09/20 - Lake Powell 2014 Gathering

Hi everyone! I am new to your world but seriously taken by the c dorys. I am beginning a search for one of my own, Either new or used 25' or 26' venture. Any thoughts???
 
So, tell me about decontamination again? I need to do that just to trailer my boat home through Utah? Not completely sure of our dates yet, we kind of want to coordinate with Russ and Toni on Traveler if we can, but we are probably going to be on the lake for at least three weeks this year!
 
You need to clean any debris or mud off of the boat and trailer, drain the water out of the motors, drain any live wells, and don't leave your plug in. If the plug is in and you get stopped you can be fined 1100 dollars. The boat has to dry for so many days before you can launch in any other water. Or you can pay to have the boat professionally cleaned. They basically wash the boat with 140 degree water.
 
When we were traveling last summer (through NM, AZ, UT, ID, WY, MT...) enroute to AK the magic number seemed to be at least 30 days out-of-the-water.

We encountered several check stations along the Interstate(s) and they seemed to be operated 7/24. Most were staffed by college kids, and every one seemed diligent and nice. They would do a quick-but-thorough inspection, give us a form, and we'd be on our way. In WY they put a wire seal through the bow eye and connected it to the trailer to ensure the boat hadn't been removed from the trailer. ...and we weren't even launching (until we got to Prince Rupert).

I suspected (at the time) these inspections were probably going to be a fruitless undertaking, but it was a good effort to prevent//delay the spread of a significant water-borne problem. Biologists in downstream states will have to look into other measures to control or eradicate the mussels. I can only imagine what these things might do to urban water systems when they arrive.

It would be interesting to hear from Chris (Rana Verde) on that subject; he know's about such stuff.

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
We are new owners of a 25' C-Dory 2006 and have not yet even had it in the water. We have gone to Lake Powell with previous boats over the last 15 years +. We are interested in joining the group this coming Sept.

We are from San Diego - does anyone in this area plan on going?
If not, we can meet you in the Oak Canyon area.

We are interested in getting information regarding a cockpit bimini and would welcome any information on purchasing one prior to Sept.
John and Grayle Blecker
(we are new to the site and trying to find our way around it)
 
Our cruise leader, Chris on Rana Verde is from Sandy Eggo, so you might want to PM him...

JBLECKER":jd0kwl4p said:
We are new owners of a 25' C-Dory 2006 and have not yet even had it in the water. We have gone to Lake Powell with previous boats over the last 15 years +. We are interested in joining the group this coming Sept.

We are from San Diego - does anyone in this area plan on going?
If not, we can meet you in the Oak Canyon area.

We are interested in getting information regarding a cockpit bimini and would welcome any information on purchasing one prior to Sept.
John and Grayle Blecker
(we are new to the site and trying to find our way around it)
 
John and Grayle,

Welcome! And congrats on your new C-Dory :thup As Pat mentioned, the Lake Powell cruise leader is from the San Diego area, so at least one other boat will be heading the same direction. People do tend to come to Powell from all over the map though.

I am hoping to be there - it's really fantastic (as you know from your previous trips).

One odd/funny thing about a bimini at Powell (for me anyway). I'm usually the type that always likes "roofs." I tend to like porches, and on most boats always have the bimini up, and/or like to hang out in a semi-enclosed space. I'm not one for the open cockpit. But on Powell, even though I have a bimini, I didn't put it out even once. I loved being able to look up into all the amazing canyons as we puttered in and out of them with nothing over the cockpit. I guess because the weather is mostly conducive to having the door and windows of the main cabin open, the cabin roof was like the bimini, and then the cockpit was good totally open. Too, it wasn't the hottest of years, so that may make a difference. The previous year I was on another (similar) boat and we had a golf umbrella type of setup. I just mention these things in case for some reason there is a crunch getting a bimini specifically for Powell.

That said, there must be some great canvas makers in your area. It seems like the best option is a good local canvas-maker, with "the other option" being to buy a pre-made one from King Canvas (they made many of the "stock" ones for C-Dorys, so I think they will make them without having your boat there, although I'm not sure.) I think I would prefer an excellent local shop though, myself. I think the 25 "Dora~Jean" has some really nice canvas that was made in the Los Angeles area (you could check his album), although I realize that's not exactly San Diego.

Sunbeam

PS: I just remembered you said you were new to the site and getting used to navigating it, so here is a link to Dora~Jean's album. He had the cover (in the photo album) made at Van Nuys Canvas , and it looks like perhaps the bimini too. When he talked about it in a post I got the feeling it was a great shop. The cover certainly looks nice. If you want to get in touch with him you could PM him.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php
 
Dave's Custom Canvas on Shelter Island has been around for a long time and has a good reputation. A local canvas shop, who measures your boat is the best in the long run.

Although we do not take our full camper back canvas to Powell, we always have the Bimini cockpit shade available, and up most of the time. If you want to roll it up, it takes a minute or so.

