Embedded Cabin top mounting plates

[wrbeglin]

I have a 2004 Beneteau 323. the stdb. side of the cabin top has imprints in the deck surface where you would mount additional sheet stoppers, essentially a mirror image of the one that came stock on the port side. I am told that since the inside is a solid formed head ceiling with no access port to the underside of the cabin top, that beneteau embeds aluminum plates between the two.
Does anyone, particularly 323 owners have experience with this or have pictures of the inside of their bathroom ceiling. I have the same question ans issue for the deck organizers between the mast base and the intended sheet stopper position. The black dot in the picture below indicates where the inside corner of the sheet stopper would mount.
Thanks,
Bill Beglin
Beneteau 323
Past Behavin'

 

[DougM]

I don't think that there are plates embedded. I have factory installed gennaker gear and the cabintop winch and spinlock clutches are through bolted into the headliner with large backing washers and nuts

 

[wrbeglin]

I drilled a very small pilot hole where I show the black dot in the picture and didn't feel any resistance. One of my concerns was if I through bolted and there was any gap/air space between the cabin top and headliner, when I tightened the bolts I'd really crack the headliner. one last question, is your deck organizer through bolted into the main cabin as well. I'm really hoping there is a plate in that area.
Thanks so much for your help.
Bill

 

[Ron20324]

My 2006 B323 has a gap between the deck and headliner. I thru-bolted and placed cap nuts in the head. I'll try to get pics tomorrow. I have 6 line stoppers on each side of the cabin. You could fill the gap with epoxy, but after 10 years there has been no cracking. Just don't use all your strength to tighten the nuts.The force on the line stoppers is in sheer. I've not dealt with the deck organizers. They sufficed when I ran all my lines to the cockpit.

 

[wrbeglin]

Thanks Ron, pictures would be great.

 

[Ron20324]

FINALLY found my camera and your OP. The eye strap is to hang clothes hangers on while changing or showering. There is a similar strap on the overhead in the aft cabin.

 

[wrbeglin]

Thanks so much Ron, helps a lot. By the way, is the deck organized similarly thru bolted to the main salon head liner. I drilled a small hole where thatis mounted and apparently there is no embedded aluminum plate there either.
Fair Sailing!
Bill

 

[JRacer]

On my First 310, where there are spots predetermined for mounting clutches as in your picture, there is plywood between the outer skin and inner skin. In my case, there is a removable cover in the head and the aft berth that exposes the underside of the deck. The only place, I know of, that I have embedded metal plates are where my line organizers are mounted up toward the mast. In cases where I have had to mount a cleat or fairlead where there is no access to the underside of the deck and I know there is a gap between the underside of the deck and the headliner, I have drilled my bolt holes from the outside so I know where they will come through then on the headliner I used a 1.25 inch Forstner bit to drill a 1.25 inch hole in the headliner to gain access to the underside of the deck to place the washers and nuts. After I get the part bolted down, I plug the hole in the headliner with a 1.25 inch translucent plug - Can't recall off the top where I got those, I'll have to look, but I had to buy a box of 100 so I have a lifetime supply. They are virtually invisible once pressed into the hole and flush with the headliner. I've used this same technique in places where I have had to snake wiring.

 

[wrbeglin]

Good idea on the holes and caps. No need to dig up the source. I'm set for now.
Bill