Did It With Les!

Gary, I split the difference. Have a 94 CD22 (Captain's Choice - the East Coast one) with two Honda 45's on it! I love the engines, have only had the boat for about a year, they had 240 hours on them when I bought it, they now have about 285. Very quiet, if one is running, I can't hear the other one start. If I had a choice in a new boat though, I'd go with the bigger engine, minimal delta in cost, same weight and if they're really more powerful, it may equate to a little bit more when you need it most!

Let us know what you decide!
 
Gary --
Check out the Garmin system -- the blue chart system is one of the finest nav systems for boating, in our opinion. They ARE the charts, not simulations or abbreviations -- sure makes a difference.
We used Garmin Blue Charts in AK last summer, and they kept us well off the rocks -- folks with other popular nav systems couldn't say the same, since their 'virtual' charts did not have all the chart data on them.
Have a front opening window, for sure -- helps keep moisture off the windows, when it is left open a crack. Also, great when the day is warm.
Consider a 'camper package' to keep rain out of the cockpit -- they can be designed to fold up completely out of the way for fishing or trailering.
A double axle trailer is a great choice for long-distance hauling.
Radar is sure helpful -- we used it in Alaska last summer in the fogs, and it was a great safety item.
Just some thoughts for you to ponder -- El and Bill on Halcyon
 
Gary, meant to add, I've got a Garmin 188C and love it. Added the sonar attachment recently and used it on my ICW trip recently. The ability to put the sonar on the screen with the chart or any of the other info is terrific. I spent 32 years in the Navy and if we'd had this, I might still be in! Didn't want to make a career out of it though..

No radar yet but it's coming, as soon as I get my Kubota tractor paid for and my wife forgets that I bought it...
 
Gary,
In answer to your question regarding "beverage used" in Christening. At our gatherings it has become quite a group participation which involves numerous "toasts" in the celebration with each person pouring a portion of whatever is in their glass over the bow of the vessel being christened. Each person furnishes their own beverage since we have many tastes. Some are "raising their glasses" with wine, beer, soda pop, water etc. Several of the owners having their vessel christened have chosen to use a special bottle of champagne for their own beverage and to pour over the bow of their vessel.
Dave S.
 
Gary,
I'm glad to see so many people "chiming" in with their personal preferences of "how to rig" a C-Dory. That is one of the many joys of this group!
Dave S.
 
You've made an excellent choice Gary.

We bought our "full meal deal" CD22 through Les last summer and didn't regret a moment of the rather convoluted process. We live in Arizona, and I'm working in Maryland for a while, so the whole process was done via emails and telephone calls. Les helped with excellent advice throughout, on several technical issues.

I opted for the Raymarine package with the C-Map navchip. Has taken me some time to come around to the C-Map cartography (I was used to raster scanned MapTech charts [which I still think look better, but not a Raymarine choice]) so I'll just learn to use C-Map.

I think you asked about an autopilot. We bought A/P as kind of an afterthought. During the shake down trip (ten days in the San Juans...) I used the A/P so much, it should have been the first accessory! ...delightfully decadent! We also opted for a windlass, then hung an oversized 22# Delta anchor up on the bow. There's just something about having a hellish hook down there that helps me sleep; and if I don't have to lift it - all the better!

We bought the hi-top and like it. Wasn't a height-thing, we just like the somewhat increased sense of space inside.

I can't comment on the choice between 40's or 50's on power. We went with a single Suzuki 90 so we could have fuel injection and a couple other features that Honda desn't offer yet. Les is carrying the Johnson line now, which is basically a white-Suzuki I'm told. Again, listen to Les.

Enjoy your new boat!

Casey
 
El and Bill. First, thanks for the post with suggestions on my putting together my CD-22. Second, I have really enjoyed your web site and have to tell you I too have ambitions to wander the river systems as you are now doing. My wife and I recently retired and are going through the thoes of "what next." In our case some of the what next is dictated by grandchildren in Alaska and, of all places, Australia. In fact we are heading to Australia again this Christmas.

