"Maiden" Voyage...

[garyf]

OK! We're making progress!

After sitting high and dry with my dad for 11 years, I finally got her in the water yesterday. Of course, I probably picked one of the busiest days of the year for the boat ramp - but hey, go big or go home, right?

I spent over 3 hours on the water - Sacramento river, several trips back and forth from the Tower Bridge to Sand Cove.

Everything really went pretty well overall. I didn't sink! (I saw someone else who did!! - low profile boat sitting low in the water and lots of chop and wakes with so many boats in the water)

As expected, I did discover a few things - (1) wow, I am definitely bumping up the priority to making the front middle window able to open! I need that ventilation on a hot day! I know it's been discussed in here, but haven't dug for it yet... is it a direct swap out kind of thing, or more involved? What about a 12V fan, anyone add one of those? (2) Some of the screws that hold the door hinge to the bulkhead are backing out - my initial thought is to reseat them with epoxy, but I don't know if that's best and obviously could create a problem in the future. Beef up the holes with some sort of metal inserts maybe? I remember seeing something like I'm thinking about, but don't know what they're called.

Other than that, no big huge surprises and I didn't screw anything up

We're making progress! I still have some things to install and work on... but the heat is making it tough!

[Peter & Judy]

Good to hear that you didn't sink. Maybe because you didn't have a Trump flag on board. If you want a fan on board, try one of these. I have three and they are great.

Caframo Ultimate Direct Wire 12V Cabin Fan, Small, White

[thataway]

Congratulations. Yes, there was...not sure now..a drop in replacement for the middle window.

I thru bolted the screws, and then peened the heads over--that way it would be difficult to unscrew the door on the similar C Dory 22. Another way is to put a bunch of toothpicks and epoxy into the hole--and then redial a pilot hole, and go back. You could use thickened epoxy. Even a dab of 4000 on the end of the screw... lots of ways for the door hinge screws.

[hardee]

garyf, good thing -- not to sink. makes boating a whole lot more fun

One of my favorite spots on my Delta cruise, (or more fun moments), was docking at the Sacramento Old Town dock, against that current. Cool fun, 3-4 knot current, just move up to the spot you want, maintain throttle and ferry over (with the fenders in place), snuggle up to the dock and with the engine running on the port side, get out and tie up the bowline. A little spooky but it worked like a charm.

While I was down there I wondered how often those flat boats catch a big wave and turn into submarine. I saw several that were fully airborne after crossing a wake. No windshield, or little, and maybe 8" of freeboard, 60 mph and the guys were wearing face shield so the bugs wouldn't hurt

Harvey
SleepyC

[garyf]

[Peter & Judy]

[thataway]

Reading Peters post reminded me I didn't address the question of fans.

I have always had one or two fans up near the windshield--the Caframo are excellent for perment installation. The more expensive are better and variable speeds. They can be used as "defrosters", moving heat or cool around the cabin, or blowing directly on a person. I also carry either a Ryobi 18 volt battery operated fan or "Endless Breeze" fan runs off 12 volts. These can be put in front of the opening window, or in the hatch at night to cool the V Berth area. We always put Caframo fans in the corners of the V berth. Currently we have the Maestro--which have remote controls, red and white lights, plus variable speeds.

[Desert Dory]

[garyf]

[thataway]

Give: this outfit a try. They make custom opening windows. . I have no idea of cost, nor have I done business with them. I believe they are in Vancouver WA.

[Desert Dory]