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I didn't have such good luck up Spring Garden Creek, but anchoring overnight in Blue Peter Lake on the Norris Dead River was a treat. Journal and photos here: http://smittypaddler.com/cds/cdx/ec2013 ... 130322.htm

Na Waqa's full name is "Na Waqa Lailai Totoka." She started out just as "Na Waqa," which means "The Boat" in Fijian. I added "Lailai Totoka," which means "Cute Little" after I'd heard "My, what a cute little boat!" about a thousand times.

I was feeling pretty glum this morning, and this one brought happy tears. Thanks.

I've been away and the boat has been in storage for two months, plugged in with a smart charger keeping the batteries topped off as needed. It's nice to know the next time I take the boat out all the batteries will be fully charged. I'm glad I paid extra for a charger that senses the level of...

It's been 14 years, but here are links to journals and photos for trips I did in 2000: http://smittypaddler.com/cds/cdh/rivers/SanJuan/ http://smittypaddler.com/cds/cdh/rivers/LakePow/ Kayaking using a houseboat as a mother ship is fun also. I've done it but I can't offhand find the photos.

The most frustrating and dangerous thing one has to endure trailering a C-Dory is the guy or gal that gets in the lane next to you and slows down to your speed so they can get a better look. Then they just sit there. I then have to slow down even more to allow enough room in front of me...

I just thought of another mistake I still occasionally make. Once the boat is in the water I'll start winching it down so it'll float off the trailer. Suddenly it will stop, and I think there's something jammed under the boat, until I finally realize I forgot to release the safety hook. At...

The very first time I launched my C-Dory, I unhooked everything, and had my wife hold the lines as I carefully backed to the ramp. Very fortunately the ramp sloped only a few feet to the water from level ground, and I had the motors all the way up. When the trailer wheels started down the...

Even, perhaps especially, in the rain you'll appreciate and enjoy that nice little cuddy cabin. Congratulations on your new boat, and remember, I get a ride this winter.

One of my favorites is Bayfield, Wisconsin, along with Big Top Chautauqua: http://bigtop.org/

I have my C-Dory on blocks with half the old bottom paint stripped off, the rest to go today. The paint was old, so there were some large areas without any paint at all before I started stripping. There was no sign of marine growth anywhere, so I'm wondering if I really need new paint. Except...

I thought many states require you to remove the drain plug to prevent carrying invasive species from one body of water to another. Not true?

I live on my CD22 for up to 3 months in the winter, and sleep on the bunk converted from the dinette table. I've often thought how much it would contribute to my comfort with just a little more width to the bed. I haven't thought of a good way to do it, so I'd be interested as well.

I'm all thumbs when it comes to mechanical things, so I do very little of my own maintenance. I have twin Honda 40s, and I'll never forget when I got the bill for 100-hour service on Key Largo; $850! They only had the boat out of the water for a couple hours! Since then I've learned that's...

When I travel I use Lasso cables to lock the trailer to the car and the motors to the trailer, and steel mesh luggage covers over the propellers and lower units. I also use a wireless motion sensor that's good for about 150 feet, along with signs in the covered windows saying WARNING...

I have twin Honda 40s on my CD22, with mechanical Teleflex NFB Steering to one engine and the other slaved to it with a Stearns Auxiliary Motor Steering Kit tiebar. Maybe it's because I've never experienced hydraulic steering, so I don't know what I'm missing, but I don't find my setup...

My tiebar has been replaced with one in stainless steel, cost $64.98 including shipping. In case anyone else is in a similar situation I've posted photos and the supplier name at - http://smittypaddler.com/tiebar/index.htm#after Thanks for all the help.

I can't argue whether the setup I have is good or bad. That's the way the boat was when I received it from the dealer. I will repeat, however, it's performed without mishap for 9 years and about 10,000 miles (I did the Great Loop, among other cruises). The recommendation for the A92/700 tie...

I need advice on replacing the steering tie bar between my twin Honda 40s. I bought my C-Dory new in 2004, and the tie bar is part of the original package, and is very corroded. The tie bar was made by a Minnesota company, Stearns, Inc., but their website, www.stearnsinc.com, doesn't respond...

I just got back from a cruise to DeLeon Springs. The way in via the Highland Park Canal from the St Johns River was quite pretty, and anchoring ovenight in Blue Peter Lake was a treat, with bird calls and gator grunts and growls all round, lots of gleaming red eyes in my flashlight beam. But...