PITA Factor

[williamsburg]

I and several other derelicts were wasting time, as usual, at our marina. A new 40 something Grand Banks had just pulled in and was searching for a mechanic to take care of numerous problems. The captain was in a state of misery and his wife was making things worse.

I noted that I had gotten rid of my 36’ downeast style trawler to reduce my time spent on problems and enjoy cruising. I had replaced this boat with a CD-22, Doryme. One of the morons I associate with stated that I had improved nothing. Every boat is trouble and my C-Dory still had an engine, fresh water system, AC & DC, bildge pumps, electronics, etc. I had reduced the problems somewhat but only slightly.

I know he is wrong, absolutely wrong. I decided that deadrise (whatever that is), LOA, horsepower, and all the other stuff you see in boat ads leave out the most important ingredient – what I will call PITA (pain in the a__) factor. The major difference between my current boat and the previous trawler was ‘pumps’. When I counted up I had twelve different pumps, excluding the engine and generator, each feeding at least one new problem area. I had an A/C water pump, bildge pumps X 4, shower sump, oil change, fuel transfer, fresh water, seawater washdown, holding tank, and a vacuflush vacuum pump.

The PITA factor would simply be the number of pumps times two – a PITA factor of 24 on my downeast trawler. I multiply by a factor of two because each pump feeds at least one other problem – i.e. the A/C pump led to two air conditioners and the fuel transfer pump moved diesel between five tanks with a bunch of tubes and valves.

This may possibly improved on but it is simple and direct. Length is not a good indicator. I was recently on a Camano 30+ that was as Spartan as my C-Dory. Enumerating accessories is cumbersome and may be misleading. How do you compare a radio with a macerating head.

I hope this catches on and becomes a useful factor to the boat buyer.

 

[Jimbo]

Williamsburg
I agree with your comparison of the Camano to a Cdory. We chartered one about to 3 years ago for a week. Just a basic boat that does all you want it to. While I would love to own a Camano, cost puts it out of reach. When we found the Cdory, one of the first things we noticed was how it had similar lines to the Camano.
Jimbo

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like your "moron" buddy hit the nail on the head, You will have those same problems only to a lesser degree with the smaller boat.
I enjoy spending time on the boat looking for ways to improve reliability through upgrading each component in the various systems. This has also brought familiarity that is helpful when something does go south.
The big thing for us is the freedom from daily stresses that are unavoidable in the course of daily life. There is no PITA factor associated with my Old Town Canoe, only a paddle to consider but it has not been wet since taking up with the C-dory!
We had our share of problems early on as most have on this site but with that behind us I don't even consider PITA and C-dory in the same sentence. I guess it's what you make it.
Mike on Huda Thunkit

 

[JamesTXSD]

For us, one of the other PITA factors is having a boat that has to live in the water. That C-Dory will have some problems to be dealt with, but many of those problems will be easier to deal with and less expensive when you can easily pull the boat out of the water and trailer it to proper service.

Now, since we aren't close to any of the great C-Dory dealers who participate here, all we have to do is find that proper service... still looking. :wink:

Best wishes,
Jim B. (Who spent the morning working on the trailer :crook )

 

[mikeporterinmd]

Sq. feet of gelcoat has to figure into PITA at some point (wax). However, sq.
feet of eisenglass that has to be up when the boat is moored and sq.
of canvas when boat is moored should also figure in. I used to tell
everyone how great it was not to have vinyl or eisenglass on a C-Dory...
then I found the small piece around the entrance to the V-berth.
I don't think that should count 'cause you do not sit on and if it needs
replacing, you do not even have to take the boat to the vinyl shop.

And, finally, sq feet that need bottom paint.

Pumps are definately a PITA factor. Even with only one electric
pump (well, not counting the Wallace, which I guess has a pump),
that one is screwed up. Someone replaced it, but was too lazy
to replace the base. They just kind of set the new pump in there.
So, it does not have a good fit with the base, and so sand and grit can
get past the screen and into the pump. Oh well.

