Seeking Answers at the Baltimore Boat Show

[Swee Pea]

Been looking forward to the Baltimore Boat Show to meet up with my local C-Dory Dealer (Cutter) and Buster's Marine, who I purchased a Mercury 270 Air Floor from; looking to solve the short shaft/long shaft debacle-using one motor for both. I had cash in hand to purchase; either a Honda 5 HP or a Nissan/Mercury/Tohatsu 6 HP. Just looking for mounting recommendations. You guys have been great answering questions and suggesting solutions.

Needless to say I walked away empty handed. I will admit that the most amiable and supportive individuals at the show (for me) was Buster's Marine. My inflatable arrived (although 1 week late - Fed Ex's fault), Buster's seemed genuinely concerned and helpful. They even contacted me at home to make sure my boat arrived and will file a claim on my behalf to demand Fed Ex refund the shipping. (A whole other story).

I admit that I am a novice to boating, and I greatfully appreciate everyone's opinion. Buster's went so far as to offer to sell me a 20" shaft Mercury to try for my situtation. If it did not work, I could send it back to them and they would convert it to a short shaft. The only cost would be shipping. I think the offer was terrific. But I don't want the headache or expense.

Cutter was of little help. Let's leave it at that. If I do buy a Honda 5HP, it will be somewhere else. I will use them for warranty work for the C-Dory and that's it.

The bright spot of the Show was being able to see a TC255 in person. Sweet. Way out of my price league, but it is nice. Also saw a Rosebourogh Trawler (Cutter). Very nice. Still out of my league.

But I am still on the Quest - buy the 15" shaft to fit the inflatable and search for a bracket to mount it on the 22 as a kicker, or buy the 20" shaft and deal with it on the inflatable.

Anyone out there use a 15" shaft with an adjustable motor mount on their Dory?

John
Swee Pea

[thataway]

I have used both 15" and 20" on small boats for a kicker--and the dinghy motor. The 20" shaft on the inflatble is a bit of a pain, expecially if you want to go in shoal water--but managiable. However it will a bit more difficult to plane, if you are able to plane with the 5 hp (probably not).

Too bad that you didn't have a good experience with the C Dory dealer--definately the factory needs to know about that--you need to call Jeff M or at the very least E mail them and explain the problem. I would think that a person who already owns a boat--and especially one who purchased one form them would be given good service. I wonder if the dealer just doesn't have any experience--or you dealt with a salesperson--maybe better if you deal with the owner.

For the kicker, it is a little better to use the long shaft. I have used both on the 22 C dory. The long shaft gives you better access to the contols and starting.

I use an adjustable mount on the side of the transom, rather than the transom mount for a kicker. This way, you can get the kicker up and out of the water, so there is no spray. I am not sure you can do this with the kicker on the transom--it may depend on the brand. I have also found that with the kicker on the accessory mount, it is easier to transfer it to the inflatable.

Good luck.

[mikeporterinmd]

I asked Cutter one time about kickers and they said they had never sold a C-Dory
with a kicker...probably why they weren't able to help.

Kickers don't seem to be as common on the Chesapeake as they are elsewhere.

Mike