Sailing and thinking... some C-Dory questions:

[JamesTXSD]

Greetings C-Dory fans! We've been thinking about the blue 25 on order and have come up with a few questions for this esteemed group:

For night sailing, I keep a spotlight at the helm and shine it out over the cabintop as necessary; how are you handling this on the C-Dorys? I haven't seen any boats in the photos section with a mounted remote light, so I assume you are putting an arm out the window to scan with the light? The TC at the Seattle Boat Show had a mounted remote light on the eyebrow, but I have concerns about that glaring on the bow pulpit and screwing up one's night vision.

Here's another regarding the shore power (and I could sure ask Jeff at the factory, but I also enjoy the interaction here): I haven't seen any 110 outlets in the cabin. Am I missing something? Sure would be a waste if the shorepower only charged the batteries. So, are the power wall jacks well hidden... or non-existant? How about 12v outlets?

And a v-berth question: That center section that opens, do you find you need that out for access to the berth? Or, could we plan to leave that pretty much fixed and use the area underneath for storage? Part of my reason for asking has to do with bedding. Joan thinks she wants to do without a Trav-a-sac sleeping bag and instead use regular bedding that she will tailor to fit. I'm thinking it will be a pain to try to keep sheets/comforter in place. What say you? And, while the cushions seem to be of a nice quality, I'm thinking a cover of memory foam will make it cushier... or will it raise you just enough to be a head-whacker? And, while we're discussing the v-berth - shelves or not? There never seems to be enough storage on a boat (and we've always had some kind of lazerette in the sailboat cockpits that holds LOTS); do those factory shelves in the 25 keep soft stuff in place?

Ventilation: so as not to reinvent the wheel, has someone come up with a good screen situation for the cabin door to keep the night-bitin' critters out? We currently use velcro mounted screens over the hatches in the sailboats and a screen draped over the companionway.

Towing: our van is a Dodge B3500 with a Leisure Travel camping conversion - much like a C-Dory on the road! The aftermarket mfg rates the towing at 6500... think that will handle the 25 Cruiser? I know Jim and Laurie are towing with a Toureg and I've seen some photos here with pickups - what's your experience with your vehicle?

Thanks in advance for any suggestion you might offer. The archives here are a wonderful resource.

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan

[Larry H]

Jim & Joan,

We always keep the center filler in the bunk on our 22 cruiser and we use queen size sheets(bottom corners cut away) and comforter(full size) for bedding.

[DaveS]

[El and Bill]

Whew -- a lot of questions -- now, remember, we are minimalists (that's why we have a C-Dory) --

1. Spotlight -- hand held works great -- easy to use, powerful, points quickly virtually anywhere, and easy to use out the side window -- if in real need, (like crab or lobster buoys everywhere), El's in the bow spotting all over the place. Yep, bow pulpit reflects, destroys night vision, and must be considered.

2. Nice to have a single 110v outlet (at least) in the cabin to run computer or any 110v need when hooked to shore power. And, 12v. 'cigarette lighter ports' are a must -- for such things as the aforementioned spot light, and our little 12v t.v., etc. For years we did not have a 110v shorepower hookup -- in marinas we simply ran in a cord, if we had needs for 110v and it worked fine.

3. No help on v-berth in the 25' Trav-a-sak is a fine luxury, easy to use and easy to wash sheets. Regular bedding (sheets/comforter) also works fine, just not as convenient -- we find little problem keeping sheets/comforter in place in our 22.

4. Berth cover? There are many ideas here -- some put insulation below the cushions, to absorb any condensation. We have an egg-shell 'backpacking' type mattress on top of the berth -- adds softness, and yet is inexpensive, simple to maintain, and very comfortable. So problem with claustrophobia, since added height is minimal.

5. Book shelsves? Can't answer for a 25.

6. Ventilation? We had a screen fitted to the cabin door down in Crystal River. It snaps into place, so is left up in bug country. The door zippers open/closed -- works fine, but some (smarter?) little critters (especially no-see-ums) always seem to find away around -- but, it keeps out most of the pests (and all the larger and dumber ones). Velcro screens on the hatch work fine.

[journey on]

Welcome to another sailboater, hopefully we'll both like the change.

There are 3 ea 110 outlets on Journey On:
Next to the 110 panel
Next to the engine controls
In the refridg compartment (1 outlet is used, but I'm thinking of what to do with the other.)

Could use an outside outlet, in the coaming pocket.

Also, if you get a vote the head, note that the one we got is the SMALL version, and it's small. Ask if you can pay the difference and get a grown-up one. Never knew there was a difference, untill I went to sit down. It was a long way down, and getting up was a thrill, untill I put a handhold in.

As for screens, on the sailboat, we made nets for the awkward hatches (v-berth, companionway, etc.) and sewed chain around the edges. For the back door (what's the front door?) it's either that or snaps around the opening.

