Starboard deck hardware on Beneteau 323

[ChiPete]

Hi All,

I have a 2008 Beneteau 323. I want to fit the rigging and fittings to allow me to fly a spinnaker, as well as run the vang, clew outhaul and topping lift back to the cockpit. To do this, I need to fit a deck organiser, jammers and winch to the starboard side of the coach-roof.

Having looked into this, it seems to be nearly impossible to effect the installation of the deck gear. The reason is simple - Beneteau have decided to fit a solid headliner to the saloon and heads, something that wasn't present on earlier models. No headliner meant you could drill through the coach-roof and fit the load plates, washer and nuts inside, topping off the bolt with a plastic shroud.

Does anyone have a similiar boat/problem and can you give me any pointers as to how I can get around this?

I have spoken to Ancasta who are talking to Beneteau - initial findings don't look good. It appears Beneteau in their wisdom have fitted the headliner without thinking about how owners will fit deck gear to starboard after commissioning without destroying the interior..... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Pete

 

[oldsaltoz]

Given that if you install a winch, you will need access to the nuts from time to time.

With is mind, look around for neat inspection hatch cover, there are some designed for interior use that don't look too ugly.

You can then drill the required holes, then cut away the area for the inspection cover using the holes as a guide.

Slap some resin and micro fibres onto the load spreading plate when installing, this ensures an even load spread.

Have also seen sections cut out of solid head liners and small battens on a suitable timber or other material used to hide the seam.

Let's hope the next poster has a better way.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[ChiPete]

Thanks Oldsalt, much appreciated.

Cutting the headliner is the last resort, but that's a good steer re the inspection hatch for the winch. That area won't be too iffy as it's in the heads and a hatch might well do the job - it's the installation of the deck organiser above the saloon headliner that fills me with dread!!

Have a great weekend too!

Pete

 

[pvb]

On my boat, the holes in the headliner beneath deck fittings are concealed by circular wooden plates. Quite an easy solution and not too ugly perhaps.

 

[ChiPete]

Thanks pvb, I like that solution, it's the tidiest I've seen so far.

Did you make up the plates or are they available 'off the shelf'?

Pete

 

[pvb]

They were factory-fitted by Hallberg Rassy. But they're only discs of varnished wood, so shouldn't be difficult to make or get made.

 

[ChiPete]

Thanks again pvb, that's great.
Pete