Cal 30 Questions

I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a hatch <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=94&script=showthread&foru\ mid=23> opening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol stove <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=101&script=showthread&for\ umid=23> on the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small holding tank <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=87&script=showthread&foru\ mid=23> in this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? 5. Anything else? Thanks in advance. Murph

In 1962 my family bought one of these. I believe that it was number 12 off the line and cost $16000 at the time. It was a great boat and 6 of us cruised all over Puget Sound and as far up as Desolation Sound on it. So working from old memories, I remember the old lazarette area but there was no uncovered opening in the cockpit, unless you are referring to the companionway hatch which has a low step into the cabin. If you are going offshore, a hatchboard would take care of that worry. They came with a 2 burner alcohol stove. The original was temperamental. I would not want one like it today. I would look at an Origo as a replacement. In 1962 there was no requirement for a holding tank. Everything went into the bay. They came with an installed head. I think there would be room behind the head to install a holding tank. I don't remember much about the fuel tank. I have a 1976 Cal 2-29 now and just replaced my 36 year old diesel tank last year. It had an original mild steel tank that corroded from salt water splashing up on it from the spinning prop shaft over the years. These boats sail well and with the full keel track well down wind in a blow. It is a nice bit of "classic plastic" if you can find one in relatively good shape. With the purchase of any old boat, you are in for some work, but as many of us on the list will tell you, it is worth it. Good luck! Terry Spencer On Feb 2, 2013, at 8:29 AM, mascomgroup wrote: > I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. > > If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. > > Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. > > 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a hatch opening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? > > 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol stove on the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? > > 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small holding tank in this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. > > 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? > > 5. Anything else? > > Thanks in advance. > > Murph > >

here are a few thoughts...that hole in the aft "bulkhead" at the stern should have a small door in it. make one to fit as if you were making a hatch cover and hinge one side and a lock on the other. at least you'll have an inspection port. do you have tiller or wheel? next, make sure all your "teeny" cockpit drains flow clear(under the seat and aft to stern. next; I just restored a 30 early last year...it had been rewired both 110 and 12 volt.beautiful job, and a new fuel tank(A4 with gas) had been installed and the fill went at a nice angle toward the port and then up, good fit without rebuilding the settee..on the starboard side from companionway forward is a short bulkhead, which was the aft end of the gimballed stove we replaced(some owners don't use ovens so it's personal how you arrange that section), forward of that is the bulkhead which begins the galley/sink portion that goes to the bulkhead where the door to the head compartment is. in that portion had been an icebox (typical Cal style). previous owner had removed it and the entire cabinet/drawer face and put shelves. I reconstructed the face with mahogany marine ply to reinstall the drawers(which had not been tossed) exactly as original. the difference being a framed section between drawers and bulkhead to hold small cube refrigerator.(i captured it so it would remain in place while sailing). There is a smart charger and an inverter which can still keep it running if you are motoring.next:going into head area, there is a porta pottysecured (it can be pumped out if desired to put in fittings). the previous owner insulated the little compartments under the v-berth rather than install a holding tank under it.(in the old days all you had was a through hull to pump overboard). I researched holding tanks and at least two companies make really odd shapes(already shapes in their files) that you can retrofit to the cubby behind the head, that has a curve and fits the bilge shape on the outside and will show a flat side to the head itself. then you have a tight space to angle the head and accomodate the flush mechanism and still open the door. the sink and wet locker behind it are opposite the head. the boat is unbelievably roomy for a 30. we sailed it on the sf bay a few times,(we had sold our cal 29 and bought a cal36 and this 30 that fell into our hands let us get sweat equity to sell to pay for the haulout of the 36).if you look at the hull and rudder under waterline,you will see a fuller keel compared to the 29 or 36. i found it turns a bit slower than those.the bilge pump sits wayyyyy down in the cockpit floor (you can find it by removing seat lazarette lid of settee closest to the vertical pole) and must be very carefully secured. the deck configuration is comfortable. the cockpit can surprise you if a wave from the bow breaks as it will sneak around and soak the seat of your pants..foulies are the answer here.good luck, Helen (and Ed) Caliente (1967 Cal 36). From: mascomgroup <sa… [at] mascom.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Sat, February 2, 2013 8:29:47 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a hatchopening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol stoveon the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small holding tankin this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? 5. Anything else? Thanks in advance. Murph

