The Cape Dory Board

I have an '86 CD36 and have sufficient headroom to stand up straight along the center line of the salon. I'm 6'2" and may unconciously lower my head when below but standing under the main hatch I don't hit my head.

Thanks for the informative replies. It seems to me that if four Trojan T-125's will fit in the same space, I'd increase my AH's at no appreciable increase in cost and a savings of 50 pounds or so. I don't have the specs on my charger or alternator but if they were sufficient and working fine for the...

While performing some routine maintenance on my three Surrette T-12-140 batteries this past weekend, one of the cells on one of the house bank took a lot more distilled water than I thought appropriate. Lo and behold when I looked carefully into the battery box, water was leaking from the battery. I...

John - We got ours at a local PetSmart or Petco, one of the two. As you are aware with the deep chest on Gordon Setters, it's difficult to find one that fits well. We took Murdock to the pet store with us and had him try several on. The one we chose has two straps that fit underneath and it does see...

We have a Gordon Setter who loves the water and sailing. He goes with us most of the time and can hop in and out of my inflatable Zodiac without any trouble. I have a side mount ladder and built a small extension from one of the steps so that he can step directly onto the pontoon and then into the b...

Just a quick note to anyone considering new canvas for their Cape Dory. David Vandenburgh is a fellow CD'er and makes sails and canvas for all boats. I recently needed new sail covers for my CD36 and David's price was about half of what local lofts wanted. Not only was the price right but David's wo...

After reading all the posts on this subject I tried to obtain a quote from Progressive only to discover that they said they would not insure a boat over 20 years old for more than $40,000. Obviously, most Cape Dory's over 30 feet or so (a broad generalization I know) are worth more than $40,000. The...

I just finished a lengthy project recovering all of my C cushions. They were originals with the boat and were cracking and discolored. I found a large quantity of naughahyde looking material in the bargain bin of a fabric store and bought 20 yards of it for less than $50. Using a Singer sewing machi...

Cathy - As you've apparently got more than one type of LED onboard, have you tried a straight up replacement LED bulb like the one found here http://www.yachtlights.com/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?pg=prod&ref=LEDG4 It's from an outfit called YachtLights and is less than half the cost of the Sailor's Solu...

I must admit this whole LED lighting thing has got me stumped. I've read and read and still can't find the answer to most of my questions. I've got seven or eight ABI dome lights installed in my CD36. Having had to replace a few xenon bulbs recently I know they can be expensive (about 12 bucks at We...

I've got hull number 140 so our two CD's are probably as close to identical as possible. On all of my three tanks I've got about 12" square inspection ports cut above each of the tank inspection openings and just fill from inside the boat. If you like I can take measurements as to where to cut ...

So, I'm having my shaft replaced with a new stainless steel shaft and am retaining the original bronze prop. The reason is immaterial but suffice it to say I was not pleased with the total cost ($1700+ with new cutlass bearing and coupling, alignment & labor). Once I got over the cost issue I be...

Russell - Excellent idea. The condition of the rubber hose isn't what I'd call great but, correct me if I'm wrong, you'd have to remove the shaft to replace the hose. Your idea of cutting the hose just a bit seems realistic. Thanks for the great suggestion. I may not have to spend thousands after al...

After hauling this spring for what I thought was going to be a quick haul for stuffing box adjustment, thru hull servicing, painting and wax, I started with the stuffing box. I've only had our 1986 Cape Dory 36 for three seasons and before it was a simple adjustment of the nut on the shaft. This yea...

You may want to contact Peter Schacht in Urbanna. He performed the survey on our CD36 several years ago and did a thorough and professional job. I believe he's still active in Urbanna on the Rappahannock River. Good luck with your prospective purchase. Bob Grabham S/V Hunky Dory CD36, #140 Topping, VA