The Cape Dory Board

Brian, The relay is activated by voltage and the current is not relevant, as long as one does not exceed its rated capacity. This is yet another work in progress. I can tell you what I'm doing, but not how well I've done. On my installation, the cranking battery and engine (starter & alternator)...

Do you know how much more would it be for the 316 option?
I'd rather have 316, if it is only marginally more expensive.

Bue Sea's SI-series automatic charging relay has a wiring option to temporarily isolate the house load from the engine circuit during engine cranking. http://bluesea.com/viewresource/63 Instructions: http://bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/990170140.pdf It requires some extra signal wiring t...

Jeff, I blame it on the trees. I've been working through a large number of projects, since I got my boat in the Fall of 2009. These were interrupted last year, when a neighbor's oak tree fell on our house. We were in an apartment for 5 months during reconstruction. To protect our new roof, I had all...

Also on the subject of list and which side to put batteries, my CD had two batteries on the starboard side: http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachments/gallery/4/5/5/9/0/dscn2967.jpg and about 70lbs of lead hidden underneath for good measure: http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachments/gallery/4/5/5/9/0/d...

I've completed rebuilding a classic ~40+ year old ratchet-geared windlass, that I found on eBay. All the stars aligned for a happy outcome. First, RC Plath in Oregon still manufactures this manual windlass. They were very helpful in supplying a new bronze bushing for the main shaft. Second, there is...

My thanks for all the suggestions. In the end, I removed the paint residue with a drill and a 3M Paint and Rust removal abrasive disc. I would not recommend this for a fine finish, but it was satisfactory for what will eventually be weathered bronze. http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/attachments/gallery/...

Mark, Absolutely. I placed the brackets close to the edge not only because the transom is small relative to the windvane, but it is stronger along the edge. I also added a couple layers of #1708 E-glass Biaxial Cloth with 3/4 oz mat backing on the inside. I plan on using 1/4" thick SS plates in...

All forces on a rudder will be transferred through their mounting. I thought the transom of a Cape Dory might be up to it :D Since there are very few CDs with a hydrovane, the manufacturer will have to make their own case on this board. They cover the topic of servo pendulum systems and more at: htt...

The Hydrovane web site is informative, http://www.hydrovane.com Apparently, I was in desperate need of a late model Hydrovane, with a short shaft and the A bracket. I became aware of this when one turned up for sale. As it is also a true rudder, the design, material and attachment must be solid ( an...

Salt will melt ice and allow for liquid water that is colder than 32F (it makes a good slurry for heat transfer when making ice cream). However, it will take the same amount of calories to heat the contents of the ice box to room temperature. I don't believe that there would be any benefit to adding...

I also noticed diesel drops from pinhole leaks on the bottom of the fuel tank. Most people of sound mind would look for a replacement tank to drop in with minimal fuss (sigh..., not I). I found a 1/8" aluminum 5052 universal 11 gallon tank from Boyd Welding ( http://www.boydwelding.com/shop/ind...

I have been working on restoring a bronze windlass. The exterior of the unit was painted white. I had some biodegradable Amazon Strip Off that I used on the rope gypsy. It did a fair job of removing the paint, but the finish is not as I had hoped. The remaining residue is not so much paint as pigmen...

I used two of these latches on each lid. It will accept a lock (snap hook, cable tie, etc.) through the center hole and they will not accidently latch and trap one in the locker. I doubt that they will match the original hole pattern. When I purchased my boat in Massachusetts, a friend stopped by to...

I was considering just removing the paint and letting the bronze do its thing. Where would I send the external components for powder coating and how much could I expect to pay for this service? By the way, my intuition was wrong again (I think fiberglassing makes one stupid). The thread on the wildc...