Helen & Ed: Thanks so much for your detailed replies to some of my questions. I’ve had quite a few boats in the past and each one presents unique assets and challenges. Take the head, for example. I haven’t had the chance to take any measurements, but just assumed that there would be room in that area for a holding tank below the toilet bowl and pump. While that still may be possible, your suggestion that I may need to look for something that fits the bilge curve is probably a better idea. Making a hatch door for that lazarette won’t be too much of a challenge; I think it is strange that there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of a former hatch through hinge holes, etc. There are lots of quirks I see with this boat that will take a bit of tweaking. Things like the weird dual compasses on cockpit bulkheads enclosed in v-shaped containers, cockpit control of forward and reverse for A4, but no throttle, etc. There seems to be a lot of promise with this boat – if I’m willing to make all of the mods that will make it more suitable. It will be quite a change in many ways; this will be our first boat that doesn’t make it back to our yard for winter storage! Greg Murphy From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Helen Horn Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 2:53 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions here are a few thoughts...that hole in the aft "bulkhead" at the stern should have a small door in it. make one to fit as if you were making a hatch cover and hinge one side and a lock on the other. at least you'll have an inspection port. do you have tiller or wheel? next, make sure all your "teeny" cockpit drains flow clear(under the seat and aft to stern. next; I just restored a 30 early last year...it had been rewired both 110 and 12 volt.beautiful job, and a new fuel tank(A4 with gas) had been installed and the fill went at a nice angle toward the port and then up, good fit without rebuilding the settee..on the starboard side from companionway forward is a short bulkhead, which was the aft end of the gimballed stove we replaced(some owners don't use ovens so it's personal how you arrange that section), forward of that is the bulkhead which begins the galley/sink portion that goes to the bulkhead where the door to the head compartment is. in that portion had been an icebox (typical Cal style). previous owner had removed it and the entire cabinet/drawer face and put shelves. I reconstructed the face with mahogany marine ply to reinstall the drawers(which had not been tossed) exactly as original. the difference being a framed section between drawers and bulkhead to hold small cube refrigerator.(i captured it so it would remain in place while sailing). There is a smart charger and an inverter which can still keep it running if you are motoring.next:going into head area, there is a porta pottysecured (it can be pumped out if desired to put in fittings). the previous owner insulated the little compartments under the v-berth rather than install a holding tank under it.(in the old days all you had was a through hull to pump overboard). I researched holding tanks and at least two companies make really odd shapes(already shapes in their files) that you can retrofit to the cubby behind the head, that has a curve and fits the bilge shape on the outside and will show a flat side to the head itself. then you have a tight space to angle the head and accomodate the flush mechanism and still open the door. the sink and wet locker behind it are opposite the head. the boat is unbelievably roomy for a 30. we sailed it on the sf bay a few times,(we had sold our cal 29 and bought a cal36 and this 30 that fell into our hands let us get sweat equity to sell to pay for the haulout of the 36).if you look at the hull and rudder under waterline,you will see a fuller keel compared to the 29 or 36. i found it turns a bit slower than those.the bilge pump sits wayyyyy down in the cockpit floor (you can find it by removing seat lazarette lid of settee closest to the vertical pole) and must be very carefully secured. the deck configuration is comfortable. the cockpit can surprise you if a wave from the bow breaks as it will sneak around and soak the seat of your pants..foulies are the answer here. good luck, Helen (and Ed) Caliente (1967 Cal 36). _____ From: mascomgroup <sa… [at] mascom.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Sat, February 2, 2013 8:29:47 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=94&script=showthread&forumid=23> hatch opening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=101&script=showthread&forumid=23> stove on the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=87&script=showthread&forumid=23> holding tank in this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? 5. Anything else? Thanks in advance. Murph

Terry: Thank you, so much, for taking the time to respond to some of my questions. I think it is neat that you have fond memories of having one of these when it was new. While I won't be able to take more photos until the shrink-wrap comes off in the spring, here's one that the owner's took last summer. Greg Murphy From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Terry Spencer Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2013 12:21 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions In 1962 my family bought one of these. I believe that it was number 12 off the line and cost $16000 at the time. It was a great boat and 6 of us cruised all over Puget Sound and as far up as Desolation Sound on it. So working from old memories, I remember the old lazarette area but there was no uncovered opening in the cockpit, unless you are referring to the companionway hatch which has a low step into the cabin. If you are going offshore, a hatchboard would take care of that worry. They came with a 2 burner alcohol stove. The original was temperamental. I would not want one like it today. I would look at an Origo as a replacement. In 1962 there was no requirement for a holding tank. Everything went into the bay. They came with an installed head. I think there would be room behind the head to install a holding tank. I don't remember much about the fuel tank. I have a 1976 Cal 2-29 now and just replaced my 36 year old diesel tank last year. It had an original mild steel tank that corroded from salt water splashing up on it from the spinning prop shaft over the years. These boats sail well and with the full keel track well down wind in a blow. It is a nice bit of "classic plastic" if you can find one in relatively good shape. With the purchase of any old boat, you are in for some work, but as many of us on the list will tell you, it is worth it. Good luck! Terry Spencer On Feb 2, 2013, at 8:29 AM, mascomgroup wrote: I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=94&script=showthread&forumid= 23> hatch opening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=101&script=showthread&forumid =23> stove on the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small <http://www.sailnet.com/forums/autolink.php?id=87&script=showthread&forumid= 23> holding tank in this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? 5. Anything else? Thanks in advance. Murph

