new boat, new owners. basic stuff for onboard????

D

docsears

New member
Hello to all you great folks who helped us along our way to finally purchasing a new 2012 C-Dory Venture. (23 ft.) We have decided to put on double 60 horse Honda's, and for electronics, Garmin741sx GPS, VHS,and radar. All comments welcome, but our choices on engines were Suzuki or Honda.....Two anchors, a camper top and mooring cover. But, we figure there is alot of experience out there about basic things to have onboard to make general cruising and/or crisis moments more do-able.
For example, on the roof of many boats we see a raft type boat, light and for going to shore? and or emergency. What are these?
How about float coats or survival suits? Plans are bays in MAine, Lakes, and San Juans.
We have a great deal to learn, and we are so very grateful for the experience on this sight, and the extrodinary kindness of everyone. We look forward to meeting many of you, and again, many thanks.
Hayden and Cathy
 
Well of course you need the obvious things like dock lines and bumpers and life vests and flares. Then go to the "Search the C-Brats" (above, left) and search for 'safety' and 'ditch bag' items. Then go to "C-Dorys for sale" (bottom right on the home page). Check the lists of items included with the boats being sold and glean your own list from those. Ask about any you question, like "what's a dingy?" or "Do I need a dingy"or "what size dingy should I get?", etc. That should give you a good start.
 
Off the top of my head, I would suggest a good set of tools; spare belts, hoses, and filters; a multi-meter; flashlights and batteries; some sharp knives; the usual safety equipment; some 4200/5200/epoxy; lots of spare rope; and some good friends to enjoy it all with.
 
Hayden, consider self inflating PFDs when you buy. They are non intrusive, and easy to wear when you're on the boat. Add a handheld VHF, too. They come in handy when putting around in the dinghy, and trying to contact the mothership.

Most important. Repeat MOST IMPORTANT... A way to make good coffee. We use a Melita filter cone that fits into a Stanley thermos. This is critical.

When are you coming back this way
 
Hayden:

Most of us do carry an inflatable dinghy on the roof of our CDs. Main reason is for easy shore access. They also act as a kind of life raft in emergencies. For just 2 or 3 people going ashore in calm conditions, a fairly light one, about 6 - 7 feet long will work just fine. Make sure you can pick it up from the ground, to above head height by yourself. If it is heavier than that, you will find reasons not to launch it. West Marine has them for sale from time to time for about $800.

You will also need a motor to drive the little dinghy as they do not row well. Something like a Yamaha 2 HP 2 stroke will work just fine. Since the motor gets used very little, the 1 gallon spare fuel tank you buy will last 6 months, during which time ordinary auto gas will deteriorate. We fix that by by using 100LL aviation gas mixed for that little engine. Last forever.

Most CD owners operating in Puget Sound do not carry cold water immersion suits. Although we have carried them when we owned a larger boat, they are too bulky to carry in these small vessels. I would buy (and use), suspender type life preservers. Get one for every person you anticipate having on board, and have them on before leaving the dock. Cost is between $100 and $150 per unit.

Some suspender types are self inflatable via a CO2 cartridge. We have both kinds, but have developed a tendency to avoid using those. If you just accidentially dip the vest corner into the water, it can set off the CO2 cartrige and inflate the vest. Cost to replace those items is between $50 and $100.

It is handy to carry a portable marine band hand held radio, and take it ashore when you leave the boat. If you are hiking on some isoloted island and strain your ankle, or see your anchored CD drifting away, a call on channel 16 will almost always bring out some helpful boaters to solve the problem.

A good quality set of binonculars is also useful, as is a very powerful, hand held spot light. You will not probably be running you boat much at night, so that is not what the spot light is for. You will however wake up in some anchorage when something goes bump in the night, and being able to see around as to what that might have been, is very reasurring. It is also handy to carry in the dinghy, when returning to your anchorage on some dark night.

In addition to the GPS electronic charts, most of us carry some form of paper charts for where ever we go. The easiest ones to deal with on these small boats come in binders, and have standard routes and distances already printed on them. Keeping an eye on where you are on the chart, while also using the electronic charts, is just good seamandhip.

