After getting the drain plug out, I proceeded to take the lids off
the starboard berth and cabin seating, so that I could have easy
access to the gate valves. I did not have much luck getting the seat
lid up. It is tight against the forward bulkhead and the sink
cabinet. I did not want to yank it out, because it was marking up
the fine finish on the bulkheads. However, I got it levered up
enough to get my arm and wrench through. The biggest challenge will
be getting at the sink drain valve. I was trying to see if that
cabinet would come apart, which would allow me easy access to the
sink valve and let me take the seat all the way apart. However, I
started noticing nails and staples holes and so gave up. I won't
take it apart unless I run into problems getting the gate valve
loose. Unfortunetly, the sink valve appears to be the most corroded
of the lot. Has anyone taken the sink and ice box cabinet apart?
Any pointers, in case I have to do this? Now I have to go hunt down
a pipe wrench.
Since I had everything apart, I went ahead and removed all the
hoses. Any suggestions on hose replacements? Otherwise, I'll be at
the mercy of the West Marine Sales Department.
While looking around the boat bottom and searching to make sure I had
located all the through hulls and valve locations, I noticed a
mystery port on the port side (1976 Vega Model). It is circular
about 2" or 2.5" (5-6 cm). It is slightly raised up from the hull
surface, with a bevel. There appears to be a circular seam, as if a
screw, or cap is in the center. It's located in the same plane as
the aft edge of the cabin window. This would place it somewhere
behind the stove cabinet. I tried to locate it from the inside, but
I can't access that part of the inside hull because of the stove
cabinetry. Any idea what this is? My guess is maybe a depth sounder
transducer? Is this an actual break in the hull? Is there anything
here that should be checked while the boat is out of the water?
BTW, thanks for all the help over the past few months. This group
has been a great resource.
Chris Stevens
V-2933
Chesapeake Bay, USA