Did It With Les!

Les Lampman · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 11:23 am Post subject:

baboos_boat and all,

First I think maybe I'll change the name that shows up over in the left column of the posts...seeing my name so often everywhere else is embarrasing! Embarassed

While I appreciate the kudos, the reality is that I am not the only person out there capable of putting a C-Dory together or recommending electronics. Shocked

My desire is to share what experience I have with folks so that they have more information available and can make their own decision. I do get to see an awfully lot of different installations and have used most of what's avialable to the small boat owner and I try to pass that along.

I do not "recommend" the Raymarine system; it's simply one of the choices available on the market. It isn't "better" than the Garmin products; just different. Garmin doesn't offer a fully "integrated" system (GPS/Chartplotter/Sounder/Radar) so if your inclination is toward a fully integrated system you'll not be considering Garmin. Many folks today are interested in what a fully integrated system has to offer and that leads to the logical choice of either the Raymarine HSB system or the Furuno NavNet system.

So the first major decision in my book is to figure out what 'level' of system you want; a fully integrated system, partially integrated system or standalone components. There are valid reason (money notwithstanding) for choosing each of them.

You have to examine your own preferences and use scenario to figure out what makes sense. Some folks are happy with a nice 'boombox' stereo system; others won't accept anything less than the highest quality speakers, tuners, amplifiers and such...most of us end up somewhere in between. [Different strokes for different folks comes to mind.]

Nobody "needs" (unless you're a commercial operator making your living) a fully integrated nav system, an autopilot or even a GPS, chartplotter or sounder; we don't even "need" the darn boat! Very Happy

Really it's about pleasure (they're pleasure boats, after all) and you should put the thing together the way that makes you happy. Some folks aren't happy unless the boat looks like a 747 cockpit; others want a depth sounder and a VHF...period. You choose.

If you want superb navigation, nobody does it better that Garmin; I've installed more 188C units than anything else (some 2006C's and even the 2010C's too). There are many other really good units out there too, so you've got lots of choices. The 188C is nice since it's got the sounder built-in but if having a full-screen, always available depth sounder is part of your requirement you could choose the 182C (same beast as the 188C without the built-in sounder) and get a separate depth sounder. The 2006C and 2010C need the GSD-20 sounder module added to get the sounder capability.

Want a radar that's not part of the main display; there are good standalone radars out there (and some not so great too). You could use a Garmin 188C for GPS/Chartplotter/Sounder functions and have a separate radar unit (this is the 'partially integrated' system).

And, of course, you could have a separate unit for each of the functions you want. In a CD22 that tends to get pretty tight but it's been done and been done often. Most of those choices were made when the multi-function units were not available.

There is no one answer in making the electronics decision; there is also no one answer in powering a CD22. If I put you in a room blindfolded with a every major brand of motor (of the appropriate size) in there you couldn't make a bad pick. You can make better picks based on your own personal use and preferences. Where's a good dealer? What brand do they carry? Where do you use your boat? Water conditions? Altitude? Typical load? Typical trip length? And on, and on.

If you're looking at twin Honda engines don't sweat the choice between the BF40 and BF50; buy what makes you smile when you see them hanging on the back of your boat (doggone it, it's a pleasure boat; we're not 'justifying' our decisions on a corporate basis). In reality there isn't enough difference in performance to amount to a hill of beans; everyone I know that has either one is happy. If you want extra horsepower "just because" then, by golly, get it. I just don't buy into the argument that it's "needed"; there are too many CD22's out there with twin 40's to make that a valid argument. It's different if it just makes you happy to have them; that's the most valid argument I can think of. You don't want to be out there running around with 40's wishing you had installed the 50's every time you run the boat. Until this year there was about $1500 dollars (or more) difference in going with the 50's versus the 40's and most folks choose to save the money since the 40's do well. Now the margin isn't as wide we may see more 50's going on...just because (mostly just because it didn't cost that much more Wink

).

I've typed too much...

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:52 pm Post subject:

Baboos_boat,

One of the on-line courses I took is Americas Boating Course.http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/front/splash.htm.

It is about $30 and comes with a nice book and a CD.

Da Nag · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 3:51 pm Post subject:

Sawdust · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 4:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Bill,

Cool! Made my day, because it's a tough call for any new buyer. I've had Garmin + two different brands of radar, two Raytheon full systems -- and I'd have a difficult time making a choice. And the real problem, what's a bit better today will be second best tomorrow. The Blue Chart system on the Garmin is absolutely top, but Raytheon does a good job too and is quicker to update. The Raytheon digital depth sounder is superb, with no present equal that I'm aware of. Not for most skippers, but the way I boat the Raytheon MARPA system is worth the extra loot. To know where those other idiots out there in the soup are going, their closest point of approach, and when, takes a lot of pain out of my day. And having the remote control for the autopilot that I can use in the cockpit while fishing -- and read the depth on the remote -- man, man, that's way cool (Like grandkid sez).

No possible answer on the twins vs single debate. Both are great combinations, and hundreds out there rigged both ways -- with happy skippers.

Think Les hit it on the head. We are pleasure boaters, and if it gives you pleasure, just do it. No way to go wrong... and it's human nature to defend what you bought and use.

See ya at EQ!

Dusty

Stimpys Dad · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 7:16 pm Post subject:

THANK YOU LES AND DUSTY,
YOU HAVE VERY ELOQUENTLY STATED THE TRUE BASICS AND BASIS OF DECISION MAKING IN REGARDS TO EQUIPING AND SETTING UP THESE WONDERFUL BOATS.

Beer

REGARDS TO ALL DOUG AKA"STIMPSTER"

baboos_boat · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 11:02 pm Post subject: What a Group!