we'll send pics(or the new owner will)but the throttle came installed "inside!) the cabin next to the companionway(really hard to use so new owner moved it.) the boat looks really nice, we approve. Helen (our cal36 has a compass that goes onto a mount on either coaming depending upon your sailing angle..lives inside on third mount, then can plug in for lights at each outer location..check for that).the tank makers are moller and one that starts with an "R". From: Sailorman <sa… [at] mascom.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, February 5, 2013 5:32:14 AM Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions Helen & Ed: Thanks so much for your detailed replies to some of my questions. I’ve had quite a few boats in the past and each one presents unique assets and challenges. Take the head, for example. I haven’t had the chance to take any measurements, but just assumed that there would be room in that area for a holding tank below the toilet bowl and pump. While that still may be possible, your suggestion that I may need to look for something that fits the bilge curve is probably a better idea. Making a hatch door for that lazarette won’t be too much of a challenge; I think it is strange that there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of a former hatch through hinge holes, etc. There are lots of quirks I see with this boat that will take a bit of tweaking. Things like the weird dual compasses on cockpit bulkheads enclosed in v-shaped containers, cockpit control of forward and reverse for A4, but no throttle, etc. There seems to be a lot of promise with this boat – if I’m willing to make all of the mods that will make it more suitable. It will be quite a change in many ways; this will be our first boat that doesn’t make it back to our yard for winter storage! Greg Murphy From:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Helen Horn Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 2:53 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions here are a few thoughts...that hole in the aft "bulkhead" at the stern should have a small door in it. make one to fit as if you were making a hatch cover and hinge one side and a lock on the other. at least you'll have an inspection port. do you have tiller or wheel? next, make sure all your "teeny" cockpit drains flow clear(under the seat and aft to stern. next; I just restored a 30 early last year...it had been rewired both 110 and 12 volt.beautiful job, and a new fuel tank(A4 with gas) had been installed and the fill went at a nice angle toward the port and then up, good fit without rebuilding the settee..on the starboard side from companionway forward is a short bulkhead, which was the aft end of the gimballed stove we replaced(some owners don't use ovens so it's personal how you arrange that section), forward of that is the bulkhead which begins the galley/sink portion that goes to the bulkhead where the door to the head compartment is. in that portion had been an icebox (typical Cal style). previous owner had removed it and the entire cabinet/drawer face and put shelves. I reconstructed the face with mahogany marine ply to reinstall the drawers(which had not been tossed) exactly as original. the difference being a framed section between drawers and bulkhead to hold small cube refrigerator.(i captured it so it would remain in place while sailing). There is a smart charger and an inverter which can still keep it running if you are motoring.next:going into head area, there is a porta pottysecured (it can be pumped out if desired to put in fittings). the previous owner insulated the little compartments under the v-berth rather than install a holding tank under it.(in the old days all you had was a through hull to pump overboard). I researched holding tanks and at least two companies make really odd shapes(already shapes in their files) that you can retrofit to the cubby behind the head, that has a curve and fits the bilge shape on the outside and will show a flat side to the head itself. then you have a tight space to angle the head and accomodate the flush mechanism and still open the door. the sink and wet locker behind it are opposite the head. the boat is unbelievably roomy for a 30. we sailed it on the sf bay a few times,(we had sold our cal 29 and bought a cal36 and this 30 that fell into our hands let us get sweat equity to sell to pay for the haulout of the 36).if you look at the hull and rudder under waterline,you will see a fuller keel compared to the 29 or 36. i found it turns a bit slower than those.the bilge pump sits wayyyyy down in the cockpit floor (you can find it by removing seat lazarette lid of settee closest to the vertical pole) and must be very carefully secured. the deck configuration is comfortable. the cockpit can surprise you if a wave from the bow breaks as it will sneak around and soak the seat of your pants..foulies are the answer here. good luck, Helen (and Ed) Caliente (1967 Cal 36). From:mascomgroup <sa… [at] mascom.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Sat, February 2, 2013 8:29:47 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a hatchopening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol stoveon the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small holding tankin this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? 5. Anything else? Thanks in advance. Murph

