Did It With Les!

Pat Anderson · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 9:35 am Post subject: Re: Did It With Les!

The very best thing to do first is to take the United States Power Squadron course, it is a seven week course as I recall, one night a week for a couple of hours. Try this link to locate a course:

http://www.usps.org/d_stuff/classes.html

Probably the best book is Chapman, Piloting, Seamanship and Boat Handling, whatever the current edition is.

Rokjok777 · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 9:43 am Post subject:

Hi I'll just leap in and say I've got the Honda 50's and like 'em just fine, got the Garmin 188c which works great, fits great without blocking visibility, the only downside I see over Raymarine is lack of integrated sonar, and then there's the difference in cost...I'm 6' tall and have the standard cabin with no troubles...I wouldn't want the extra wind profile, especially when docking this flat bottomed boat at low speeds. Good luck!

baboos_boat · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 1:16 pm Post subject:

Rokjok777 - as Robert Service, Bard of the North, once wrote in a poem "Pardon my ignorance in matters such as these, a cocktail I can understand, but what's an iceworm please?" Thus, does not the RayMarine have a "sounder?" Is a "sounder" different from sonar? To me sonar is something you use for looking for enemy subs Very Happy

. Would appreciate a bit more of sonar as relating to RayMarine.

Dave S - Who buys the Champagne? The good part about a "christening" is all the folks who can teach me how to run the boat!

Chuck S - Your comment on (I'm pretty sure the comment was yours) about more pilot house for the wind to push around. I am tempted as of now to go with the standard cabin - I am just over 6' and trying not to get shorter as the years roll by. Also, my understanding of power is based on aircraft. I am pondering if the principles of airfoils (propellers) on an airplane can be applied to the understanding of boat props. If so, then the choice of boat props becomes an important part of the equation as more horsepower can push larger props with more angle of bite thus resulting in more thrust - or in the case of a boat "push". Anyway, I am leaning toward the 40's based on Les' comment that under most circumstances I would not know the difference.

Pat Anderson - thanks for the link to the Coast Guard courses. I will have some difficulty as I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am using your link to see if there are any on-line courses offered by the CG. I did find at least two outfits on the web offering on-line courses and will probably take one of them. Are you familiar with any on-line courses?

Stimpys Dad · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 2:09 pm Post subject: CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW BOAT

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW BOAT,
I'LL ADD MY 2 CENTS WORTH:
1.BUY THE RAYMARINE PACKAGE, I RECOMMEND IT WITH NO HESITATION, WHAT SO EVER.( A BIG SAFETY FACTOR)
2.FOR USE IN ALASKA I REALLY THINK THAT THE WIND IS A PRIME CONSIDERATION AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THE STANDARD ROOF PROFILE. (18 YRS EXPERIENCE BOATING IN ALASKA SPEAKING).
3. BUY A TANDEM AXEL TRAILER FOR USE ON THE HIGHWAY UP AND ON THE RICHARDSON HWY. (THINK FROST HEAVES AND HULL PROTECTION) PLUS ADDED SAFETY FACTOR OF 4 TIRES UNDER THE HULL. (TIP: ON THE TRIP UP PUT SOME USED CARPET ON THE GLASS AND FRONT OF THE HULL TO PROTECT FROM GRAVEL IN THE CONSTRUCTION AREAS).
4. WHEN LOOKING FOR NAVIGATION COURSES AND BOATING SAFETY COURSES, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, COAST GUARD COURSES ARE THE ONLY ONES OFFERED IN ALASKA.
IF YOU CAN FIND ONE ADD A BASIC WEATHER COURSE TO YOUR LIST.
ENJOY,ENJOY,ENJOY!!! Beer

REGARDS, DOUG AKA "STIMPSTER"

Cheers · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 2:18 pm Post subject:

Boating Courses:

http://www.boatsafe.com/
http://www.boater101.net/
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/boating/

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:06 pm Post subject: Honda 40 vs 50

Gary, I split the difference. Have a 94 CD22 (Captain's Choice - the East Coast one) with two Honda 45's on it! I love the engines, have only had the boat for about a year, they had 240 hours on them when I bought it, they now have about 285. Very quiet, if one is running, I can't hear the other one start. If I had a choice in a new boat though, I'd go with the bigger engine, minimal delta in cost, same weight and if they're really more powerful, it may equate to a little bit more when you need it most!

Let us know what you decide!

El and Bill · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:07 pm Post subject:

Gary --
Check out the Garmin system -- the blue chart system is one of the finest nav systems for boating, in our opinion. They ARE the charts, not simulations or abbreviations -- sure makes a difference.
We used Garmin Blue Charts in AK last summer, and they kept us well off the rocks -- folks with other popular nav systems couldn't say the same, since their 'virtual' charts did not have all the chart data on them.
Have a front opening window, for sure -- helps keep moisture off the windows, when it is left open a crack. Also, great when the day is warm.
Consider a 'camper package' to keep rain out of the cockpit -- they can be designed to fold up completely out of the way for fishing or trailering.
A double axle trailer is a great choice for long-distance hauling.
Radar is sure helpful -- we used it in Alaska last summer in the fogs, and it was a great safety item.
Just some thoughts for you to ponder -- El and Bill on Halcyon

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:10 pm Post subject: Electronics

Gary, meant to add, I've got a Garmin 188C and love it. Added the sonar attachment recently and used it on my ICW trip recently. The ability to put the sonar on the screen with the chart or any of the other info is terrific. I spent 32 years in the Navy and if we'd had this, I might still be in! Didn't want to make a career out of it though..

