New boat arrival. Also, we thank the original Hunky Dory.

Guest

Posted by Hunky_Dory_Little_Cayman

First, we just want to apologize for borrowing the name "Hunky Dory" which is, of course, already in use. We figured that since we're the only C-Dory (that we know of) in the Cayman Islands, we wouldn't be running into any other "Hunky Dorys" and that it would be OK. You know what they say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." But we did want to thank whoever it was that originally came up with this great name. We promise to always give you author credit. Very Happy

After months of great anticipation, our Hunky Dory finally arrived on Christmas Eve. The factory has been really great working with us on the order and we'd also like to send out a special thanks to our terrific dealer, Bulldog Boatworks in Ft. Meyers. We picked Hunky Dory up at the dealer, filled it to the brim with provisions, then dropped it off at the Port of Tampa. It went by cargo ship to Grand Cayman where it was then off-loaded onto a barge which delivered it to Little Cayman. We got to drive our truck right onto the barge, hook up to Hunky Dory, and pull her home.

We took her for her maiden voyage yesterday on a grocery shopping trip to the neighboring island, Cayman Brac. She is PERFECT! We both love Hunky Dory. The water can be very rough in between the islands and she gave us a superb ride. The front V cuts into the waves nicely and the flat back then gives stability. Our last boat slammed us so hard on the waves that it hurt our backs and literally jarred our innards. But Hunky Dory gave us a wonderful ride and even when we hit big waves, we were as comfortable as can be. Oh, and we got the air conditioning installed and it works great! (Mermaid Marine A/C from www.wrightmarine.net )

Thank you C-Dory for making such great boats!!!

P.S. We'll post pictures soon.

Edited by Da Nag - User info added

Pete in NY · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 10:12 am Post subject:

Good luck with your boat. How do you power your AC? Is it dockside only, generator or battery powered? If battery, how long can you run it?

Regards,
Pete in NY

Sneaks · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 10:13 am Post subject:

Congratulations on the new family member, Craig and Joyce. I'm sure it will give you joy for years to come.

We would be particularly interested in the model, photos and the installation process/placement of that Wright Marine air conditioning unit. Did you "do it yourself?" or was it installed by a shipwright? I see by the literature that both the 5kbtu and the 6kbtu units will work all night with 400AH worth of battery or continuously using just a Honda EU1000 gen set. Pretty impressive.

Don

Hunky_Dory_Little_Cayman · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 7:48 pm Post subject:

I installed the system myself. Took about two days. I have the 6,500 btu unit as it doesn't cost much more than the 5,000. I'm using a 1000 watt Honda generator. Their expensive ($650) but so quiet and only 29 lbs. I posted a bunch of pictures.

Rick from Maine · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2005 8:46 am Post subject:

Wow, Craig!

That A/C installation is excellent. Who'd guess that you could put such a unit and ducting out of site within the original cabinet? And, that it'll run on the 1KW generator!

You've set a new standard for customizing a C-Dory to fit your use. Good Job.

Rick for Maine ( another Hunky Dory usurper)

Sneaks · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:24 am Post subject:

Gotta agree with Rick, Craig. I'm doubly impressed with the thought behind your work.

That is a very tidy installation and would be a perfect "option" for the owners in hot muggy climates. Yes it cuts down on storage, but for the weekend sailor and even an occasional long cruise, I'd much rather have a/c when the humidity matches the temperature, especially at night.

Thanks for sharing those photos!

Don

Jazzmanic · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:

Congratulations Craig & Joyce. I know you both were anxiously awaiting the arrival of your new boat to the Caymans. How exciting that our C-Dories are spreading internationally! A/C sounds like a really good idea down there in the Caribbean.
Peter

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2005 7:55 pm Post subject:

Craig and Joyce-

Excellent installation of the best AC unit I've ever seen for a CD-22 or 25! That Honda 1000i generator is a sweetheart too! Congratulations on getting your boat home. Joe.

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:56 pm Post subject:

Craig and Joyce, great installation. What precautions did you take in installing the thru hull in the way of protecting the balsa core? I'd be very careful in doing that, hopefully you lined the hole carefully with epoxy to prevent water intrusion?

What size hole does it take and did you use the installation kit from the mfr or wing it?

Charlie

Meant to ask too, how much tide do you have down there? Look slike some sort of a lift system on your dock...

Hunky_Dory_Little_Cayman · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:36 am Post subject:

The installation kit included everything. The seacock was a one inch. I lined the inside of the hole with epoxy and let it dry over night and then really gooped on 5200 on each side of the seacock. I wonder if this is something that should be removed and checked every year??

I do have a lift for Hunky. We only have about 18" of tide movement. I'm in a reef protected area where the water depth is between 24" & 42" so the C-Dory is perfect.

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:32 am Post subject:

I would think that what you did is fine, particularly since you have itg on a lift. I'd take it out in about 3 years and check it though.

Charlie