Stupid C-Dory Owner Tricks!

Lots of good Points here to think and work out here. Pre-planning especially for an emergency situation is a great way to decrease the dangers and organize a purposefull and effective response.

As to confessions, :oops: So far I have been well blessed and have committed relatively few stupid (at least to me) mistakes. However, there is the time that I added about 6 ounces of fuel additive, (Ring Free and Stabil) to the Gunnel mount, rod holder next to the gas fill pipe on the starboard gunnel :roll: . It was really easy to spot when I went around the stern to the other side and went to fill the port tank with the same concoction :disgust . the give away was all that pink stuff running down the inside wall of the cockpit :embarrased . I do think it may have helped lube the bilge pump though :idea .

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Charlie -- we all make mistakes. The big thing is few admit them (even to themselves) and fewer still learn from them. Thanks for your post and all the good responses --

We have never had to use it (yet), but the idea of the engine assist for the return into the boat is the best we've come up with. Step on the tabs, push the up button, and hopefully dump unceremoniously aboard.
 
Charlie
Sorry to hear about your "adventure."

Being of the never-too-late school I installed a Gem Remote on my lift that lets me operate it from up to 500 feet away. The remote stays around my neck at all times which could have helped in your situation.

However, the best part about the Gem Remote is the limit function which automatically stops the lift a a predetermined up and down position. I had heard too many stories about folks letting their lifts go too far up or, as in your situation, too far down and the cables unwinding.

Anyone interested can contact Gem Remote in Florida at (239) 642-0873, or FAX them at (239) 642-8391

Gary Palsgrove
C-SONG
 
This story was related on a thread here much earlier, but the jest of it is that rugs don't belong on the cockpit sole. First time I ever had the boat out in the street in front of the house, a fellow stopped by to check and see if I had such. Telling me about having a carpet on his sole, leaning over the edge to shake a downrigger ball, and feet came out from under him when the carpet slipped. He went over the edge, and spent nearly 30 min in 45 degree water in Juan de Fuca, while his wife who didn't know how to run the boat, went trolling of toward the suns set. Short version. He was lucky. Stupid tricks #1, having the carpet there to slip. Stupid trick #2, (And The MOST MAJOR One) Wife did not know how to drive or stop the boat, use the radio, or get him aboard if she had gotten back to him.

Spouses, partners, frequent goalongers should all know the basics, (Steer, Stop, And Chan 16) at a minimum.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Gary and Harvey, good points all. First is to wear a lifejacket (preferably an automatic one as we have) when out and there's any question about safety (or all the time as the USCGAUX guys do, not a bad idea). Second is not to do the dumb things I did.

Gary, I've looked at the GEM remotes, pretty pricey ($700+) for our lift with two motors. Maybe when I get the power hooked up there and get off the generator, I'll do it. Lot less expensive than a funeral! :shock:

I have had the boat out a couple of times since then, the lift is OK and so am I. Next time out, I'm gonna make sure Sally knows how to stop/start and maneuver the CAT just in case. If it were a sailboat, I know she could, under sail but with motors, it's just not her bag.

Charlie
 
hardee":1vrkaj0d said:
The MOST MAJOR One[/size]) Wife did not know how to drive or stop the boat, use the radio, or get him aboard if she had gotten back to him.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Click to expand...

Probably more "MAJOR" than that is to make sure you keep the wife happy so she'll WANT to come back and pick you up if you fall overboard.... :mrgreen:
 
Yesterday we pulled into Coulon Park Marina. While munching on our KIdd Valley hamburgers we watched a guy get into his beautiful green hulled center console. The last thing he did when he pulled away was to snap an extra long kill switch chord to his belt. A darn good idea, especially when alone.
 
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