[Rhodes22-list] Right from the get go

[Wally Buck]

Hey Alice,

I had a lot of the same questions and your right things add up quick.

I have a hand held radio but the range is very limited. This is not a big 
deal for me as I sail inland in very protected waters. I have never had to 
use the radio other than to hail a buddy. I think I have turned it on twice 
this year. In the bay you may one day need the extended range. Many use 
co-axial run up the mast to an external antenna. Some hand held radios and 
GPSs have external antenna connections. If you ever wanted to add external 
antenna later you will have to drop the mast, I would let GB do this 
upfront. Also if you go with IMF get the mast hoist unless you have a lot of 
strong friends.

I don't have hatch, the pop-top provides plenty of ventilation. I also have 
a small solar vent on the foredeck. You can use a wind scoop to funnel in 
more breeze as well. Many on the list have hatches and like them. My boat 
did not come with them and I don't miss them. I don't think they are prone 
to leaking but I have heard a few people mention they have had leaks. It 
does provide standing room in the head area when open but I am guessing this 
would not be important to you.

Take your pick on motors, 2 vs. 4 stroke, both have advantages. Just make 
sure if you get a used one you have it checked out. You can't tell much by 
looking at a used outboard especially if it has not seen salt water use. 
Most of them are clean inside and "look" great. This doesn't mean much. Mine 
came with a 2 stroke 6 HP Long Shaft Mercury with electric start and small 
alternator. The electric start is handy and my wife loves it. On the bay you 
will want a motor you can count on. I would not cut corners here.

Most people recommend a dedicated starting battery; I went against 
conventional wisdom and used a deep cycle battery to start. Our motors are 
so small and crank easy. The motor starts with a push of a button every 
time, and does not create much strain on battery. The same battery can also 
serve as your house battery. If you need a couple of nights of power you may 
want to look at two batteries (this is what I did). Many on this list use 
solar chargers and love them.

I do not have shore power, I am in the cheap slips at my marina and 4 boats 
share two AC outlets at no charge. When I need to recharge battery I use 
high quality extension cord run inside the boat to my onboard battery 
charger. I may add shore power if I ever really start cruising to other 
locations.

My hand held radio, and portable stereo (and spotlights) can plug into cabin 
mounted cigarette lighter for use and charging. I actually don't leave my 
hand held electronics on board. I have a small bag that contains my CD 
Player, and hand held radio (I keep spare batteries, flashlights, spotlights 
on board) and I just carry home with me. When I get a GPS I will take home 
with me as well. My marina does not have a theft problem but my locks don't 
work (don't tell anyone). I charge my electronics at home when needed. I 
also can charge on board but I have never had to do so.

Many have the Marine head and love it, my boat came with porta potti and it 
works for us. There are more maintenance issues with marine head but you may 
appreciate this feature. I have a porta potti and I prefer it because it is 
simpler. Not a pleasant chore to empty but we really don't use much. It 
works fine and no odors when used properly. We limit use in warm weather, 
the men’s room is off the bow to leeward. Cooler weather there is plenty of 
marinas at hand. When we go out for a night or two the porta potti works 
fine. They do come in different sizes; larger holding tanks may seem like a 
good idea until you have to empty. They can get pretty heavy when you have 
to carry a shore.

I am sure others will pipe in with suggestions. Many of us use our boats 
differently, what works for me in sheltered waters may not be the best for 
you on the bay.

Good Luck,

Wally, Knoxville TN


>From: AMICW@aol.com
>Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
>To: rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org
>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Right from the get go
>Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2002 19:58:03 EST
>
>Thanks to all who have responded and were generous with their knowledge.  I
>plan to sail on the Chesapeake Bay - mostly daysailing but, hopefully with
>more experience, some overnights in nearby waters.  I've been sailing for a
>while but don't feel very competent and, as I will be sailing alone, am
>particularly concerned about safety and the power to get there and back if
>the wind dies.  Did I mention that it takes me almost an hour to get to the
>Bay under sail?  I was considering a 4 stroke 8HP or 9.9 HP motor, but then 
>I
>checked the prices!!!  Looking for something used at this point.  Stan has
>promised me an electric motor platform and I think I'll also get a power
>starter.  What about the electrical system?  Should I consider an upgrade 
>to
>110V ??  And what is a co-axial cable?  At present, VHF and GPS will be
>handheld (cheaper), but I want to install on the boat, those things needed 
>in
>the structure itself (add-ons can come later).  Do I need a head or is a
>portapotti sufficient?  I will NOT be trailering the boat - one expense to
>avoid (in a way).  Should I get a hatch?  What happens on summer nights -
>very hot inside?  would a hatch be needed for ventilation?  And do I need
>electric outlets inside to charge the GPS, VHF, etc??  Little by little the
>price keeps climbing however, I don't plan on another boat anytime in the
>forseeable future.
>Any ideas or experience would be appreciated.  Thanks, Alice
>_________________________________________________
>Use Rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list


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