First Impressions

[Sneaks]

Finally got the "Jenny B" out on our "maiden voyage" after rigging, getting a few small imperfections fixed, the trailer fine tuned, and waiting for the first rainstorm in 182 days to pass our launch ramp. Because of the new engine we had to run around at 2k rpm for an hour, then 3k rpm for an hour before "goosing" it, so we simply stayed in the bay, which was pretty much glassy the whole day.

Since this was only the second time I've ridden in a C-22, a few "first impressions" bring questions:

All of our previous boats made it clear when they got up on plane, but I was never really sure with the Jenny B. Around what speed/throttle range is the consensus of this group, because I could have sworn it was planing at an extraordinarily low speed!

Per previous experience with I/O's, and stuck at 2k or 3k rpm, I simply trimmed the outboard for the highest speed over ground, using GPS speed. Typical technique for the non-flowmeter crowd?

The typical C-Dory midship "Love Handle" shape makes trailer centering "interesting". Anybody come up with a decent trailer rear guide "improvement" that gets it centered easier?

The new EFI series Yamahas are superb. Starts immediately, idles virtually noiselessly, great low end response. Didn't go to WOT this trip but approached 4900 RPM for about 30 seconds after two hours of circling the bay and it briefly hit 30. Impression I have from this and the other site is that 29-31 mph is typical WOT for a fully fueled, normal recreation loaded C-22. (2-3 persons, day cruise load) (personal beer only)

So far I am very impressed. Can't wait to get it out to sea so I can check it going uphill and downhill.

 

[Captains Cat]

Sneaks-

Congratulations on the maiden voyage of Jenny B!! Sounds like you had a good one.

Planing does occur at an unusually low speed...I don't have adjustable trim tabs on Captain's Choice, have fixed tabs and don't use the engine trim (twin Honda 45's) unless I'm in very shallow water or want to get 'em all the way out of the drink. I can tell I'm planing when the bow comes down, the speed goes way up with little or no engine rpm increase. This happens around 8-9 knots in still water and 3500 or so RPM, a little higher if it's choppy...That flat stern just works wonders!

Can't help with the trailer, have rollers in mine and it's self centering. There's lots of stuff on the site though for those with bunks, which I assume you have.

Have fun!!

 

[Da Nag]

All of our previous boats made it clear when they got up on plane, but I was never really sure with the Jenny B. Around what speed/throttle range is the consensus of this group, because I could have sworn it was planing at an extraordinarily low speed!

Heh...ain't that cool? The only time I really notice a big transistion is when loaded heavily. Also, while the previously mentioned RPM's are about right for getting on plane, in the right conditions you can back of the throttle quite a bit and still stay on plane.

The typical C-Dory midship "Love Handle" shape makes trailer centering "interesting". Anybody come up with a decent trailer rear guide "improvement" that gets it centered easier?

Tight giudes. Once you've pulled out, head to the rear while things are still wet and give her a shove if she ain't lined up right. It's not too hard to get a 22 to slide sideways a bit on wet bunks.

Congrats...that new Yamaha sounds like a nice setup.

 

[Casey]

Glad to hear the Jenny B's maiden voyage went well. You're right, the C-Dory seems have a softer plane than boats. You sometimes you wonder if you're actually on a clean plane but the speed and/or fuel consumption makes it clearer. Watch the GPS speed; even a 1/10th mph will give you a good clue as to when you're "there." Patience: You'll get used to it!

We've found (that) when putting the boat on the trailer, getting it centered can sometimes be a challenge. Here's what I've done a couple times - and it helped.

With the boat is properly centered, the load guides should be equal on both sides. (In my case it's about the diameter of one of our fenders.) When the boat is still floating, put one of the fenders inside the siderail on one side and it acts like a large "shim" to keep the boat the proper distant from the load guide. Works like a charm (and gives the First Mate a vital function in the retrieval process), and the fender (being squishy) is easy to remove later.

...works for us! Good Luck.

Casey
C-Dory Naknek
aground, but anxiously awaiting the Draft!