The Cape Dory Board

We call ours a centipede . I came up with our design many decades ago. And, have used it on many different boats. It is easy, and inexpensive to make your own. You need: 2 clips, either plastic or metal; a length of light line that will reach form the boom end to the goose-neck; about 30' of one inc...

Make sure the engine coolant is topped off. This fixed an overheating on 'Intrepid', CD-28. JM

Normally you will omit any lead zeros. And, it is a little less expensive. The sail loft will charge to install each number, port/starboard. JM

I saw a CD-27 at UYC two week-ends ago. I think our paths crossed this past Saturday, while out sailing, near marker 13. The boat I saw at UYC was flying a CDSOA burgee. Are you on this board? Are you reading this message? I would love to link-up.

JM

When we purchased 'Carina' I had a 135% cut for Her. However, I could never get the boat to perform like I thought it should. Many different friends I race with came on-board to help either steer or trim, the boat never seemed to do what I thought it should. One day I had an epiphany, Carl Alberg de...

Waterproof containers - for things like medicines and cellphone. Don't trust plastic bags for anything that is really important. Signaling mirror - it is simple and it works. Requires no batteries. Next to a VHF or cellphone, it is the best signaling device, long-range in sunny daytime conditions. S...

We had the pleasure to see Ty Sr hull #1, many years ago, when it was introduced at the Annapolis Sailboat Show.

As for the weather helm, try flattening the mainsail, and carry the traveler just off-center and down wind. You should get a nice balance.

John

I have done this project several times. First: determine the in-board attachment point for the pole. At the dock, on a calm day, hoist the spinnaker, and attach the pole. Move the pole up and down, until you get the best spinnaker shape. Keep the pole horizontal. This should indicate the optimal 'mi...

Maybe you can lead the bitter-end thru an open base cleat, and stop it with a figure-8 knot? Do you have a deck-pipe? Aboard Carina, and previous CD's, we use a 6" round of 1/4" Lexan/Plexiglas. Use a length of line, about 15', of slightly smaller diameter of the anchor rode. Lead the inbo...

Hi Steve,

Did you make the belaying pins? If so, how? Did you buy them? If so, where? How much? I have a need for about 12 of them aboard Carina.

John

We had to replace a port light on KnoTy Boy. The only one that would fit, without cutting a larger hole, or filling in the fiberglass was from Spartan Marine. And, it was the best looking one.

John

If you don't have one, get a copy of the Harken Catalog. It is a great resource for how to set up rigging. Look in the sections, Mastbase & Cabintop Blocks and Mainsail Reefing . As Steve stated above, It makes a difference where the cam-cleat is mounted, in front or behind the winch. I don't th...

Hi David, I am not sure I would use cam cleats for this application. They are mounted with only #8 machine screws. If you must use cam cleats, use the metal (aluminum) ones, and use the next size up. A better solution would be to use rope clutches. Notice the working load difference between the two....

Hi Randy, I would think the sealant used originally would hold a backing plate in place with the bolts removed. What is this block/line used for? How much load is on it? A lightly loaded line may be in with just screws. I would try and remove one screw and see what happens. If the screw comes out, t...

(Thanks for the sail slide info,We are ordering a new main sail with two full battons,any comments on that would be welcomed.) I assume you are getting 4 battens, the upper two will be full length and the two lower battens will be regular length. This is pretty common. I would recommend a Cunningha...