The Cape Dory Board

Hi Patrick - I've had our CD33 since 2005, and I've also had a CD10 (a later one in the 1700's) for most of those years. I had always intended to tow our CD10 around the Chesapeake Bay, but never did. We carry an inflatable with an electric pump on board. Anyway, I can't imagine carrying a CD10 on d...

Cape Dory 10 dinghy, configured for both rowing and sailing. Classic lines, very good condition. For rowing, includes pair of 7 ft Shaw & Tenney spruce with cherry tip spoon oars, with leather and braided buttons. For sailing, includes mahogany rudder, tiller, weighted centerboard, sail, 2 piece...

Hi Mike - as far as I understand it, I think you have it correct. Somehow, the relay provides additional current to the starter. I learned of the tip about using a starter relay, and this one in particular, from a very old post on this forum - and it solved my problem.

I agree that there isn't much to go on, but your symptoms sound identical to what I went through with my Yanmar 3GM30F on my CD33 back in 2009-10. I went through the wiring, cleaned all the connections, and still, the starter button engaged the starter only intermittently. And then I installed a sta...

Hi John - carrying on with Jim's suggestion of monitoring your beer temperature, what are you doing for refrigeration now that you have an engine?

Thanks.

I'd been looking for a way to use Active Captain on my iPhone since the Blue Seas app has been discontinued, and Garmin bought Active Captain. Up until now, I thought the only way to use Active Captain was to either purchase some expensive electronic charts from Garmin to use in their app, or have a...

I might suggest checking the mixing elbow for an internal blockage. They are certainly susceptible to internal corrosion.

I replaced the fuel tank in my '81 CD33 about 12 years ago due to the bottom corroding through. I had the new tank built by Florida Marine Tanks (https://floridamarinetanks.com) who built the original fuel tanks for Cape Dory at the time. They did a wonderful job, and I highly recommend them. They w...

I agree with Bill. When I pulled the prop on my CD33 a few years ago, I used a pair of these 1 1/4” wrenches, which worked well. They are about 17” long: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q01O50O?pf_rd_r=1HWMESDDS6H90ZBXZ8PM&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8 When I get home this we...

Hi Jean - when my Hood furler started giving me problems a few years ago, I replaced it with a Schaefer 2100, and I have no regrets at all. I had the local rigger install it, along with a new forestay. Given the age of the original Hood furler, it was time for it to go, and I did not consider trying...

Hi Robert - I've purchased halyards from them several times for my CD33, though I've just bought their lines, and not the kits. I don't splice my halyards, but prefer to use a buntline hitch instead. I like their cordage, and their pricing makes them tough to beat. I will purchase from them again wh...

I just wanted to share an interesting site on varnish types and application tips from Epifanes FAQ: https://www.epifanes.com/page/q_and_a I'm a big fan of Epifanes Clear High Gloss Varnish, though I've never tried the Wood Finish Gloss. In this FAQ a reader asked about the differences between Epifan...

Hi Bob - I had the same problem on my '81 CD-33 with a Yanmar 3GM30F. On one occasion, I couldn't start the engine after refueling, (just heard the dreaded "click") and had to get a tow back to my slip. I had cleaned all the contacts, checked all the wiring, hired a recommended mechanic, a...

Also concur with using zinc paint on the prop. I've been using Barnacle Barrier for 15 years, and it helps on the Chesapeake - but it certainly doesn't prevent all growth. I found this article in Practical Sailor on using diaper cream (rich in zinc oxide) on the prop before launching, and I tried it...

I replaced the galley faucet in our double sink a few years ago with a Delta 101, which is readily available, and it fits well. I ran into the same problem as you, and I just removed the sink. I'm glad I did, because there just isn't much room back there, and you certainly don't want the faucet comi...