What did I learn about our new C-Dory today?

B

BRAZO

New member
Well, after day 2 with the new CD22 - I've been pleasantly surprised. Here are some of the things that I've learned:

- it'll do 27kts with 5 bodies aboard on slight chop

- my 400 watt inverter will not run off the battery cable that the factory installed.

- the boat handles great in 2 to 3 footers.

- the permatrim's and the trim tab's do the trick on keeping the pounding down.

- loved the fact that we could just run it right on shore instead of anchoring in one of our favorite Bay's.

- docking the new CD22 is much easier than the 32' Tug w/single screw.

- with trim tab's down fully, the steering can be a bit squirrely.

- love the ability to close the door/windows and enjoy the day regardless of the weather.

- loved the ability to get into shallow water and not be fretful of running aground.

As you can tell, we've had a very good couple of days on the boat. We get many looks of "look at that tiny thing" - but we end up in the same places as everyone else and we don't need a marina to pull the boat.

Our comparison is from a 32' Trawler with a displacement around 21k - of course there are things we miss with the bigger boat, but the simplicity of the C-Dory so far has been enjoyable.

Out again tomorrow to see if I can get the inverter to stay on - going to put it with the battery in the back and run an extension cord to the helm to see if that'll keep it going.

Enjoy your evening.
 
Robert something doesn't sound right. I've got a 400 watt inverter that runs off the dash 12 volt plug. I run my laptop off it with no problem.
 
Robert,

I see in your other thread that you're just trying to run a laptop with your inverter, probably about 50-70 Watts I'd guess, 4-5 amps at 12VDC. Not all that much. To determine if it's your inverter, computer or wiring, use a digital voltmeter and take several voltage measurements with and without your inverter ON. Also at the 12VDC power source and then again at the inverter voltage input to determine the voltage drops.

This should give you an idea of where the problem lies. Report your findings.

Undersize wiring at only 4-5 amps isn't likely your problem, more like a bad wiring connection or even the 12V socket.
 
Good Morning,

Thanks for the reply's on the inverter. Very frustrating with all the new electronics and having the inverter kick on and off over and over.

This morning I hooked the inverter directly to the battery and ran an extension cord to the laptop and the monitor. I had no problems with the inverter - no alarms noise. I'm thinking with the fan noise on the inverter it may be a good idea to install it with the battery.

But, based on your replies - I'm going to take a look at the 12v socket. When I put a volt meter (one of those from Walmart) in the 12v socket and I turn on the lights - the voltage drops very low. Very confused, but I now know it has something to do with the wiring or 12v socket.

Thanks again and I'll let you know if I find the source of the problem.
 
Brazo,

I would start with the battery terminals, tighten them with pliers or a wrench. Its a good idea to get rid of wing nuts on the terminals and replace them with hex nuts. Be careful not to short out the terminals when tightening with a wrench. A direct short across the battery terminals can cause a melt down/explosion of the battery!

Then follow the 12v feed wires from the battery to the switch panel, checking for loose connections or possibly a bad fuse.
 
Those little 12 volt cig lighter meters from WalMart seem to be accurate. What voltage are you seeing? (and is that with the inverter on, with the engine running etc?). In other words, we need more information. Also what size wire is runing from the battery (or battery switch) to the console?
 
Brazo - After a number of years running a C-Dory 22 (have had two), considering what it is and what it cost, my only major complaint about the boat is this: it draws too much attention, particularly when refueling, and since I am accommodating by nature, a lot of time is spent showing the boat to interested persons. It will handle more water than you will care to be in, few boats have its aesthetic appeal, and it is really affordable considering its resale value. Welcome to the C-Dory experience.
John
 
Brazo,

If you are running BOTH a laptop and a 15-17" monitor, then you might be pulling as much as 8 amps at 12VDC (plus the inverter's current, probably less than 1 amp), now we're beginning to talk current. So as Bob and others have suggested, look into your wire sizes and certainly cinch up the connections starting at the battery terminals.
 
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