I have operated much larger boats for years, and thought the idea of having an autopilot on a small boat like a CD, which usually does not run for more than a couple of hourse, kind of silly. But I have changed my mind. Being able to follow a dead straight course, all the while fiddling with the gps, or drinking coffee is very nice. We use our autopilot all the time, and would have one installed, if I was equipping a new boat.

Not something to buy, but definitely something to have on board is a checklist up for every thing you might do with the the boat. One for docking and shut down, another for start-up, another for launching off the trailer, etc. Professional mariners on large ships use them all the time, and they are out there all the time. I find if you have everything that needs to be done written down in the proper sequence, not only will you spare yourself embarrassing mishaps, but also find the activity more relaxing, as you do not have to worry you missed something. Spouses and passengers also appreciate that level of carefulness.

Good luck.

Kevin E. Ware
El Gato Thomas
CD Tom Cat 25.5
LaConner, WA
 
Hayden and Cathy,

Congratulations on the purchase of your new C-Dory. You have purchased a great boat from a wonderful dealer. Ryan will give you honest advice on how to equip you boat so that it meets your needs (very trustworthy). Sportcraft also provides excellent service and support after the sale.

My only advice beyond the excellent suggestions made by others would be to run the boat and then determine what extras you need from how you actually use it. [/b]
 
We can figure all sorts of great ways to spend your money!

A few "Christmas Present type items first:
I love the Fuji Techno-Stabile 14x40 stabilized binoculars which happen to be on sale at Defender via Active Captain.

I also have the FLIR hand held "First Mate" for no light vision.

I would say that some AIS receiver at least is very desirable.

Join Active Captain--activecaptain.com.

Many of us use tablets--I pad is my choice, with various charts (Navionic and Garmin Blue Charts Mobile are my favorites). Wind, wave, tide apps area all good along with Weather. HD radar, avoids the expense of Garmin Sirus Radar, and good if you have cell phone service.

I keep a Plaino tackle box, with : assorted nuts, bolts, washers and screws. Fuses of all kinds (works for others as well as your boat). Extra electrical connectors, butt, ring, of sizes, adhesive shrink wrap. a hunk of #12 wire, wire ties, seizing wire, Nitrile disposable gloves, Snaps and lift the dot fasteners, along with simple anvil type of fittings to clinch them. Rescue Tape, electrical tape, almalgating tape, extra anchor shakles, Marine Tex,
JB weld, both Kwik and regular. Extra drain plug for the transom. Hose clamps, of sizes from sink and head fittings to fuel lines.

In the tool box: A digital volt meter, with good leads, and a couple of hanks of wire with alligator clips on both ends.

Another item to think about are waders--I occasionally use them if I have to get into cold water to launch the boat.

We carry 4 anchors. A Delta or Manson Supreme on the bow. We also have two 6 lb Guardians, which act as our Stern Anchors especially at Lake Powell Stern is right off the beach, and one anchor on each side up on the sand, or rocks. The 7 lb Fortress (mud position is available) to supplement the other anchors for sand or mud. We carry 3 sections of 8' 3/16" chain, for around rocks or for the extra anchors. Extra line--1/4" is fine for stern. I have several hundred extra feet. I also have an extra several hundred feet of 3/8" for main anchors. These are all under the foot well which is under the table.

Spare props, nuts, cotter pins and crown washers, extra thrust washer.

When in the PNW I also carry hundreds of feet of 1/4" polypropylene line-- for the crab and shrimp pots. But also can be doubled and used as a stern line to trees. I have an extra hank of 1/2" x 20 feet with eye splices on each end, to put around trees, so that chains or small line will not harm the tree.

In the tool box: hammer, strap wrench for filters, prop nut wrench, Vise Grips, Large, small, needle nose and chain. Water pump pliers, full metric and SAE socket and open end wrench. Also a Robertson Screwdriver (for the squire drive screws used on the boats windows).

You might consider an anchor windlass. Most use the Lewmar 700 H series.

Extra hand rails on the top of the boat:
DSC00818.sized.jpg

DSC00819.sized.jpg

These hand rails are bolted thru the lip on the boat top. They make getting aboard, out of the cockpit to the deck and going from side to foredeck railing much easier and safer.

