Recent content by RichardM

Using the roof rails to create an anchor point is an excellent idea (thanks, Alec!). For raising a heavy, wet person from the water, look at the way mountain rescue, fire departments and ski patrols rig ropes to do it. Here's a video about how to make a "set of fours" with pulleys, rope and...

Glad you're making progress and congrats on your good drain idea. Here's an extra thing to check: When installing my inspection port under the porta-potty it rained, and suddenly there were active leaks under the fittings for the factory's front rails and bow cleat, and also around portlights...

On my 2006 I found the same thing. Under the porta-potty was a plastic cap which, when removed, let me see and touch water! I adapted a router guide to let me use the hole from the plactic cap as a center and rout a circle in the floor there, to fit a 6 inch inspection port (they're common on...

A few years ago I got old-unit Garmin repair work from Capt. Mike MaCrae, email captmikemacrae@comcast.net. It's possible he's still doing that work and could repair your unit, if you're interested.

I got a stock cover from Empire Covers two years ago for a great price, on sale. By calling them I was able to use the actual measurements of my boat which includes anchor roller, motor and radar done, to get the right size. The cover they sent is sturdy, well made and fits for winter storage...

An alternative idea: Instead of a shelter I bought a full boat cover from Empire Covers last year. An email from them yesterday is touting their sale which has a week to go. I called their Customer Service to figure out the right size; they asked for maximum dimensions for length, width and...

My copy of SCA arrived a couple of days ago and the article is full of compliments for C-Dorys. SCA is a terrific magazine all the time and always worth reading, but this issue is especially appealing to C-Dory owners. While SCA is aimed mainly at small sailboat owners, lots of C-Dory folks...

An easy test: sit in the cabin by the porta-potty and have someone run a hose over the boat. Look at all penetrations: bolts under the bow rail, cleats, any antennas or added equipment, etc. If you see drops forming anywhere, that's a spot to repair. Tightening the bolts might help temporarily...

You'll find good advice on this subject on this website. As a starter, the hole around the transom drain should have been properly epoxied at the factory. If you inspect it closely you may not need to do anything there. While hardware is off, use a nail or small tool to feel the core in any...

Good practical advice from West Systems Epoxy's customer service people.

Not clear where you found the water first. In any case water under the floor could be coming in lots of places, not where you first saw it. I had a similar discovery and was confused by it at first. Here's what I finally found and did. On Pangur Ban all of the fittings on the front half of the...

Defender has a warehouse sale online through the 25th.

On my iPhone 6s I downloaded BoatBeacon and TrackaShip Free. Both of them seem to show AIS data that is up to date. They're probably getting it from Marine Traffic which is not free ($4.95?). I've actually eyeballed AIS ships from the shore and found that BoatBeacon was keeping up. (BoatBeacon...

Little Wing has the right link.

The subscription to notices from the NY Canals was confirmed by their email system today. I signed up for the notices on Feb. 22, and the confirmation email which the website said I'd receive "shortly" came March 5. If the system is automated as are other email subscription systems, it has a...