Ronco plastics: http://www.ronco-plastics.com/ I've used them and recommend them. George From: Helen Horn Sent: Tue 2/5/2013 12:02 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions we'll send pics(or the new owner will)but the throttle came installed "inside!) the cabin next to the companionway(really hard to use so new owner moved it.) the boat looks really nice, we approve. Helen (our cal36 has a compass that goes onto a mount on either coaming depending upon your sailing angle..lives inside on third mount, then can plug in for lights at each outer location..check for that).the tank makers are moller and one that starts with an "R". From: Sailorman <sa… [at] mascom.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Tue, February 5, 2013 5:32:14 AM Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions Helen & Ed: Thanks so much for your detailed replies to some of my questions. I've had quite a few boats in the past and each one presents unique assets and challenges. Take the head, for example. I haven't had the chance to take any measurements, but just assumed that there would be room in that area for a holding tank below the toilet bowl and pump. While that still may be possible, your suggestion that I may need to look for something that fits the bilge curve is probably a better idea. Making a hatch door for that lazarette won't be too much of a challenge; I think it is strange that there doesn't seem to be any evidence of a former hatch through hinge holes, etc. There are lots of quirks I see with this boat that will take a bit of tweaking. Things like the weird dual compasses on cockpit bulkheads enclosed in v-shaped containers, cockpit control of forward and reverse for A4, but no throttle, etc. There seems to be a lot of promise with this boat - if I'm willing to make all of the mods that will make it more suitable. It will be quite a change in many ways; this will be our first boat that doesn't make it back to our yard for winter storage! Greg Murphy From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Helen Horn Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 2:53 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions here are a few thoughts...that hole in the aft "bulkhead" at the stern should have a small door in it. make one to fit as if you were making a hatch cover and hinge one side and a lock on the other. at least you'll have an inspection port. do you have tiller or wheel? next, make sure all your "teeny" cockpit drains flow clear(under the seat and aft to stern. next; I just restored a 30 early last year...it had been rewired both 110 and 12 volt.beautiful job, and a new fuel tank(A4 with gas) had been installed and the fill went at a nice angle toward the port and then up, good fit without rebuilding the settee..on the starboard side from companionway forward is a short bulkhead, which was the aft end of the gimballed stove we replaced(some owners don't use ovens so it's personal how you arrange that section), forward of that is the bulkhead which begins the galley/sink portion that goes to the bulkhead where the door to the head compartment is. in that portion had been an icebox (typical Cal style). previous owner had removed it and the entire cabinet/drawer face and put shelves. I reconstructed the face with mahogany marine ply to reinstall the drawers(which had not been tossed) exactly as original. the difference being a framed section between drawers and bulkhead to hold small cube refrigerator.(i captured it so it would remain in place while sailing). There is a smart charger and an inverter which can still keep it running if you are motoring.next:going into head area, there is a porta pottysecured (it can be pumped out if desired to put in fittings). the previous owner insulated the little compartments under the v-berth rather than install a holding tank under it.(in the old days all you had was a through hull to pump overboard). I researched holding tanks and at least two companies make really odd shapes(already shapes in their files) that you can retrofit to the cubby behind the head, that has a curve and fits the bilge shape on the outside and will show a flat side to the head itself. then you have a tight space to angle the head and accomodate the flush mechanism and still open the door. the sink and wet locker behind it are opposite the head. the boat is unbelievably roomy for a 30. we sailed it on the sf bay a few times,(we had sold our cal 29 and bought a cal36 and this 30 that fell into our hands let us get sweat equity to sell to pay for the haulout of the 36).if you look at the hull and rudder under waterline,you will see a fuller keel compared to the 29 or 36. i found it turns a bit slower than those.the bilge pump sits wayyyyy down in the cockpit floor (you can find it by removing seat lazarette lid of settee closest to the vertical pole) and must be very carefully secured. the deck configuration is comfortable. the cockpit can surprise you if a wave from the bow breaks as it will sneak around and soak the seat of your pants..foulies are the answer here. good luck, Helen (and Ed) Caliente (1967 Cal 36). From: mascomgroup <sa… [at] mascom.com> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Sat, February 2, 2013 8:29:47 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Cal 30 Questions I've been looking at an older (1963) Cal 30 and am fairly close to making a deal. If anyone has any tips on what in particular to look for or things to specificially check, I'd appreciate the input. Here are a couple of questions that come to mind. 1. There is a fairly large lazarette in the stern that is accessible inside through the 1/4 berths and through a opening into the cockpit. As I recall, there isn't a hatch opening on top. The opening in the cockpit has no cover which gives me concern on flooding from a wave over the stern. Is this hole oringinal or did som PO just open this up? 2. There is an original (or what appears to be) two burner pressure alcohol stove on the starboard side with an open area below. Was this area originally cabinet storage or drawers? It doesn't appear to be original. Any idea what may have been here? 3. Some PO had replaced the original Starboard side head with a porta-pottie. Was there a small holding tank in this area originally, or was it located elsewhere? I want to go back to having a permanent head. 4. Any issues with the gas tank that you know of? 5. Anything else? Thanks in advance. Murph