I am a Garmin fan! I use the Garmin moving map color display GPS unit in my airplane. Absolutely fantastic. You imply that the graphics are either/or more complete with information and more easily used. Am I reading you right here?

Les, of EQ Marine, has been super and I find myself listening to his advice in many areas. But, although Les is suggesting the RayMarine integrated package, I find myself very attracted to the product page of Garmin.

Do you have the equivalent of the RayMarine package onboard? Does the radar use the same GPS screen or do you have two screens? Who made your radar? And what about sonar as someone has recommended? Is there a difference between sonar units and sounders?

I better stop here, I don't want to wear out my welcome this early in the group!

gary
 
hi
we have twin 40 Hondas on our 22' boat Rascal, and they work great- that size was recommended by both Tolland and Dave Miller our dealer. think the twins offer a more stable platform under power than a single/kicker especially in any kind of seas. Typically run much of the time in the 16 to 22 mph speed range and at 3500rpm to 4000....it sure isn't a speed demon but sure is a perfect cruising boat and super economical to operate. With a single engine (very quiet) running it trolls down to 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 mph and if a drift sock is used will slow down more.
ras
 
I am not familiar with the online courses, but David on Anna Leigh is, that is what he did. From what I understand, it covers much of the same information as the in-person courses, including an online exam and certificate of completion...


baboos_boat":2yzrzb1a said:
Pat Anderson - thanks for the link to the Coast Guard courses. I will have some difficulty as I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am using your link to see if there are any on-line courses offered by the CG. I did find at least two outfits on the web offering on-line courses and will probably take one of them. Are you familiar with any on-line courses?
Click to expand...
 
Congratulations! My 2 cents on a couple of your questions:

-- Best course I've seen for navigation is Coast Guard Auxiliary's Advanced Coastal Navigation. See course description at http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/adv_nav.htm
You may have trouble finding a flotilla in Fairbanks. Even if you can't take the course, you can buy the book. It is well written and pretty comprehensive.

-- I am 6' 3" and fully expected to find my standard-roofed 22' cruiser cramped, but that hasn't been the case. Most of the time I am at the helm in the seat. The only time I am standing up in the wheelhouse is when I am cooking, and I don't find it burdensome to duck a little. (We overnighted this past weekend -- my wife and me, two girls, and two big dogs. We were cozy but it was thoroughly enjoyable, and the Wallas kept us warm througout a 40 degree night.)
 
baboos_boat and all,

First I think maybe I'll change the name that shows up over in the left column of the posts...seeing my name so often everywhere else is embarrasing! :oops: While I appreciate the kudos, the reality is that I am not the only person out there capable of putting a C-Dory together or recommending electronics. :shock: My desire is to share what experience I have with folks so that they have more information available and can make their own decision. I do get to see an awfully lot of different installations and have used most of what's avialable to the small boat owner and I try to pass that along.

I do not "recommend" the Raymarine system; it's simply one of the choices available on the market. It isn't "better" than the Garmin products; just different. Garmin doesn't offer a fully "integrated" system (GPS/Chartplotter/Sounder/Radar) so if your inclination is toward a fully integrated system you'll not be considering Garmin. Many folks today are interested in what a fully integrated system has to offer and that leads to the logical choice of either the Raymarine HSB system or the Furuno NavNet system.

So the first major decision in my book is to figure out what 'level' of system you want; a fully integrated system, partially integrated system or standalone components. There are valid reason (money notwithstanding) for choosing each of them.

You have to examine your own preferences and use scenario to figure out what makes sense. Some folks are happy with a nice 'boombox' stereo system; others won't accept anything less than the highest quality speakers, tuners, amplifiers and such...most of us end up somewhere in between. [Different strokes for different folks comes to mind.]

Nobody "needs" (unless you're a commercial operator making your living) a fully integrated nav system, an autopilot or even a GPS, chartplotter or sounder; we don't even "need" the darn boat! :D Really it's about pleasure (they're pleasure boats, after all) and you should put the thing together the way that makes you happy. Some folks aren't happy unless the boat looks like a 747 cockpit; others want a depth sounder and a VHF...period. You choose.