Add to your cruising grounds: Great Lakes (on the way to the San Juans), and Lake Powell on your way home!

We have spent 7 summers in the PNW, with 5 trips to AK, (also a summer in the Baltic and North Sea) without a survival suit. Do get the dinghy. The West RU 3, which is 8 1/2 feet long, and is light enough for the top of the Pilot house. I would consider one of the Torqueedo electric outboard. We have a 3.5 Hp Merc two cycle and have owned a 2.5 Hp Suzuki for dinghy outboards. The Torqueedo is in the budget for the next dinghy motor.

Good luck and have fun with the new boat!
 
Hi and welcome to the cult, club, pub, web site :wink:

There are always a lot of new things to buy for boats that you have not thought of yet. I like to break it down into manageable subjects. So here it goes.

1) Safety. Now this can include everything from life vest to ropes to first aid kits. At the min I would have the following
a) life vest, I like the self inflating type. They are comfortable so you will wear them more often
b) Safety flare and whistles. I don't only have flares in a container but I have one popup flare in each of my vest along with a whistle. You will not be heard yelling in the water even a short distance, get a whistle. I even carry one in my jacket when duck hunting.
c) Throw rope. I carry a throw rope/bag to pull people out of the water if need be. Nothing like being ten ft from helping some one with only a 5 ft rope.
d) Med kit. I have the basic kit from west marine but do not consider it adequate for a bad emergency and will be replacing it with a self assembled kit.
e) Binoculars- use them for every thing and consider them one of the most important safety items on the boat.
f) Ditch bag with everything above plus handheld VHF, food, water, space blankets. ( i can not say enough about the benefits of a space blanket. cheap, light, and warm. I carry them in my back, boat car and house)

2) Spares- I will make this list shorter because it just depend on your boat and your level of skill in working on the boat but here are a few. Oh and I think you should plan to be able to get to a safe harbor first and home second.
a) Fuses-I can count the times I have towed people to port for lack of a fuse. Have one for everything on the boat and motors. hell have three.
b) Prop and hubs. If you have made the mistake
of getting twins and not a single and kicker the way superior minds have :wink: then you will need two.
c) Tape and wire. You would be amazed at what you can do with tape and bailing wire. Duct tape, water proof tape, electric tape, I have it all.
d) Zip tie's -enough said.
e) Tools- so I was walking down a dock and heard a guy under a engine room hatch cussing to himself about something. I stopped and asked what was up. He was trying to tighten down a battery clamp... with a butter knife. Buy a cheap set of tools at least.

3) Transport- I know boats are transport but you need transport to the shore.
a) Boat- I have kayaks and dinghy's and both have their place. I prefer a rigid air floor and keel in a inflatable for most of my cruising. Great for going to shore or the dinghy dock. I love to anchor out and paddle to the beach or a city dock. Also great for watching wild life and setting up crab pots or a little fishing.
b) Bikes- I don't have a folding bike but its on the list before we do any long cruise. Hell I would like to have one now for some ports. We have rented at a few places. Even rented scooter a few times. Lots of fun.

4) Comfort-
a) Blanket and sheets for the v-berth.
b) Plates and silverware.
c) Cooler
d) Cook ware
e) Rain gear
f) Foot gear ( depends on location)
g) fishing gear, I mean why own a boat if you don't fish?

I'm sure I forgot a dozen other thing's but you get the idea.
 
lots of good info here and in the archives.

assuming you have a Racor or the likes, a spare filter for your fuel/water separator and maybe a strap wrench to get at it. they can be a bear.

liquid electrical tape is a great addition to the took kit.

enjoy the Venture with the twin 60's...i love mine!
 
docsears-

Wow!

You're getting quite a list!

Game rules: Stop at 2500 lbs or $10,000, whichever comes first!

Your new projected gas mileage is -1.7 nautical miles per gallon!

Someone who has the time should add all these items up and organize them into a checklist of possible inclusions, then add it here and to the documents section for everyone to see and use as a reference.

It always bothers me that we gather such good information here, then let it lay idle in past threads instead of making it into a ready reference document, easy to access!

Instead, we often just start anew a few months to a year or so down the line.

