New owner 23 Tsunami - random questions

[abl1111]

Are the side windows supposed to be lexan or glass ? If glass, has anyone replaced them ? What is the thickness and the price ?

The ladder to gain access to the bow for anchoring - necessary or not - I do not have it. Is there a suitable replacement ?

The ss rail on the bow - thru-bolted or screwed ? And if bolted, are the nuts accessable for tightening ?

Is there any balsa core in the boat? Where ?

Has anyone built or bought storage 'boxes' to mount the helm and passenger seats on ? My boat has long pedestals and I might cut them down and convert them.

The 5' or so hatch on the floor - can this be hinged to the floor ? Is this recommended ? Is there something i.e wood under the floor to screw firmly to to hold the hinges in place properly ?

What weight rated trailer would I need for this boat ? With a single V8, or a 250 o/b ?

Are chrome air vents available and where ?

Thank you very much.

- Alan

[bobfish21]

alan,
glad to hear the boat made it up.in regard to your questions:
side windows are lexan;had them cut at a glass shop near by using old ones as templates.i think it cost me about 150-175,about what it would have cost me to go buy a sheat of plexi and cut it myself.
ladder is not really needed,but i have my original;if you need to take a look at it to fabricate a replacement,let me know.
seating-mine had 'glass boxes with back to backs,pulled them out in favor of pedestals,one helm,one passenger.placed 94 qt marine igloos with tie down kits directly behind these.with the fitted cushionsontop they provide ample seating and a ton of storage,both for fish/bait and dry goods.
5' hatch can be hinged,as mine is.the deck provides plenty of bight for the screws required,just make sure to seal with 5200.
trailor-boat w/o power is 3500,your proposed drive train(350 i/o) is 1000 lbs,full fuel adds 400-500,plus gear puts you at 5000 plus.dont cut corners here-get a 6400lb easy loader type.the price difference is not that much over a 5300-5500,and for peace of mind when transporting its worth it.
hope this helps
bobfish21

[ScottM]

Alan,
Here is my $.02:
Side windows - I believe the ones on my '82 are glass, they certainly look and feel like glass, but I'm not 100% sure. Perhaps they are lexan.
Ladder - don't have one and don't really need one as I have storage boxes that I can step on to get me onto the dash, which then allows me to step over the windshield onto the bow.
Bow rail - thru-bolted, definitely. If you just screw it in it will pull out eventually.
Balsa core - I doubt it. Everything seems to be plywood cored where there is wood.
Storage boxes - the '82s had them installed from the factory and they work great. They can be used for wet storage as well since they are plumbed overboard through the hull sides. I do like bobfish21's idea about the 2 coolers with the straight pedestal seats, that would give you more storage than what I have with the factory boxes.
5' hatch - don't have one. All the flooring in mine is bolted down and sealed with 4200.
Trailer - got a 6,000# Shore Lander roller which works perfect. I run a 225 Evinrude on mine and have the 144 gal fuel tank, so I max out around 5,000# without gear. Having that extra 1,000# of capacity is a good thing. If you go with an I/O, you'll definitely want 6,400# at least.
Chrome air vents - I have never seen them, so can't help you out there.