I have a 330gti that needs new drag washers. I got a boat this year, and this was the first conventional reel I've owned. Prior to this, I have used a 704z from shore that I've been using for 15 years, at least. I know the 704 like the back of my hand but I know they're totally different animals.

How hard is it to replace the washers? I don't want to open the reel if I'm going to have to bring it to a shop anyway if I can't get the thing back together.

Are there any washers out there that are better than the Penn washers? I wasn't happy with how long these washes lasted, but I know I was a little hard on it trolling tubes this year, so I don't want to bash the reel. I've since learned to go a little easier on the drag.

Pretty easy procedure to change the drag washers. Just pay attention to how the reel came apart and you should be fine. You can download a schematic for the reel from pennparts.com
The Penn HT-100 drag washers are all you need on that reel.