Intro: New to B.O.A.T.ing and C30

[asm777]

Hello Tugnuts!

Joined this forum 9 months ago and have been lurking for longer soaking up all the knowledge that has been shared on this site and finally getting around to an intro.

A year ago, finally decided to get a boat and began on what seems like a long journey learning as much as we could about boating and looking at lots of different boats both new and used.

Long story short, came to the realization that the C30 fit the bill for what we thought we wanted in a boat and this site contributed tremendously in our decision to go with a Cutwater.

The last 9 months have flown by since we took delivery and we've definitely learned quite a bit about not only the operation of a power boat (navigation rules, docking, etc.) but also all of the headaches and challenges that come with boat ownership.

Seems that the "Bring Out Another Thousand" acronym is quite true. =)

Though our expenses incurred were more related to accessories and parts to outfit the boat than for maintenance (Thank goodness we bought a new boat with warranty... with the backing of the great team at Ranger/Cutwater!)

Anyway, don't want to make this too long so won't go into details on the various issues we encountered with our new boat but will say that we're glad we bought from Long Beach Yacht Sales and Ranger/Cutwater. Everyone at both our local dealer and at the factory have been incredibly helpful in helping these newbies get the most out of our boat and in resolving and dealing with the various issues that have come up over the past 9 months. (Thanks guys!!)

A few pictures:
Heading out

In the slip (after 3/4 enclosure added)

Some additions:
Fishing Rod Storage

Life Jacket Storage

Scuba Tank Storage Racks

Our C30 lives in the port of Los Angeles, CA and we would love to connect with fellow Ranger/Cutwater owners in the area!

 

[Scuffy]

Someone once told me boat stood for Bend Over And Takeit!

 

[SnugTug]

Nice looking setup - congrats.

 

[wincrasher]

Looks great. How did you mount your rod storage to the ceiling?

 

[asm777]

Looks great. How did you mount your rod storage to the ceiling?

Looked into a bunch of different off-the-shelf options and finally determined that individual rod racks placed strategically would be best.

I had previously seen a C28 that was set up in a similar way but with the rods out of the way over the port side. (The steps to the command bridge jut into the cabin making it possible to mount rods only in the middle section of the cabin on ours.)

I've got 4 of them up right now and just haven't had time to get the last 2 up. Haven't decided yet where or how exactly I'll mount the last two... but they'll likely end up spanning the space under the port side hatch alongside the stairs up to the command bridge.

The ones I went with are:
Code/SKU Product Name
MC70SL Lee's Tackle MC70SL Single Rod Rack Set - Bright Silver Finish

They also come in a Satin Silver and a Bright Gold finish if those colors work better for your tastes.

All 4 rods are the same length so you'll notice that the 2nd one from the right sticks out further. I staggered the placement to make space for the reels which allowed me to put more rods into a smaller space. Also, note that the ceiling curves a bit so I had to play around with the location of both the front and rear mounts so that the rod would sit naturally in the holders without bending. I have bungee cords on balls (search "bungee ball" on eBay) that secure the rods to the holders so they don't bounce around when we're out going up and over waves.

Hope that helps!

 

[wincrasher]

Actually, what I was wanting to know is if they are just screwed into the headliner, or furring strips, or something else? What size screws? Or did you use VHB tape or something else?

Under the padding, what is the headliner made of?

 

[asm777]

Actually, what I was wanting to know is if they are just screwed into the headliner, or furring strips, or something else? What size screws? Or did you use VHB tape or something else?

Under the padding, what is the headliner made of?

Two sets are screwed into the wood trim running down the middle of the ceiling and two sets are screwed directly into the board behind the padding.

Sorry, it's been a while so I don't recall the screw size off the top of my head but they were less than an 1" long and fit flush into the countersunk holes in the mounts.

Not sure if the hatches on the Rangers are the same but the trim around the hatches in the Cutwaters are held in by 4 square-bit screws. Remove those and you can lower the bottom portion of the hatch trim which holds the padding in place and peak behind the padding to see what's in the ceiling area (wires, etc.). It's maybe a half inch thick (from memory) but not 100% sure what the material is (some type of wood sheet - I'm sure one of the folks at Ranger/Cutwater could easily answer that question if you wanted to know with certainty!).

 

[wincrasher]

Thanks. Wasn't sure if the headliner backing was some kind of luan or plywood sheet or if it is MDF or even cardboard.

 

[serpa4]

Old thread, but did you install a dive compressor? If so, details and pictures please.

 

[jlhowland]

I like the life jacket storage! Did you order that or is it custom?

 

[asm777]

Old thread, but did you install a dive compressor? If so, details and pictures please.

No, thought about it but not worth the effort for our purposes. Usually do 1 or 2 dives with 2-3 divers so its generally 6 tanks max and for the rare 3 dives with 3 divers, we just take 9 tanks.

I like the life jacket storage! Did you order that or is it custom?

Both! Ordered a "custom" storage bag from here: https://www.surfmonkeygear.com/collecti ... -for-boats

Originally, I was going to mount an 8 jacket bag under the bimini canvas above the seating area on the flybridge but after measuring the space underneath the solar panel, ended up changing it to the 6 jacket which fit under the solar panel. Prices seem to have gone up a bit since 2015 when I ordered and looking at my old e-mails, it was about a 3 week turnaround time.

I also just noticed my photo is in their listing so you could probably ask them to make a similar one as shown in their listing! Not sure if dimensions on the C28 might be a bit different but I recall they were very easy to work with! Sent photos and measurements to make sure the straps were in the right place. =)

From my invoice: 6 Jacket Bag Custom T Top Storage Bag - Sand Color - Black Embroidery "SEA HORSE" in Century old style Regular Font

Also, from feedback I sent them in my old e-mails:

- If I were to do it again, I would have asked about and requested double zippers from both ends so that the bag can open in either direction instead of closing one way only.
- Increase the space between the front and back straps a few inches for my application.

 

[Mikep]

We’re completing a purchase next week of a R31 and we will be up the road in port royal marina in redondo. I like the 6 pack tank holder.... where did you get that? Does it have rubber feet to keep it from sliding? Does it require deck hardware or just straps? I have been eyeing the tank titan which is a inflatable version so less chance of gel coat damage and breaks down into small bag when not needed. I too spent time with bill and George at LBYS.. good guys... but ultimately found one in San Diego. Sea trial and survey Tuesday.

 

[asm777]

We’re completing a purchase next week of a R31 and we will be up the road in port royal marina in redondo. I like the 6 pack tank holder.... where did you get that? Does it have rubber feet to keep it from sliding? Does it require deck hardware or just straps? I have been eyeing the tank titan which is a inflatable version so less chance of gel coat damage and breaks down into small bag when not needed. I too spent time with bill and George at LBYS.. good guys... but ultimately found one in San Diego. Sea trial and survey Tuesday.

Tank holder is from:
http://www.baxcoproducts.com/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AVCCBJ0

No rubber feet. I added stainless steel eyebolts on either side of the opening so that I could secure the rack to the boat using these transom straps: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mar ... 13_003_522

When not in use, I just have it sitting in the cockpit... or if we need the space, it actually fits perfectly on the swimstep between the locker and the railing.

Hope your sea trial and survey goes well!