I have never been so impressed by the enthusiasm and willingness of a group of folks to help out a "cheechako." (That's Alaskan for "don't know not to eat the yellow snow!") I will be back shortly with more questions. I would like to share a post from a friend of mind in Homer, Alaska, who is responding to a number of the inquiries I have been making.

"Hi Gary,
Excellent choice on the C-Dory. I am very familiar with them and have
always thought they are excellent boats. Are you getting the cruiser or
the Angler? To answer some of your questions, RADAR is not something
you'll use every time you go out but it will come in handy when it socks
in once in a while. I recommend a small screen unit. GPS is a must and
a hand-held GPS for a back-up is really nice. Most units will
chart-plot. Paper plotters are not necessary for me. Some sort of SONAR
is a necessity. They range from the most basic depth sounder that
flashes a depth figure to color video monitors. Dash space will be
limited in the C-Dory. I recommend a top-of the line fish finder from
Eagle or Hummingbird.

As far as the boat goes, get most of the options that C-dory comes with
such as dual batteries with an isolating switch, cabin heat, wipers,
gauges, cooking stove, pumps, anchor winch, bait table, pole holders and
any and all available storage. I also strongly recommend that you plan
on Penn or Cannon downriggers for salmon trolling. (PENN) They may need any and all available storage. I also strongly recommend that you plan on Penn or Cannon downriggers for salmon trolling. (PENN) They may need to know this in order to beef up where they will go. As far as power goes I prefer a main motor and a decent size kicker instead of twins,
especially on the C-Dory. For that boat a 70-90 4 stroke main and 9.9
kicker would be perfect."

The CD reputation goes far and wide. Any comments on the brand names recommened?

gary

DaveS · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 11:18 pm Post subject:

Gary,
Not being a fisherman, I can offer no advice as to downriggers and the like......however, my vocabulary is deeply indebted to you for the recent addition of the word "cheechako".....I'm sure to get some mileage out of that! (I don't think the firehouse is ready for my return to work tomarrow!) tee hee Smile

baboos_boat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 12:12 am Post subject:

DaveS - The opposite of "Cheechako" is "Sourdough".

To explain these terms a bit more I draw from the Robert Service poem "The Ballad of the IceWorm Cocktail".

A sourdough "some say is one who has seen the Yukon Ice go out; but others this definition douibt, it is the genial meeting of these minds Major Brown,
"A sourdough is a guy who can drink an iceworm cocktail down."

I don't know about ice worms but I think a sourdough is a guy who has soured on the northern winters and does not have enough dough to get out!

Now unless our fellow mariners think we have departed from CD topics, I find there is always time to quote a little Service poetry even when bounding the blue maine in our wonderful boats!

Perhaps I will name my boat the ICEWORM.

gary

DaveS · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 2:20 am Post subject:

Gary,
I like the name ICEWORM. The names of our vessels are indeed a part of the stories in our lives, which makes them so interesting.
Never fear on the C-Brats of "straying from the subject of C-Dorys" because that is why it is referred to as a "Pub". A place where we can come in, pull up a stool, share a common bond, and talk with each other.

dotnmarty · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 11:47 am Post subject:

Jeez, I love this place. Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

Mighty Bite · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 6:02 pm Post subject:

Hi Gary,

Aha, waxing 'aye! Nice, that you referred to Robert Service in clarifying "Cheechako" and "Sourdough". There are some rather more colorful definitions of the venerable "Cheechako" and "Sourdough" terms but perhaps better left to the imagination and/or in the accompaniment of added diatribe along with a bit of ale around a fire.

Nice to get all the knowledgeable input from the C-Brats isn't it. It sure has helped me in the past. An endless resource of information, wit and humor. Ya' gotta love these guys and gals!

Les pretty much summed it up and hit the nail on the proverbial head. The most important decision to be made is to go with the C-Dory. Once that's done everything else is easy. Now it's time to pick the "gravy", and it's like Les said, whatever puts that smile on your face.

The local US Coast Guard Auxillary will be holding 4 day classes (4 consecutive Saturdays) the latter part of March. Amounts to about 40 hours. This is a yearly event. Firm dates are not yet set but will be soon. It will have some press on it but I will get the word and keep you posted anyway.

Let's get together for a cuppa after Thanksgiving? In the meantime.......HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

Mark

baboos_boat · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 7:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mark, and a Happy Holiday to all from Baboos_Boat. I look forward to the cup of coffee. By the way, I am headed to Les' in two weeks. gary

Sawdust · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2003 1:22 pm Post subject:

Gary (babooos_boat),

All of the suggestions for navigation references have been good. Chapman's is a must, and the USCG courses are great if you can find one locally.

My personal favorite is written by Capt. Bill Brogdon, USCG (Ret) with 30 years experience. Boat Navigation for the Rest of Us ISBN 0-07-137226-1.

His book is very well written, current and easy to understand. An absolute must IMO. Some of the recommended texts read like they were built by committee -- Bill's is highly readable, with many personal (good) suggestions.

If not available at your usual sources, try www.internationalmarine.com

HTH,

Dusty (CFI)

TyBoo · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2003 2:49 pm Post subject:

What's the latest?

baboos_boat · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2003 9:11 pm Post subject:

TyBoo and Sawdust

Sawdust - I am ordering the two books your recommend. I see you signed as CFI. Are you doing instruction or more like me and do mostly volunteer instructing for CAP and friends.

TyBoo - planning on going to EQ Marine this coming weekend to make some initial decisions. One thing for certain, with the resouces everyone in C-Brats has given me I am a lot more prepared to ask the right questions. I'll let you know of the final list.