At least I no longer have to lean over a 160 deg. engine trying to
get a spark plug wire back on.

Mike

 

[ccflyer]

I came to my C-Dory from a Sea Ray with a 260 HP I/O so, for me, the Honda 90 put the fun and reliability back into boating.

I would never own a boat powered by an I/O even if I won a new one in a lottery. Nothing but headaches :thdown :thdown

Phil

 

[mikeporterinmd]

I came to my C-Dory from a Sea Ray with a 260 HP I/O so, for me, the Honda 90 put the fun and reliability back into boating.
....
Phil

Hehe...the 160 degree engines I was refering to were on a 30' Sea Ray.

As gas is getting ready to or has passed $3.00/gallon, I'm not sorry.

Mike

 

[Sea Angel]

Often I hear of jumping from a larger to smaller hole-in-the h2o where all the money flows, but not too often of a jump UP.

I had an 18' Sea Ray Bow Rider with a MERC 135, V6, which I bought new. Boy, could that motor screem and get me to 48kts. The noise would tire you out in 1 hr, the reliability was poor, and the trust factor was so bad I was thinking of getting 'out'. Even with a full canvas, we would cook in the VA heat & humidity.

We wanted something to get out out of the sun and still be able to enjoy the back waters. Cruising would only be a side beefit at that point. Along came a book abt "River Horse" and I had to take a look. I was looking at the Rosborough 246 at that time.

After a sea trial in both 25s, I was sold. The CD25, with the proven HONDA 2x90s was the match made for us with much more interior room. The KISS [keep it simple students] principle was alive and well. There has not been a single PITA that was worth a second thought.

I had the CD25 rigged locally by trusted shops for the- engines, electronics, canvas, etc., and the PITA factor has not given birth or 'cracked a smile.'

PITA... wonderful way to feel alive. You know something is happening in your world. So, I guess I just have to grin and bare it , the PITA that is.
Looking up is much better than looking down.

 

[Sea Wolf]

Well, as long as we're doing a Sea Ray Saga, Ill chime in here.

One of the first things I noticed was that cleaning the SR 265 Sedan Bridge was like painting the Golden Gate Bridge: when you got to one end, it was time to go back and start again on the other!

Then there IS the engine/outdrive business, er.....PITA FACTOR:

Two V-6's so close together you can't get your hand in between the exhaust manifold risers. Oil filters that are on the back side bottom of the motors. Sucking out 5 1/2 quarts of oil from each motor through a tiny tube placed down the dipsticks with a hand pump. Two bilge pumps and float switches UNDER the engines!

Pumpmania:

2 fuel pumps
2 water pumps in outdrives
1 power steering pump
2 outdrive trim hydrauliuc pumps
1 Bennet trim tab pump
2 bilge pumps
1 raw water wash down pump
1 fresh water pump
1 shower sump pump
1 macerator/transfer pump
1 overboard pump
= 15 + several I haven't discovered yet!

+ the dreaded GASOLINE PUMP MONSTER

120 gallons x $4.75/gallon* = $570 + Techron + Stabil + Sea Foam

Additionally, we just rebuilt the outdrives, which cost a little over $1000 in parts, + two new props ($250), skeg repair ($208), and labor ($1300).

This follows a new windlass, bottom paint, etc. Also bought a a new aluminum tri-axle trailer for $5000 (from Ohio, big difference in price!)

Plus we pay $420 a month for two slips at the marina. (But the river otters with the nest under my dock are cute!)

Actually, I still love the boat, but think I'm going to change the name plate from Sea Ray to Sea Pay.

*Bridge Bay Marina, Shasta Lake, just for your personal happiness!

Joe.



Twin V-6's: 2 x 205 = 410 gas eating HP, or about 15-20 GPH at cruise, = $1.20 -$1.50 per minute.