Launching and rigging a 25D in Newport

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » Jul 11th, '10, 21:03

I'll be launching my 25D later this week. I'm looking for recommendations on both the procedure (using crane/travel lift to launch boat AND step the mast) and boat yards (cost and proximity to the Navy base).

Stepping the mast looks pretty straight forward, but any sage advice from the more experienced would be appreciated!

Thanks a lot!
Jeff

Duncan Maio · Post by **Duncan Maio** » Jul 12th, '10, 06:51

Jeff:

Newport shipyard is the closest yard south of Naval Station Newport, and New England Boatworks is about the same distance north. Both are first-rate yards.

Where is the boat? If you are trucking it in from the north, it may be more economical to launch at Borden Light in Fall River or Bristol Marine in Bristol, and sail down. I don't know much about Borden Light; Bristol is a very good yard, where I kept my boat for many years.

I understand that the 25D mast can be stepped without a crane, but I have never tried it or seen it done. If this is a new-to-you boat, the first launch would be a great opportunity to have a rigger look things over.

JWSutcliffe · Post by **JWSutcliffe** » Jul 12th, '10, 08:06

I would advise against New England Boatworks. My boat was there 2 winters ago and my experience was really, really poor. Despite having contacted the office there 4 times to confirm my launch date, when I arrived there I was told that no one had contacted the yard manager and I would have to wait another week. Given that we were driving over 2 hours each way I was not pleased. My impression was that unless you have a 45 or 50 footer there, you are invisible.

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Jul 12th, '10, 14:38

From a very bad experience, make sure that the rear lifting strap
does not! lift the rudder.

Also insure that the front strap can not slide forward, dropping the bow on to the pavement.

Dick

Sea Owl · Post by **Sea Owl** » Jul 12th, '10, 22:43

My yard uses a forklift to raise/step the mast (and lower it too!).

A line is looped around the mast just below the spreaders, and the mast is then 'hoisted' with the line hooked onto the end of the fork on the lift.

Fast, easy, and cheap!

Fair and steady winds!

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » Jul 14th, '10, 20:19

I have an appointment on Friday at New England Boatworks in Portsmouth (Melville), RI. They seem like pretty decent folks and their prices were reasonable when compared with other yards in the area.

Of course, I think my 25D may be the smallest boat they've dealt with in a while...Some awesome monsters sitting up there when I went to talk to the yard manager today.

Thanks for the advice!
Jeff

JWSutcliffe · Post by **JWSutcliffe** » Jul 15th, '10, 08:57

You might want to talk to Standish Yard in Tiverton, only a short sail from Portsmouth. Standish was a Cape Dory dealer and Ken Hilton, the owner, still maintains a number of Cape Dorys in the area (including his own 33.)

Jeff G · Post by **Jeff G** » Jul 15th, '10, 11:49

I posted a video on you tube detailing the launch of my 25D. It might be useful to see the procedure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6dpFUOOwmY

John Laton · Post by **John Laton** » Jul 15th, '10, 14:30

She has one of the cleanest and nicest all original interiors of any of the CD25D's I've looked at.. Just a joy to go and hang out below in.

Best of luck with her and Fair Winds in your travels.

Former owner

John
CD 10

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » Jul 15th, '10, 20:36

Thanks John! I'm looking forward to getting her back in the water. It's been a long haul since I picked her up in City Isl and I'm ready to enjoy her...

Jeff

The Cape Dory Board

Launching and rigging a 25D in Newport

Launching and rigging a 25D in Newport

One Note of Caution

Stepping CD25 Mast

New England Boatworks

Hope you enjoy my old flame !

Thanks John