If you want superb navigation, nobody does it better that Garmin; I've installed more 188C units than anything else (some 2006C's and even the 2010C's too). There are many other really good units out there too, so you've got lots of choices. The 188C is nice since it's got the sounder built-in but if having a full-screen, always available depth sounder is part of your requirement you could choose the 182C (same beast as the 188C without the built-in sounder) and get a separate depth sounder. The 2006C and 2010C need the GSD-20 sounder module added to get the sounder capability.

Want a radar that's not part of the main display; there are good standalone radars out there (and some not so great too). You could use a Garmin 188C for GPS/Chartplotter/Sounder functions and have a separate radar unit (this is the 'partially integrated' system).

And, of course, you could have a separate unit for each of the functions you want. In a CD22 that tends to get pretty tight but it's been done and been done often. Most of those choices were made when the multi-function units were not available.

There is no one answer in making the electronics decision; there is also no one answer in powering a CD22. If I put you in a room blindfolded with a every major brand of motor (of the appropriate size) in there you couldn't make a bad pick. You can make better picks based on your own personal use and preferences. Where's a good dealer? What brand do they carry? Where do you use your boat? Water conditions? Altitude? Typical load? Typical trip length? And on, and on.

If you're looking at twin Honda engines don't sweat the choice between the BF40 and BF50; buy what makes you smile when you see them hanging on the back of your boat (doggone it, it's a pleasure boat; we're not 'justifying' our decisions on a corporate basis). In reality there isn't enough difference in performance to amount to a hill of beans; everyone I know that has either one is happy. If you want extra horsepower "just because" then, by golly, get it. I just don't buy into the argument that it's "needed"; there are too many CD22's out there with twin 40's to make that a valid argument. It's different if it just makes you happy to have them; that's the most valid argument I can think of. You don't want to be out there running around with 40's wishing you had installed the 50's every time you run the boat. Until this year there was about $1500 dollars (or more) difference in going with the 50's versus the 40's and most folks choose to save the money since the 40's do well. Now the margin isn't as wide we may see more 50's going on...just because (mostly just because it didn't cost that much more :wink ).

I've typed too much...
 
Les Lampman":lqh5luqi said:
There is no one answer in making the electronics decision; there is also no one answer in powering a CD22.
Click to expand...

Not disagreeing with you Les, I think that's illegal...:lol:

However, I'm always having to remind myself - lots of folks just want a simple answer, even when there isn't one. They don't care, nor want to know about lots of details. You and I do, as do many others here. Probably some kind of "engineer" mentality, where we're not satisfied until every last spec of info has been shredded, digested, and an opinion formed.

That being said, when I chat with folks who don't seem interested in the nitty-gritty details of engines and electronics, here are the rules of thumb that seem to apply. Sure, lot's of exceptions can be made, but based on decisions I've seen made around here, things typically pan out like this:

Fishing is important: Main + kicker

Mostly cruising: Either twins or a main, but most folks go the twins route

Electronics: If no RADAR; as much Garmin as you are willing to spend. If RADAR, but not integrated; Garmin + Furuno or Raymarine. If integrated; Raymarine.

Again, lots of variables can change the above, but these configurations are pretty typical from what I've read in the C-Dory forums for the last couple of years.

I've typed too much...
Click to expand...
That's OK, type all you want. Until my boat shows up, then I expect you to be hard at work... :wink:
 
Hi Bill,

Cool! Made my day, because it's a tough call for any new buyer. I've had Garmin + two different brands of radar, two Raytheon full systems -- and I'd have a difficult time making a choice. And the real problem, what's a bit better today will be second best tomorrow. The Blue Chart system on the Garmin is absolutely top, but Raytheon does a good job too and is quicker to update. The Raytheon digital depth sounder is superb, with no present equal that I'm aware of. Not for most skippers, but the way I boat the Raytheon MARPA system is worth the extra loot. To know where those other idiots out there in the soup are going, their closest point of approach, and when, takes a lot of pain out of my day. And having the remote control for the autopilot that I can use in the cockpit while fishing -- and read the depth on the remote -- man, man, that's way cool (Like grandkid sez).

