The Cape Dory Board

Hi Troy - While I'm still a novice with the aspin, I've had pretty good results with simply moving the block to the very end of the existing genoa track. Extending the track to the stern would shift it back about 3 feet, but I'm not sure how much difference it would really make in sail shape given h...

Hi Joe -

Down at the boat today and measured a handle. At it's widest, it is 1.25" across and 0.40 thick. A pipe with ID of 1.5" should provide clearance.

We have two Gordon Setters (brother and sister) who have yet to lay eyes or set paws on the Cape Dory. While I like our dogs, I just can't imagine the two of them settling down on the boat... they tend to set each other off and the female is a bit neurotic (our special needs dog!). My wife, on the o...

Hi Paul - I replaced all my switches (push and key) on Perkins panel last year, using Cole Hersee parts. Lot's of distributors. Defender stocks more common parts, including momentary push button you're looking for: [url]http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|328|49758|303333|1017104&id=6182...

I redid teak last year with Cetol Natural Teak and Clear Gloss and just finished applying two 'maintenance' coats of Clear Gloss. I am very pleased with results after 1+ year. Only failures in finish were self inflicted (nicks from winch handles). Granted, northern california is not too tough on fin...

According to their boat review section on website, Practical Sailor did a review in August 08. Dave Pedrick design.

It fondly reminds me of a time when I enlisted my 9 year old son to replace the fuel tank vent fitting at the transom of my CD36... there was no way my 6'4" frame would fit and I belive it cost me a double scoop ice cream sundae once the job was done. At 13, he is now 5'10" and much less a...

Hi Richard - I sail with the stock Yankee and Staysail on my 36 and its pretty well matched to normal blustery summer conditions on the bay. When its really blowing hard, I roll up the jib and reef the main for good balance and control. I do have an asym I hoist for light conditions in the fall or w...

I installed a Harken IV furler about 2 years ago on my 36. I used a Schaefer toggle extension link, part # 2100-24, which adds 12" in length and uses same 1/2" pin size. It puts the bottom of the drum about 14" above the bowsprit. I have a 45lb CQR anchor and the clearance is fine. Pl...

Per Matt's message on the requirement for both masthead and deck level nav lights, I replaced my mast head light with the Orca LED unit Troy is looking at (w/ Strobe and photosensor). Very happy with it after 2 years. I replaced the deck level nav lights with the exact same Aqua Signal units as the ...

I've sailed SF bay for 25 years and in/out of the Gate numerous times. David's description of the challenges is right-on. The greater challenge is actually not right in the gate, but 2-3 miles out. The water depth under the bridge and through the narrows is very deep - over 200 feet. You go out abou...

I applied Cetol Natural Teak (3 coats) + Cetol Clear (3 coats) to all exterior wood except the rail last spring. This is the first time I have used Cetol, having always used traditional varnish on previous boat. Given the amount of exterior wood, I definitely was looking for something easier and mor...

Hi Dave - I've had a GPSMAP 76 for a couple of years. I have not purchased or downloaded any charts (which cost more than I paid for the unit!). Typically, I use the Nav screen which allows my to configure up to 6 different data fields (SOG, COG, Bearing, Distance, time, etc.) and display it with th...

This link contains nearly frame-by-frame sequence of the collision. http://lyonsimaging.smugmug.com/gallery/6142227_HoUAr#386640001_ojnQx This link provides Perkin's account of the incident. http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2008-10-08&dayid=178#Story2 I can't conceive ...

Hi Warren - I've had this problem before. It's likely the discharge path of the raw cooling water in the exhaust elbow (sometimes cause mixer elbow) that is clogged - not the exhaust path. This happens due to corrosion over time. It's a very corrosive situation - salt water, heat, exhaust gases. If ...