I guess if I'd organized this operation, I would have planned out an entire book to answer all possible questions about the C-Dory world, and then just abstracted and funneled each thread into its place in that universe.

But then, I'm not in charge or very practical in ordinary terms, either. Ha!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
rogerbum":33irhtll said:
Wandering Sagebrush":33irhtll said:
Joe, was that you volunteering :xlol
Click to expand...
That's what I heard too! :lol:
Click to expand...

If I do it, I'll publish it on bronze plate, charge $200, and have the Fleet Measurer/Coast Guard Reserve Squadron Gestapo require that it be through-bolted to all bulkheads, and that the $200 go to the Tip Jar!

Nothing like permanent additions to the C-Brat legacy!

(I'll consider it, as time permits!) :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I would think about getting a porta pottie with a 5 gallon tank instead of the usual 2.5 gallon tank. We found one which still slides under the berth cushion. Thetford 550 P. With what goes in that tank it's nice to have room to spare :wink: Also we use tabs for odor control by Thetford Aqua-Chem 1oz toss ins. We Velcro to secure a small LED flashlight to the rear of the countertop next to the back door just in case you could not afford the night vison equipment. Handy when you need to exit the back door in darkness. My cooler does not have a light in it. That reminds me get a good marine cooler with a cushion on top. That way your you are on top of things during cocktail hour/s. If you don't want to drop a grand on a set of binoculars Defender Marine often has reconditioned models for a lot cheaper. We use a 7 x 50 waterproof model. I was taught not to buy dock lines less then 1/2" thick or you look like a rookie. A throw able floatation device with 50' lifeline is a nice thing to have should a situation arise. Start to build a ditch bag with items in it like survival blankets, dry food,water and extra portable VHF, water proof matches should you need to bail out of your new toy. The old saying about the initials "BOAT" Break out another thousand really means break out at least another 10k due to inflation. Good luck with your new adventure. Oh yeah a decent first aid kit for the tow vehicle and the boat. Look at the photo albums on this site loads of good info on good things to drop some cash on. You might think about making a list in order of your priorities. It can get crazy. If you fish things really get bad. Been there, still doing that. More Later,
D.D. :xseek
 
Self adhesive non skid tape or sheets. These are cut and applied to the aft well by the swim step. I also put some non skid patches on the trailer beams around the front of the boat. They help a lot if you need to walk on the trailer when launching or retrieving.
 
A couple of additional items not mentioned.

A variety of boating/visitor guidebooks for the areas you plan to visit for info on marinas and shore services and activities. Plus paper maps/charts to support your explorations and planning by land and water. Mobile devices can help fill the void here but many of the nicest places are devoid of data service.

We keep a stack of these references on the boat for our common haunts and change that inventory for longer trips to distant places.


Congrats on a nice boat!

Greg
 
Aurelia":bryewz3d said:
Plus paper maps/charts to support your explorations and planning by land and water. Mobile devices can help fill the void here but many of the nicest places are devoid of data service.
Click to expand...

I would never recommend against paper charts, as I very much like to have them aboard. In fact, I only just recently added a mobile device to my boating gear. On mine, at least, no data service (presuming you mean cellular data service) is required. As long as I have the charts pre-downloaded (which I do), the built-in GPS combined with the charts allows it to work whether or not there is data service (like the chartplotter does). (If a particular mobile device doesn't have a GPS then it would not work away from service, so good to know if it has a GPS in it or not.) I think many these days do have GPS in them.
 
Hayden and Cathy,

Listen: this is important. Here's what you really need: gasoline and a few trips.

You have a great boat. And if you were smart enough to figure out that's what you wanted, you''ll figure out what you want. In the meantime, just enjoy that boat.

I've added way too much on the boat, without any help.

Boris
 
Don't be in a hurry to outfit your boat. Your perspective and priorities will change as you use it. There is a real 'vibe' to owning and operating a C-Dory and you can't get it no matter how many posts you read here or how many rides you get on someone else's boat. The very fact that you chose a C-Dory indicates that you plan for this boat to have big impact on your leisure time. Relax and enjoy....West Marine will still be there when you decide what customizations you want.
 
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