No possible answer on the twins vs single debate. Both are great combinations, and hundreds out there rigged both ways -- with happy skippers.

Think Les hit it on the head. We are pleasure boaters, and if it gives you pleasure, just do it. No way to go wrong... and it's human nature to defend what you bought and use.

See ya at EQ!

Dusty
 
THANK YOU LES AND DUSTY,
YOU HAVE VERY ELOQUENTLY STATED THE TRUE BASICS AND BASIS OF DECISION MAKING IN REGARDS TO EQUIPING AND SETTING UP THESE WONDERFUL BOATS.

:beer :beer REGARDS TO ALL DOUG AKA"STIMPSTER"
 
I have never been so impressed by the enthusiasm and willingness of a group of folks to help out a "cheechako." (That's Alaskan for "don't know not to eat the yellow snow!") I will be back shortly with more questions. I would like to share a post from a friend of mind in Homer, Alaska, who is responding to a number of the inquiries I have been making.

"Hi Gary,
Excellent choice on the C-Dory. I am very familiar with them and have
always thought they are excellent boats. Are you getting the cruiser or
the Angler? To answer some of your questions, RADAR is not something
you'll use every time you go out but it will come in handy when it socks
in once in a while. I recommend a small screen unit. GPS is a must and
a hand-held GPS for a back-up is really nice. Most units will
chart-plot. Paper plotters are not necessary for me. Some sort of SONAR
is a necessity. They range from the most basic depth sounder that
flashes a depth figure to color video monitors. Dash space will be
limited in the C-Dory. I recommend a top-of the line fish finder from
Eagle or Hummingbird.

As far as the boat goes, get most of the options that C-dory comes with
such as dual batteries with an isolating switch, cabin heat, wipers,
gauges, cooking stove, pumps, anchor winch, bait table, pole holders and
any and all available storage. I also strongly recommend that you plan
on Penn or Cannon downriggers for salmon trolling. (PENN) They may need any and all available storage. I also strongly recommend that you plan on Penn or Cannon downriggers for salmon trolling. (PENN) They may need to know this in order to beef up where they will go. As far as power goes I prefer a main motor and a decent size kicker instead of twins,
especially on the C-Dory. For that boat a 70-90 4 stroke main and 9.9
kicker would be perfect."

The CD reputation goes far and wide. Any comments on the brand names recommened?

gary
 
Gary,
Not being a fisherman, I can offer no advice as to downriggers and the like......however, my vocabulary is deeply indebted to you for the recent addition of the word "cheechako".....I'm sure to get some mileage out of that! (I don't think the firehouse is ready for my return to work tomarrow!) tee hee :smilep
 
DaveS - The opposite of "Cheechako" is "Sourdough".

To explain these terms a bit more I draw from the Robert Service poem "The Ballad of the IceWorm Cocktail".

A sourdough "some say is one who has seen the Yukon Ice go out; but others this definition douibt, it is the genial meeting of these minds Major Brown,
"A sourdough is a guy who can drink an iceworm cocktail down."

I don't know about ice worms but I think a sourdough is a guy who has soured on the northern winters and does not have enough dough to get out!

Now unless our fellow mariners think we have departed from CD topics, I find there is always time to quote a little Service poetry even when bounding the blue maine in our wonderful boats!

Perhaps I will name my boat the ICEWORM.

gary
 
Gary,
I like the name ICEWORM. The names of our vessels are indeed a part of the stories in our lives, which makes them so interesting.
Never fear on the C-Brats of "straying from the subject of C-Dorys" because that is why it is referred to as a "Pub". A place where we can come in, pull up a stool, share a common bond, and talk with each other.
 
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