No radar yet but it's coming, as soon as I get my Kubota tractor paid for and my wife forgets that I bought it...

DaveS · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:27 pm Post subject:

Gary,
In answer to your question regarding "beverage used" in Christening. At our gatherings it has become quite a group participation which involves numerous "toasts" in the celebration with each person pouring a portion of whatever is in their glass over the bow of the vessel being christened. Each person furnishes their own beverage since we have many tastes. Some are "raising their glasses" with wine, beer, soda pop, water etc. Several of the owners having their vessel christened have chosen to use a special bottle of champagne for their own beverage and to pour over the bow of their vessel.
Dave S.

DaveS · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:33 pm Post subject:

Gary,
I'm glad to see so many people "chiming" in with their personal preferences of "how to rig" a C-Dory. That is one of the many joys of this group!
Dave S.

Casey · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:45 pm Post subject: AutoPilot, Wndlass, etc.......

You've made an excellent choice Gary.

We bought our "full meal deal" CD22 through Les last summer and didn't regret a moment of the rather convoluted process. We live in Arizona, and I'm working in Maryland for a while, so the whole process was done via emails and telephone calls. Les helped with excellent advice throughout, on several technical issues.

I opted for the Raymarine package with the C-Map navchip. Has taken me some time to come around to the C-Map cartography (I was used to raster scanned MapTech charts [which I still think look better, but not a Raymarine choice]) so I'll just learn to use C-Map.

I think you asked about an autopilot. We bought A/P as kind of an afterthought. During the shake down trip (ten days in the San Juans...) I used the A/P so much, it should have been the first accessory! ...delightfully decadent! We also opted for a windlass, then hung an oversized 22# Delta anchor up on the bow. There's just something about having a hellish hook down there that helps me sleep; and if I don't have to lift it - all the better!

We bought the hi-top and like it. Wasn't a height-thing, we just like the somewhat increased sense of space inside.

I can't comment on the choice between 40's or 50's on power. We went with a single Suzuki 90 so we could have fuel injection and a couple other features that Honda desn't offer yet. Les is carrying the Johnson line now, which is basically a white-Suzuki I'm told. Again, listen to Les.

Enjoy your new boat!

Casey

baboos_boat · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 2:18 am Post subject:

El and Bill. First, thanks for the post with suggestions on my putting together my CD-22. Second, I have really enjoyed your web site and have to tell you I too have ambitions to wander the river systems as you are now doing. My wife and I recently retired and are going through the thoes of "what next." In our case some of the what next is dictated by grandchildren in Alaska and, of all places, Australia. In fact we are heading to Australia again this Christmas.

I am a Garmin fan! I use the Garmin moving map color display GPS unit in my airplane. Absolutely fantastic. You imply that the graphics are either/or more complete with information and more easily used. Am I reading you right here?

Les, of EQ Marine, has been super and I find myself listening to his advice in many areas. But, although Les is suggesting the RayMarine integrated package, I find myself very attracted to the product page of Garmin.

Do you have the equivalent of the RayMarine package onboard? Does the radar use the same GPS screen or do you have two screens? Who made your radar? And what about sonar as someone has recommended? Is there a difference between sonar units and sounders?

I better stop here, I don't want to wear out my welcome this early in the group!

gary

rascal · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 7:02 am Post subject:

hi
we have twin 40 Hondas on our 22' boat Rascal, and they work great- that size was recommended by both Tolland and Dave Miller our dealer. think the twins offer a more stable platform under power than a single/kicker especially in any kind of seas. Typically run much of the time in the 16 to 22 mph speed range and at 3500rpm to 4000....it sure isn't a speed demon but sure is a perfect cruising boat and super economical to operate. With a single engine (very quiet) running it trolls down to 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 mph and if a drift sock is used will slow down more.
ras

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 9:57 am Post subject:

I am not familiar with the online courses, but David on Anna Leigh is, that is what he did. From what I understand, it covers much of the same information as the in-person courses, including an online exam and certificate of completion...

Otter-BelleHavenMarina · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 10:27 am Post subject:

Congratulations! My 2 cents on a couple of your questions:

-- Best course I've seen for navigation is Coast Guard Auxiliary's Advanced Coastal Navigation. See course description at http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/adv_nav.htm
You may have trouble finding a flotilla in Fairbanks. Even if you can't take the course, you can buy the book. It is well written and pretty comprehensive.

-- I am 6' 3" and fully expected to find my standard-roofed 22' cruiser cramped, but that hasn't been the case. Most of the time I am at the helm in the seat. The only time I am standing up in the wheelhouse is when I am cooking, and I don't find it burdensome to duck a little. (We overnighted this past weekend -- my wife and me, two girls, and two big dogs. We were cozy but it was thoroughly enjoyable, and the Wallas kept us warm througout a 40 degree night.)