The hull on my Benteau 323 of course is curved on the bottom and the iron keel(not encapsulated) is flat where it meets the hull. Subsequently there is a small gap between the hull and keel forward. Beneteau suggests closing the gap (caulking) with 3M 5200. I did that years ago and it has held well. I wonder how important it was to do that. Was it primarily cosmetic? Was it important to protect the keel bolts? If it was important to do, why didn't Benteteau do this when they manufacture the boat? I think this subject has been talked about in the past and I think Catalinas have a similar issue(I think it was called the catalina smile). I was just wondering as I wait out the winter in Illinois. Secondly, my boat has a Yanmar 3ym20 diesel engine. I have not had any problems with it. It only has alarms for low oil pressure and temperature, no gauges. I was contemplating putting on an oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge. Asking for thoughts or opinion on installing gauges.
A few questions.
- Thread starter Mike8193
- Start date
Check keel bolt torque if you are concerned about the gap.
as to the gauges vs. alarms choice, my opinion is that gauges satisfy curiosity only and don’t provide an immediate notification of a problem unless you constantly look - something no one does.
Conversely, , alarms don’t forewarn of impending problems which is a gauge’s greatest attribute.
So, it’s not always an either/or choice - if you want both, have both (Alarms and gauges)
as to the gauges vs. alarms choice, my opinion is that gauges satisfy curiosity only and don’t provide an immediate notification of a problem unless you constantly look - something no one does.
Conversely, , alarms don’t forewarn of impending problems which is a gauge’s greatest attribute.
So, it’s not always an either/or choice - if you want both, have both (Alarms and gauges)
Agree with Don. You fixed the gap that was there. If it stays the way you fixed it, you fixed it. Leave it alone. If it changes, it needs fixing. Only if it changes. Beneteau didn't do it when the boat was built because they didn't let the keel hit anything at the factory before it was launched.
For the gauges - are you going to stick your head down below your knees in the cockpit to look at them while you motor along, with the dials jiggling behind plastic that's been clouded with spray that you can't see through? Or are you going to be steering the boat so you don't run into somebody? Do you actually look at a the gauges on your car's dashboard, which are much easier to see, as you drive around town? Spend money on something that will be useful, like cockpit cushions.
For the gauges - are you going to stick your head down below your knees in the cockpit to look at them while you motor along, with the dials jiggling behind plastic that's been clouded with spray that you can't see through? Or are you going to be steering the boat so you don't run into somebody? Do you actually look at a the gauges on your car's dashboard, which are much easier to see, as you drive around town? Spend money on something that will be useful, like cockpit cushions.
Installing gauges is a useful endeavour if you like to feel you're on top of everything.
A couple of years ago my temp gauge was slowly coming up from cruising at 172 deg. to 180 deg. which tipped me off that my heat exchanger was coming due for a cleaning in the next winter off season. Now back to 172 deg. and everybody's happy.
Be sure to mount your gauges in a visible location and not between your knees which MAY get people wondering about you
.
A couple of years ago my temp gauge was slowly coming up from cruising at 172 deg. to 180 deg. which tipped me off that my heat exchanger was coming due for a cleaning in the next winter off season. Now back to 172 deg. and everybody's happy.
Be sure to mount your gauges in a visible location and not between your knees which MAY get people wondering about you
.I once had fresh water impeller fail this Summer and I didn't have a spare. Luckily I was able to sail in, until the wind died.
The gauges allowed me to run the engine until it started to overheat. it took a while, but I got home and didn't hurt the engine.
lesson for me was gauges are good, spares are better.
Some gauges, like the ones on my C310 are very visible from the helm, and not covered by plastic, etc. And, yes, I do look at them. It's a process called scanning. Check your heading, check ahead and around you, check the gauges, repeat. I do this in my car, too. I believe this is taught to pilots, and it seems to work for them.
I'd contact Beneteau to see if they can tell you how much of a gap is normal
An RPM guage is also very useful
An RPM guage is also very useful