The majority of boats at Powell have Bimini's. The sun and heat can be significant.

Our Fearless leader even has a Bimini on his chair!

IMG_0771.jpg
 
thataway":smmill7i said:
Our Fearless leader even has a Bimini on his chair!

Although funny enough, not on his boat! :lol: That chair does rock :thup

Just in case it seemed that way, I wasn't advocating for no bimini on Powell, but just remarking that, "oddly" for me, I didn't use mine on Powell (usually I like it up all the time). Was just mentioning that in case for some reason it was a real crunch to get one for Powell, and you thought you "had" to have one. They are wonderful, IMO.
 
John and Grayle (interesting name),

As you might expect, C-Brat's usually have very good ideas and recommendations. Your bimini/camper canvas is no exception.

As Sunbeam mentioned, a Bimini isn't critical, but Mary and I have found it Very handy at Powell. I would recommend getting it - if the chosen shop's work schedule permits you to get it done in time for the September Gathering. Expressed another way ... if the shop cannot comfortably accommodate you in the time available; don't rush it!

C-Dory's tend to be equipped mostly for fishing or cruising. If your interests are mostly cruising you will want to do a fair amount of research before you jump in to your canvas work. Having a bimini fabricated is fairly straight forward. If you want to have camper canvas made the project will be more complex (and expensive). We find that having full campper canvas is extremely useful in our cruising mode, and virtually doubles your available living space aboard. We wouldn't be without it (although we have cruised with out the camper canvas). Just make sure the bimini and camper canvas work together seamlessly (pun intended).

Again, don't rush the job, and don't be afraid to take your boat to someone that's been recommended. (Example: I trailered "Naknek" from Arizona to Whidbey Island just so the guy's there [I forgot their names - they're no longer in business] would do the job. The canvas was Perfect.)

The important step is to think/research what-it-is you want. George and Carolyn (C-Dory "Kerry On") have recently gone through the whole process and did a LOT of thinking/research prior to their recent canvas work. Contact them for in-put (or, George may chime-in).

To recap:
(1) Don't rush the job.
(2) Figure out what YOU want.
(3) Keep your checkbook handy (dont' scrimp; you'll regret it)
(4) Keep a golf (or beach) handy for Powell, if necessary.
(4) Don't use Tenara thread on your window sams. (For the price of two beers I'll tell you the Rest of that story!)

Best,
Casey&Mary
(...currently in Frankfurt)
 
Casey,

Well put! What I was thinking but somehow didn't say as well :D

I agree on all your points. My boat came with just a bimini, and I have seen many others (in photos here). There is a fair bit of variation, but they mostly seem to work well, and as you say, fairly simple (although there are still things that make one nicer than another)

But camper canvas... whole different ball game, with many more points to consider. Like you, when I eventually get one, I'll be traveling long-distance to wherever I feel will do the best job. I was going to go for one right away when I bought the boat, but since there is so much to think about decided to go with the existing bimini for awhile to see how I used the boat, what I might like or dislike, etc. (My bimini is a light one on an aluminum frame, so a camper canvas will be a whole new setup.)

One option if scheduling is tight or you do want some use time to consider your priorities in a bimini or camper canvas: The first year I went to Powell was on a boat similar to a C-Dory that did not have a bimini; we brought a large golf type umbrella and guyed it over the cockpit with various lines. That worked reasonably well, if not my choice for permanent use.
 
We are interested in going this September. The only part that gives us hesitation is the long road trip with boat trailer from Seattle.

We have a suitable pickup and the boat trailer is salt free, never the less, it seems like some caravaning would be a good idea. Anyone else going that way and towing?



Kevin & Kari Ware
El Gato Thomas
Tom Cat 25.5
 
Is anyone from the Seattle area towing a boat to Lake Powell this September? We are considering towing ours via Boise, SLC then down to Page, leaving around 9/15. Two rigs would be better than one, should there be some issue on the road.

Kevin Ware
el Gato Thomas
Tom Cat 25.5
 
I'm sure you will be able to find someone headed that way. You might be able to find someone along the way as well.
 
For those who like to collect maps here's one for you iphone or ipad.

lakepowell.sized.jpg

You can pay for the upgrade and the whole thing will be download so you don't need a connection.
 
Casey and others offer good advise. We looked at a lot of camperbacks before comitting points we wanted were total leak free design. The canvas guy understood overlap roof to sides, front edges to back edges like a house roof. (Some canvas doesn't do this we see). Don't rush the canvas guy. Let them know what you want ( maybe more fabric as opposed to more window). Ease of entry exit. We didn't zip the bimini front as we are on the hook more than in marinas. Go 1" ss tubes and fittings. Use swelling thread ( Casey knows!). Look at lots of c dory albums till you have figured what you want. Then go for it. Great addition. Doubles the size of the boat. George
 
Thanks for the tip on the map app - downloading now. I never want to "rush" summer, as it's my favorite season, but... I can't wait to get back to Powell either :thup
 
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