How long
:: and where is the inside jib sheet track norfmally
:: located? The keel seams to be built up out of bondo over
:: the iron keel, fairly thick. Is that normal? It's all
:: broken up and cracking off. I could used some ideas on
:: that. Are stainless chain plates available for a decent
:: price or do I have to make my own? I'm a firm believer
:: in (with exceptions) if it ain't broke don't fix it, so
:: to check on the keel bolts, just pull one to see if it's
:: rusted bad, if not just put it back in, I don't think
:: the boat has spent much time in the water. I'm probably
:: looking at some new rigging and would like to find some
:: precut and ready to go on at a decent price. What I
:: really need is and old timer who has been around to talk
:: to by phone or email. I offer the same on Balboa 26's,
:: Pearson

:: Tritons, Pearson 30 and Ranger 33's. Jim