The Cape Dory Board

I've had exactly the same symptoms as Leo describes on my TrueCharger 20. I discovered that wiggling the wire connections at the output end of the charger brought everything back to life. To make a long story short, a phone call to Xantrex advised me to remove the case and tighten the screws that se...

Good point, Dave. I should have mentioned that a respirator is required for application of varnish down below. The fumes get strong. Once it's dry, though, it's fine.

I refinished my cabin sole with Interlux Schooner varnish (#96), and I've been very happy with it. I've had no problems with slipping on a wet sole, and it wears very well. I believe the PO used a poly finish, and I used a non-toxic chemical stripper to remove it, followed by a good rinse, and light...

If your mainsail is blown out of shape, that will certainly increase your weather helm. You might see if taking add'l tension on your outhaul and halyard/downhaul help to flatten your main.

And I certainly agree with Dick's suggestion of tuning the mast forward.

Zeida - how in the world did you post my photos?! There must be a trick, as I followed Cathy's directions to the T. BTW, my hull is #59. The garbage can is from Welcome-Aboard.com. Follow this link: http://www.mailordercentral.com/welcomeaboard/prodinfo.asp?number=WAG99&variation=&aitem=1&am...

As many of us, I went through quite a debate on how best to replace the old Hiller alcohol stove on my CD33. After weighing all the options, I decided to go with the Origo 3000. I also decided that add'l galley storage would be more useful for me than an oven (I hope that time bears this out), so I ...

I purchased a new main for my Weekender (#1851) about 4 years ago from Lee Sails - at the time, the price was just under $400, including shipping. As mentioned, they have the specs for the sail, and so it fit perfectly. The sails are still built in Hong Kong - but they are imported thru their NE dis...

I was using a nationally well known brand of oil filters on my Yanmar 3GM30F, left over from the PO. Always, the oil turned black within the first hour of running the engine, which I understand is quite normal for diesels. Anyway, this spring, I changed oil and used the Yanmar oil filter. I'm using ...

Paul,

I've insured my '81 CD33 with Boat US. My annual premium is $617 when confined to the Ches Bay - minus a 10% no-loss credit, my net cost is $555. I think that's reasonable. I'm insuring a hull value of $48K. Perhaps insurance costs for the Lakes are higher than the Bay??

Does anybody have experience with the Froli Sleep System? I understand this is a German system of composite "springs" that go under existing foam mattresses to provide add'l support and ventilation. They are designed for marine and RV use. It seems to me they make a lot of sense. Thanks.

I ordered a new main for my Ty from Lee Sails (Northeast) back in '03. At the time, it cost about $475 including shipping. I was very satisfied with the sail; it was made in Hong Kong, shipped to its New England distributor, and then shipped to me. But I understand Lee made the original Ty sails for...

On my '81 Typhoon, which I no longer own, I had the original coaming cleat, which is mounted at 90 degrees to the base. I suggest you replace your cleats with this original configuration. Spartan Marine sells a version of this cleat. Check it out at www.spartanmarine.com - it's item #C185PB. And the...

I'm at Shipwright Harbor in Deale, MD. I'm pulling out every other winter. That seems to be a common haul schedule among many owners at Shipwright. I am hauling for the month of April, though, just to wax the hull, check the zincs, clean up the waterline and so forth. I use a year-round boat cover, ...

Bob,

Check out http://www.hartoftmarinesurvey.com/. Gale Browning surveyed my CD33 during the summer of '05. She did a terrific job.

Hi Zeida, Thanks for sharing your photos of Bandolera's dodger and bimini. I will soon be replacing the dodger and bimini on my CD33, and I'm interested in the headroom you have under your bimini. I have at most 70 inches under mine, and I stand about 71 inches tall. So I'm slightly crouching under ...