Also, Judy's making lee cloths for the shelves in the v-berth, just like the sailboat. I keep my toolbox under the filler. That's my space. And we have a travsack.

Boris

[Byrdman]

Night Navigation: Yep, right now it is either arm out the window, or assistance from a “goffer”…as in go forward, pop up out of the hatch with that spot light and see what you can see… is the way it is happening on my boat now. Yes, too much “white space” and too much “shinny stuff” with all the rails and stuff for any type of good night vision. Some talk in the past with folks on this issue…and most in the NW simply do not boat at night. That is not an option for me and my boat(s) as some of the most pleasurable boating is at very slow speeds (4-8knots) after dark…. preferably in “known good kinda-clean” water….as in I have covered the area “lately” and know the hung up logs, floating (almost)…trees….etc. And then sometimes….we just go and enjoy when we can…. cruising starting around 11pm and until dawn”ish”. This happens when family members own their own business, and live on the lake. So….my fixes have included things such as navy blue towels that I can wrap around the shiny things with wire ties that can be cut free when done or the next day in daylight, and, simply covering the deck area with a large thin sheet of which is also of a dark color…. Again tied down to hand holds, rails… or…. We are sitting up there….and have a spot light with us. Have not purchased any LED lights that are red (YET), but do have one of the shake it up LED flashlights and its “blueish” beam is much easier on night vision than the normal white lights of past….of course unless you are unfortunate enough to catch the beam right in the eyes… so, this year will have some time to poke and look at different areas of the boat to place some LED lights that can only light up red and not screw up night vision….incase someone needs a bit of light to change the satellite radio channel, make another pot or coffee….or re-load the cooler for up front…

110 Outlets and 12v: Les wired my boat and did a great job. A 110 outlet under the dinette that I often keep a 6’ extension cord plugged into as to prevent me from having to climb up under the table to plug in a fan, heater, or any other device if running off the 1800 watt inverter while underway… This cord can be ran to the forward area or just out into the center area of the boat. The second 110 outlet is behind the helm chair, pretty much against the starboard side of the boat, but on the “cabinet” wall that holds the sink and wallas. When at dock and on shore power, this is where I run the power cord to for the 5,000 BTU AC unit. Or, the big ol power hungry coffee percolator that I like to use. And too, this makes for a nice place to also run a 6’ cord if the electrical device you are attempting to use is not on the counter top with the cord just plugged in. I really like using one (or more) of those simple, $10 each, 20” box fans on my boat. With a bungee cord or two….you can just about put wind and air flow anywhere you want…..and at enough volume as to keep the moister off the windows as to allow you to navigate at night… There are 2 each 12v plugs on my boat. One on the dash down and to the starboard wall side (spot light plug, redundant back up hand held back up chart plotter, cell phone) and the second is back on the starboard side of the bulkhead in the cockpit. Not much use has been on this unit….other than an occasional DC coffee pot that a dock-mate has that is slower than molasses on a 20 degree day., or…an occasional spot light…..or cell phone that needs to be charged and the front one at the helm is already taken.

Berth Area: Yep, still using factory foam, but have thought of that memory foam. Sherryl bought some “real pretty” blue jean denim colored comforter, that is real thick and feels good, with matching lighter blue sheets….which do not fit a damn thing…and are a total pain as to even attempt to really use…. But, if you want to crawl about like a lost muskrat thumping your head on the roof, you can make up the berth area to be real pretty with all those matching sheets, blankets, and OF COUSE matching pillows…… and yes it does look pretty…… truly feels great just to plop down on top of and sneak a good nap….or, bust all up and really sleep in them if and only if you feel like repeating the 20 minute flopping about muskrat with a bumps now on yer head drill….. So, I leave the pretty thick denim blue thing down cause it pretty much is the same size and shape of the berth of the TC24,,,,,and I use those great handy little Coleman or C-Dory fleece sleeping bags…. Either as a bag, or unzipped and just tossed out. They are way easy to just roll up and stick back in the corners when done, and way easy to just get a great nights rest in. I like them better than anything I have used for continues, LOW maintenance sleeping gear….and…they can make nice cover all that white deck covering materials for night rides too…but be cautious of them slipping about ….

Ventilation: Have used a NON-MATCHING government issued but never to be returned green insect bar just kinda snapped in place over the open door area….using those neat little must have about 20 of them on board spring loaded pliers looking black plastic clamps. Yep, I like them suckers too! I have about 5 sizes of them, and those little square areas on all our doors and windows makes for great “hold that areas” for quick and easy stuff…. Have heard this winter you can even spray your screens with some type of yard insect repellant and it even stops the smaller “no-see-ems” and similar little pesty critters…and they are just waiting dead on your topside to be blown/brushed off in the morning. I have not tried this…but it would either work…or not…or …melt/drastically reduce the life of your screens …..or not. Hummm. Again….that big ol 20” box fan sure “points” air out the door….and makes a kinda invisible wall too…but I like that 1800 watt inverter too….

