The Cape Dory Board

I agree most strongly with Russel, the two things that have revolutionized watch keeping on smaller commercial vessels, is the GPS and AIS. Looking back it is hard to comprehend how we worked without them. For what it is worth, the most common AIS unit out there on small commercial vessels is the Fu...

I hope I can write this out in a understandable manner, but here goes: I use a laptop as a matter of routine when sailing. Especially when going into a jetty channel at night. The laptop gives me a Heading Made Good line that I use along with a good set of binoculars to find the actual buoys. The la...

If you want to try chart plotting using a laptop, here is how I did it pretty inexpensively One used laptop off ebay, system was set up for windows 98 $100.00 One used GPS mouse (that is what those antennas are often called) with 12 channel capability and waterproof, $20.00 ebay with shipping One DV...

You might try hand rotate the flywheel counterclockwise while putting moderate pressure on the shift lever. If the engine goes into gear then it probably is the clutch dog and or something in the lower unit. I just lost the clutch dog on my beloved Chrysler 7.5. The engine would go into gear and run...

All of my boats (except for the current one) have always been wreck/insurance jobs. Looking at the previous posts and thinking about what always has worked for me, I find my repairs are kinda a middle ground. On removing and filling a thru hull. What has worked for me is: 1. Always use epoxy, They s...

While I am not in South Florida, I have had very good luck with a simple trouble light hung to bear in the middle of the cabin (I hang it off the centermost hatch). With two dorado (spelling?) vents the moist air leaves each evening. I did put a small dri rid bucket beside my AM SSB radio just to be...

Thank you everyone for the input, it is a big help. My CD25 came with a cheap plastic fold up ladder. I thought about putting an installed folding ladder on the stern, but could not quite bear covering up a beautiful transom. Work on the CD25 (unnamed as yet) will probably proceed slowly as time per...

Looking for input on best swim ladder/configuration for a Cape Dory 25. What style are you using, what do you like/dislike about your installation? Also still looking for a usable mainsail for a 25. The one on my boat is softer then a babys blanket. So if you have ever replaced yours, maybe your old...