Dock Lines and Bedding for R-21EC

[Mr. T]

As I eagerly anticipate delivery of my new R-21EC in a few weeks, I'm gathering a few items for the boat. Curious as to what size dock lines R-21 owners are using. Is the 1/2" too big, most things I read recommend 3/8"

Also what are you using for bedding, covers and such that fit the unusual shape of the bed.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I have 1/2inch lines just because they are easy on the hands. We use single bed fitted sheets for the berth. One on each side and fold them under. We use two singe flat sheets for each side and just tuck them in at the end and outside. We modified a pillow case of the same pattern by opening the seams and using some sewing elasticity to fit it around the head insert and around the leg posts to hold it on. We slept on board for 35 days in a row this summer without any issues. All but 7 days at anchor. We made some room by not having the side cushions installed and we do not have a helm seat installed. I am 6'3" and can reach the wheel by sitting on the fridge with a cushion. Not having the seat makes it easier for the person sleeping on that side to get in and out.

 

[SGIDAVE]

As I eagerly anticipate delivery of my new R-21EC in a few weeks, I'm gathering a few items for the boat. Curious as to what size dock lines R-21 owners are using. Is the 1/2" too big, most things I read recommend 3/8"

Also what are you using for bedding, covers and such that fit the unusual shape of the bed.

Thanks, Mike

Hello Mike,

Congratulations on the new 21EC! Very exciting...

I initially used ½" lines on my 21EC...it gets crowded on the bow cleat if you attached TWO lines - one to port and another to stb. I found ⅜" lines fit better both in the cleats as well as the bow chocks.

So, presently, I'm using ⅜" dock lines.

Regarding bedding, I use a sleeping bag of a "warmth" suited to the anticipated nighttime temps.

As you look around for neat trinkets for the new boat, I also recommend these gizmos for holding your fenders whilst deployed:

They are called "Fendergrip Push Button Fender Adjuster." I bought some a year or two ago via an Active Captain discount Defender.com sells them (http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?pa ... id=1658472) but I'm sure you can get them elsewhere. Very handy.

dave

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I should have mentioned that I had the factory delete the bow cleat on Wanderer and I installed a Sampson post ther instead. Looks more like a tug and does hold several lines. I will post a picture of my bow arrangement in my album

 

[Pearl]

Hi Mike,

I use 1/2" dock lines but after reading Dave's comments about the bow cleat I may be changing to 3/8" for next season. Dave does make a good point regarding the congestion of the cleat.

As for the bedding I use an RV V-Berth sleeping bag with both a summer and winter side. The bag is a bit wide towards the bow. The bag comes with a sheet that is held in place with velcro. Here is a link to the bag. https://www.rvsuperbag.com/Standard-V-B ... tinfo/RVB/

 

[Mr. T]

Thanks for all the advice, I ended up with mostly 3/8" but added a couple of 1/2" longer lines just in case I need them. The RV bedding looks great, I wonder if they can make a pattern for us and keep it on hand. I'll call them. Thanks everyone!

Mike

 

[baz]

I also would recommend the "Fendergrip Push Button Fender Adjuster." that Dave mentioned. I used them for all my fenders on my R-25 and let them go with the boat when it was sold.... so now I have to buy some more. They aren't cheap if I recall as I think I paid some $15 for each. No matter, they are good and very quick for adjusting the fender positions up or down.

 

[Bruce Moore]

We've found learning a few simple knots overcomes the need to buy fender accessories. A few wraps around a rail followed by a few half-hitches below the rail are secure and easy to adjust. The spar hitch is another quick and secure knot for this purpose.

Cheers

 

[baz]

Bruce, I agree. I now have a very good App on my iPhone that shows in slow motion how to make various knots etc.

 

[tlkenyon]

I have always found that a simple clove hitch with a half hitch around the standing part works very well. It does not jam, preserves the full strength of the line, and is very easily and infinitely adjustable. It also stands up to a great deal of tension as when the boat is bobbing up and down in a surge. I have tried a great variety of fender hangers, and none of them seem to be as versatile or adjustable as a good old clove hitch.

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

Amen to the clove hitch.