Now that we are finally getting to know our recycled/loaner, it is time
to begin to plan for our new rhodes for delivery this coming winter. In
this regard I need help in two areas:
1. I would like to develop a list of recommended hardware/equipment
modifications to the standard GB plan that it would be advisable/easier to
have added as the boat is being built. I know from the list that many of
you have asked for various modifications for your boat and that some of you
had wished you had done so so in the interest of saving myself some long
term headaches I wanted to focus on the important stuff in advance. I would
rather not have to send the boat back at a later date for add-ons and I
would like to keep the number of things I will need to do myself to a
minimum. I know that a number of things (like bilge pumps) are a matter of
personal preference and use but I would like to accumulate a list
nonetheless, along with the considerations, so I can then make my own
somewhat informed judgements.
2. I will have to order a new trailer unless I find a used one in good
condition. What are the considerations I need to think about regarding
trailer options; e.g. standard, painted or galvinized? brakes? other
considerations?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Bruce Greenwald
17 Jul 2001
Lets try the easily stuff
- 1) trailer: galvanized/ Stainless disc brakes/spare tire
- 2) The Top boat show package
- 3) Yamaha ht9.9 (unless they ever get their act together with the ht8)
- 4) captain seat
- 5) the side life rails with 2 cockpit life lines
- 6) CDI or harken
- 7) fixed mount VHF
- 8) Raytheon 60 tridata
- 9) AM/FM
- 10) Breakers
- 11) two type 31 AGM deep cycles, wire Yamaha with 2# wire
- 12) POPTOP enclosure
- 13) Bulkhead compass
Now that is a good chunk of change. I can keep going with: filler cushions,
selftailing winches, vacuum head, upgrade solar with regulator, LED
lighting, tricolor/anchor, link10, upgraded water system and tank,
masticator, bilge pumps, auto pilot, bilge pumps, spinnaker hardware. 110
volt charger. radar, side scaning/forward scaing sonar. SSB, Sat phone, DDS,
Generator, inverter, refrigeration. But it might be a good idea to give an
idea taste and tolerance for pain(as in money and geting the boat on time)
MJM
17 Jul 2001
I'd definitely insist on getting the mast raising device. It and the
latest model motor raising device are just wonderful.
Without opening the long standing debate, I'm very pleased with the
standard mast, with slugs on the luff of the mainsail, and the bolt rope in
the boom. I also am very pleased with my 120% jib. The newer boats have
even more tracks for the cars, which makes the smaller jib even more useful.
I'd want the factory to install a cheek block at the top of the mast on
each side. [If you have the standard mast, you'll use one of them for the
topping lift.] You never know when you want another halyard.
I'd also want them to install a steaming light on the mast, and a VHF
antenna. Why not have them install the radio also. Ditto the compass.
Two batteries are better than one. They also have a shore power hookup on
the starboard side which I'd love to have.
They offer a choice of grab rails - either teak or stainless. Go with the
stainless. Also the door slides and cockpit trim come in teak or that
marvelous grey plastic material. Get the grey stuff. You'll never regret it.
Have them upgrade the $20.00 fuse box to a circuit breaker panel [$110.00
at West Marine].
The pop top enclosure is absolutely worth investing in. It gives your boat
true point to point capability.
Ask them to use marine plywood rather than pressed board in the galley. Be
prepared to pay about $50.00 for a sheet of the stuff. Speaking of the
galley, I have an Origo 4000 2 burner alcohol stove built flush into the
counter . It is safer than the little butane burner, and with its wooden
cutting board, it doesn't cost me any counter space. Also, I find it much
easier to prepare a meal using two burners simultaneously. This would be
the perfect thing for the factory to install, as they basically custom
build the boat's interior. My stove cost $400.00 or so at West Marine. Of
course, there are pros and cons for every stove. Roger has a flush mounted
gas stove illustrated on the picture web page.
Hope this gives you a few ideas.
Dick
17 Jul 2001
- New Galleys use the plastic stuff, we have that.
- Going to back your boat stern in? Get the motor connection. trying to back in with
out it is dangerous. ON windy days almost impossible. The most fully equipped Rhodes
package is really nice.
- Have an electric start motor? put a seperate battery in the lazarette for that. An
alternator connection from the motor to the rear battery is a nice thing to always
reassure you that youll have a generator should you run your batteries down.
- A charger for the shore power also will reassure you of this.
- Its a nice thing to change the carpet in the boat should you plan to do a lot of
overnighting...rather uncomfortable to stand on that rough carpet. New colors also might
match better.
- Inexpensive things such as drink holders, bags to put your jib line and topping lift
line in are also nice. Can attach them with suction cups rather then drilling holes.
- We have the Lowrance GPS/Depth sounder...VERY nice, got it really low in price from a
local dealer over BOAT/US and Defender. Just watching the centerboard and using that as a
sounder is just as well also.
- Possibly spend the Few dollars for a quick release pin on the jib sheet should you
trailer the boat often. trying to get your hands in there with the anchor position and
the jib angle can be quite a task.
- Personally are content with the 135 genoa. Have the CDI furler...liked the old style
standard furler better...We don't change the genoa ever, and the old style connected to
the mast so it was easier to move the mast forward to the bow pulpit for trailering.
- Dual axle should you tow long distance is EXCELLANT`E! But just for short distances at
the beginning and end of the season would be a waste and an increase in toll charges.
- Brakes a most likely a legal must.
- Auto pilot i don't see what the need for it is? unless your looking to do a long
straight away and dont feel like holding on to the tiller.
- A nice feature for us was the combination Decklight/Steaming light around mid mast.
Lights up the fordeck very well.
- Also have a anchor light all the way up.
- VHF range is great with the antenna all the way up. From the chesapeake we are able
pick up, Atlantic City CG. We have a fixed mount VHF along with a handheld as both backup
and to use from the inflatable to the Rhodes.
- Another Rhodes owner speant something around 70$ for a small raft from a
place like the sports authority and is a really nice thing to use for really calm water
and short distances from ship to ship or ship to shore. Small enough that you can inflate
it in the cockpit...holds 3-4 people.
- I am pretty sure that the swim ladder is now standard with the flat plastic steps..but
in case i am wrong be sure that yours is with. Without that, it is extremely painful to put
your weight on the ladder to get into the boat.
- Bilge pump would be at your own discretion...as Stan stated some boats will remain
bone dry, and others may take a few inches of water every couple of months. Perhaps you
should wait and see how your comes out before you decide to put forth the money.
- Might want to look into a "REAL" water tank other then the rubbermade bin as has
been in the recent subject lines.
The more expensive items are nice to have, but sometimes its the smaller inexpensive
items that make the boat. So just walk around your local Defender and watch for those
smaller gadgets that might make the world of difference.
Will Barry
Bulldog
Middle River, MD
17 Jul 2001
