Advice to younger self....

[tjr818]

Measure everything, record it and it will save you many trips to the boat just to find out how far it is form x to y.
PS. On a 27 it is 16' above the cabin top to the spreaders.
22" from the boom down to the cabin top.

[trapper]

You are so right! I have such a hard time doing that. I think it is because every time I measure it, it is different that the last time. So I keep on measuring!

[tjr818]

Eventually, I hope to have a complete dimensioned drawing of our boat, We are very lucky intact our CD is only 26 miles away, but that ends up being an hour and a half, without traffic, to get a dimension so that I can order parts or create an addition to our boat.

I am sure there is much more advice to pass on. Please feel free to contribute. All advice is welcome, not just for us, think of the youngster with his first Cape Dory.

[Northstar1014]

I like to take lots of pictures before I de-rig, and after winterizing. I also take photos of my lazarettes, bilge and hoses (to remind myself of their sizes). Helps during the winter when I am sitting at my desk thinking about projects!

[Joe Myerson]

Digital photography is a godsend for my ever-shrinking memory.
--Joe

[Skeep]

Well, it doesn't matter whether I have photos, a tape measure or measure repeatedly during the same time zone and verify 5 times, I still get it wrong. I think it's the philosopher in me that decides upon a discussion of such once done, and then must be redone to figure out where it all started, and then repeat. That's why I prefer another talking head to monitor my absences and keep me focused....age doesn't help with this at all either!

[tjr818]

If it doesn't fit don't force it.
(Thanks for reminding me Andy)

And while I am thinking of it; always drill a pilot hole first. Small holes in the wrong place are easier to patch. Is it solid FG or is it cored?

[Neil Gordon]

If it doesn't fit don't force it.

Also, if it should move, but it doesn't. Adding force often leads to an unfortunate ripping sound.

Good advice to younger self and everyone else who comes on board:

Do not pull on a rope unless you know what the other end is attached to!

Do not take a rope off a cleat unless you know what the other end is attached to!

[joemerchant]

When my wife bought me a GoPro for Christmas a couple of years ago, I really didn't have a good use for it... Until:

I have her video me measuring everything. I can't tell you how many times I have used that video.

Digital pictures were great, but they never told the whole story, so measuring and video of stuff I would never think of needing a measurement for, well...

[tjr818]

When my wife bought me a GoPro for Christmas a couple of years ago, I really didn't have a good use for it... Until:

I have her video me measuring everything. I can't tell you how many times I have used that video.

Digital pictures were great, but they never told the whole story, so measuring and video of stuff I would never think of needing a measurement for, well...

So now I CAN put a GoPro on my "Fitting Out" list. Thanks.

[tjr818]

When carefully measuring for the best ergonomic placement of fittings and equipment, don't forget to take into account the First Mate, who just might be 9" shorter than the one checking for the best placement.

[jen1722terry]

I'm lucky in that my Jenn is only 1 inch shorter than I am. Maybe less as I get closer to 70 than to 60.

Terry

[tjr818]

I'm lucky in that my Jenn is only 1 inch shorter than I am. Maybe less as I get closer to 70 than to 60. Terry

Just wait you will get that advantage back as you approach 90.