1970 P-33 Deck Core & Centerboard

[RhodySail]

Hi All!

My friend and I are looking at picking up a 1970 P-33 on the cheap. We realize buying a boat that vintage will come with no shortage of projects but overall we really liked her. If anyone has some feedback on the following issue it would be verymuch appreciated:

1. Localized Leaking at the toe Rail: It appears some water is getting in through the toe rail. Re-bedding the screws is within my capability but I'm worried if the '70 P-33 has balsa core deck the project could get exponentially bigger (and costlier). Does anyone know how these decks were laid up or have experience fixing small leaks on the toe rail?

2. Centerboard stuck up: Owner states it was working in the spring which would lead me to believe its got some barnacles in there holding her in place. Anyone have any experience with this? If its beyond some growth that needs a good scraping what am I looking at as far as a job to fix this sucker. Also, while I have blue-water dreams, realistically we'll be booze-cruising in the relative calm of narragansett bay with some minor coastal sailing (Block Island, Cuttyhunk, etc.) Do I need the board for extra ballast or is it just for upwind performance.

Any other thoughts on this model and vintage greatly appreciated!

-Dave.

 

[Archis]

I have a 73 P33 and love her! Barnacles have been a problem with my sticking center board since I've owned the boat. They are easy to remove on the hard.

 

[Cherokee48]

Hi All!

My friend and I are looking at picking up a 1970 P-33 on the cheap. We realize buying a boat that vintage will come with no shortage of projects but overall we really liked her. If anyone has some feedback on the following issue it would be verymuch appreciated:

1. Localized Leaking at the toe Rail: It appears some water is getting in through the toe rail. Re-bedding the screws is within my capability but I'm worried if the '70 P-33 has balsa core deck the project could get exponentially bigger (and costlier). Does anyone know how these decks were laid up or have experience fixing small leaks on the toe rail?

2. Centerboard stuck up: Owner states it was working in the spring which would lead me to believe its got some barnacles in there holding her in place. Anyone have any experience with this? If its beyond some growth that needs a good scraping what am I looking at as far as a job to fix this sucker. Also, while I have blue-water dreams, realistically we'll be booze-cruising in the relative calm of narragansett bay with some minor coastal sailing (Block Island, Cuttyhunk, etc.) Do I need the board for extra ballast or is it just for upwind performance.

Any other thoughts on this model and vintage greatly appreciated!

-Dave.

The P33 does have a balsa cored deck, but it does not extend out to the toe rail area. At that point it is solid fiberglass, leakage there does not affect the cored area. The area under the toe rail is the hull to deck lap joint. The balsa core begins a couple of inches inboard of this and and gradually tapers up to the fully cored deck area. I just finished completely replacing an eight foot by one foot section on my port bow that was damaged by hurricane Irene. Good luck with your project. They are great boats that sail very well and are very sturdily built.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

The centerboard aids in windward performance.