The Cape Dory Board

Perhaps a bit off topic, but I've grown fond of the STAR BRITE Sail Lash Centipede in place of traditional sail ties. A few years back, this beautiful authentic wooden schooner visited our marina, and was using this centipede system to lash his mainsail down. I thought it was a very clever idea, and...

To install hoses, I've found these tail pipe expanders to be worth their weight in gold. Get them at Harbor Freight here: http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/exhaust.html . You just stick them in the end of the hose, and they expand while you turn the shaft with a wrench. They come in...

My Xantrex Truecharge 20 is at least 10 years old, and it's still working well, though it needs some occasional "first aid" to keep it going. Some time ago, my charger became very erratic, and then would not charge. At that time, I read an excellent tip (I believe on this forum) on these c...

Back in 2009, I replaced my cabin floor, using solid teak and holly, 1/4" thick over 3/4" marine ply. I coated the floor with Epiphanes Clear gloss varnish, and I've been very happy with the durability and appearance. It's held up very well, and I don't find it slippery at all. My most pre...

Hi Lance & Becky, I have a CD-33, which I keep at Herrington Harbour South, about 20 miles south of Annapolis. When I purchased my boat 10 years ago, the PO had the bimini and dodger installed in the configuration shown in these pictures. I've since replaced the bimini and dodger, keeping the fr...

I've had this exact same problem on my water tank under the starboard settee. I found that using 3M Scotch-Weld DP8005 Structural Plastic Adhesive, along with a patch made from a gallon milk jug container, did the trick. However, the adhesive is not cheap, and I found it easiest to use 3M's applicat...

Hi John, I installed EZ-Jax on my CD-33 about two years ago, and I like it a lot. Read more at http://www.ezjax.com, and I believe you'll see more comments about the system on the forum if you search. It's a nicely made system, it's easy to install, and it works really well. And I didn't need to mod...

Any experience with TruFuel? It's an ethanol-free fuel (either premix or regular) hi octane fuel suitable for long term storage. I'd use it in my 2 HP Honda that I hang on the stern rail, and I'm lucky if I run a gallon of fuel through it each summer. I've not had ethanol problems, but I want to avo...

Hi Rick, I've been a diehard varnish enthusiast for many years, and it's all I use on my CD33. In your situation, I'd seal the bare wood if I were to leave it without a topcoat - use something like Interlux Inter-Prime (http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1%7C2200442%7C2200459&id=120516)....

While I have no personal experience with these Lehr outboards, the reviews on WM's website provide some good insight. Take a look at http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lehr--2-5 ... --13498993

Thanks, Jim. That makes perfect sense!

I found this buried deep in the lazarette, and I've no idea what it's for. It looks like it could be used to suspend an anchor line. There are no markings on it, but it looks bronze. Removing the shackle allows the two halves to separate. Any ideas? Thanks in advance! http://i855.photobucket.com/alb...

I replaced my CD33 fuel tank 5 years ago as mine started leaking. I had Florida Marine Tank (Henderson, NC) build me a new aluminum tank. They built the original fuel tanks for Cape Dory back in the early 80's, and they were just terrific to work with. They still have the original prints, and built ...

Hi Amit, I've had a CD33 for 9 years on Chesapeake Bay. Under the conditions you describe, I wouldn't be surprised by the weather helm. It would be particularly noticeable if the mainsail was older and had lost its shape. Letting the main luff a bit, or reefing it to both reduce its size and flatten...

The recent issue of Family Handyman Magazine had a short article about this clever product: http://stoplossbags.com. I bought a few, and I really like them for keeping my satin and gloss varnishes, and wood sealer. They work really well, and are easy to use. It's another one of those simple and clev...