[Rhodes22-list] Right from the get go

Mon, 18 Nov 2002 07:01:35 -0600

Hi Alice, I was in your same situation last year - Congratulations.  You are 
right it does add up.  I added two of the options you are considering.  The 
mast head antenna is a good Idea, It is not hard to do if you dont want to 
have GB do it, I choose the lazy route.  The porta potty has served us well 
enough.  One option which I really like is the solar charger.  It is a major 
pain to take out the battery and charge it.  A good, reliable, moter of 6 hp 
or better will serve you fine.  Stan steered me away from the hatch - 
apparently it is more difficult on a recyled than on new.  We have opening 
ports in front and my wife bought a little fan.  Short of that if it is too 
hot another opening port would not change that much.  Good luck making 
"your" boat.  Bob Weber

>From: "Wally Buck" <tnrhodey@hotmail.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: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 11:06:55 -0500
>
>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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