Towing: what you have would work fine I think…maybe…and if it don’t, buy longer…(est) frame set up possible, and heavier always handles lighter much much better than the other way around….especially for REALLY towing….as in going cross a few states and not just cross town to launch yer boat.

It is especially exciting waiting, plotting, and figuring what and how to “fix” things on our boats. I have made several high dollar purchases that generally do not play out or work as nice as some of the little inexpensive, multi-purpose gadgets and trinkets I have found thru trial, error and expedient lucky finds….and those of most others who truly take the time to share on this forum and site. Wow…. I feel like I have enjoyed another day on my boat now.

[Alasgun]

I am in the process of building an eliptical radar tower out of fiberglass. In appearance it will resemble the central exaust stack on some of the popular trawlers. Nordic, American etc. It will be aprox 14 to 16 inches tall and will have a forward looking cutout for the purpose of mounting a remote control light. At completion I will post pics. Just a thought from Mike on Huda Thunkit.

[Knotty C]

Jim & Joan,

We got our 25 last year and are still working on getting it set up. We had some of the same questions and have solved some of them already.

We put in a memory foam mattress topper and also worried that it would put us too high, but that has not been a problem. We are very happy with the decision. For the 25 you do need a king size topper and will have to trim just a little off to make it fit into the V. It didn't quite fit side to side, but doesn't cause any problems because there is so much room. We use regular bedding on the bed and have not had any problems with that. It's a very comfortable arrangement.

We leave the cushion in place and store towels behind the life jacket pack we have. It fills the opening perfectly and allows good access.

So far the placement of the outlets have been sufficient. One under the table, one behind the helm seat. I'm sure we have the one behind the refrigerator as well, but haven't needed it. It might be nice to have another one near the locker in the back if you have a microwave.

We originally ordered the V-berth shelves, but did not get them because we got a different boat sooner than ours would have been ready. We noticed them in the 25 at the boat show and are wishing now that we had them. We have also wondered if it would take away too much space, but I think we would have plenty with them in. We're going to try to put some in, but it would have been nice to have them fiberglassed in like they do now. The storage would be welcome.

As for the spotlight, we have a remote light that we have not mounted as of yet for the reasons you've noted. I'm not sure what we've decided on that one. So far, we've put it out on the front on a case-by-case basis, but haven't mounted it permanently yet. We'll be checking out as many possibilities as we can before we decide.

We tow our boat with a Chevy Avalanche and are just about at the maximum capacity. It is rated at 7,000. We were worried that it would be too much, but didn't want to have to get rid of the rig because we love it. It's such a versatile vehicle. It actually tows it very well and we haven't had any problems. We've towed it to the San Jauns three times from the Oregon/Washington border and we have also towed it to Illwaco twice. We pull a pretty significant hill getting home from anywhere.

Hope that helps.

Don & Dee

[JamesTXSD]

This is just the interaction I was talking about!

So, there are some 110 wall sockets in there from the factory, huh? I can sure see how one at the port aft cabin would be good for a socket for a microwave. When we come up in the build schedule, I will visit with Jeff.

Have any of you with 25s weighed your boat/trailer? If our LTV on the Dodge chassis will handle the load, I will be one happy camper - it is a very comfortable traveling machine with all the amenities. We weighed the trimaran on the way to the brokerage last week - almost 5000 pounds, over 30' long (38' considering the mast) on the trailer, and lots of windage. The van handles that very comfortably.

We have been out sailing the last three days... gives us lots of time for important discussions - yes, mostly about our upcoming plans with the CD25! I'm sure we will do what Joan decides with the bed situation (like I have any other choice? ); I figured more of you would say, "No way" with the regular bedding. Being a married guy, when given more than one option, I go with the one the wife wants.

Arm out the window with the spotlight it is! We are pretty cautious with night sailing... but there is something spectacular about the reflection of a full moon on the water... second only to watching the sun rise from the cockpit.

Thanks again for all the replies and suggestions! We really appreciate your input. We are looking forward to attending a gathering to meet and thank you all in person.

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan

[DaveS]

[Sea Wolf]

Jium and Joan-

Take a look at my fore (remote bow mounted) and aft (manual) searchlights as well as floodlights in this first as well as the six or so pictures that follow in the album, including some wired and battery powered portables. As you can see, there are lots of choices. I like having them all.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=SeaWolf&id=IM001386&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Joe.

[JamesTXSD]

... and that looks like a nice install on the bow pulpit. Yes, we got a taste of your weather during the Seattle Boat Show (didn't dampen our enthusiam, though!). Perhaps I misspoke about the "arm out the window" technique... what I meant was: Joan will have both hands for handling the helm, and I will be the one with my arm out the window (in the cold and rain).

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan