R21EC

[Newshoes]

Anxiously waiting for spring to use the new tug. Just had full screen panels made to enclose the cockpit. Looking for suggestions for utilizing this additional space while on the hook or marina hopping. The enclosure should make the boat relatively bug free. Most cruising will be the upper Chesapeake Bay. I don't want anything that would remain in the cockpit while underway. Any constructive suggestions or links would be appreciated.

 

[harry ames]

My boat side panels stay on all the time. They unsnap from the bottom, and roll up into tight rolls that remain attached to the top canopy. The are not in the way and don't hamper ingress or egress. That way, I just pop a couple of snaps and the sides roll down to be zipped and snapped down. I wouldn't want to be constantly and entirely removing and stowing the side panels.

 

[rt11002003]

I'm with Harry, with one exception. We kept our Albin trawler about 150 miles away, on the TN River. While away from the boat, we kept the cockpit zipped and snapped up. We kept the boat in a covered slip. With everything closed, most of the critters were kept out, except for the spiders.

On the other boat where we had the enclosed cockpit, we put everything in place. Rolled the panels up; they stayed that way the entire time we owned the boat.

Both of the boats had enough cabin space to minimize the need for the enclosed cockpit.

The R21EC is another story; with the small cabin the enclosed cockpit is really handy.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

Check out my album for a example of an enclosure combined with a external arch where I mount my solar panel. We keep the sides down all the time while cruising and lower the plastic parts for ventilation. The small side panels roll up for access to docks. We exit the boat to the swim platform from the rear and roll it up when using the BBQ, swim ladder or the dingy. We spent 50 days at anchor last season and found this arrangement worked for us. We cover the engine box with a vinyl table cloth and cook and wash up there. Notice that the top was extended an inch or so out from the sides. This kept the canvas two inches away from the frame, it give max room inside and makes using the frame as a hand hold easier. Sides snap to the rub rail. Curved top sheds water very well. We hang our side fenders from the extensions on the solar panel arch. The main arch is a single 2 inch tube welded to base plates and provides a very secure handhold when moving about in rough water. I figured that if the frame for the enclosure could not support my weight it would fail at some point just when it is needed the most. We leave the frame up all the time. Winter Shrink wrap goes over the whole thing. Stainless loops were welded around the frame to facilitate hanging lines for drying gear. A well designed enclosure provides exceptional " bombproof" room in such a small boat. The stern post along with the swimplatform rail is ideal as handhold when using the swim ladder.

 

[Newshoes]

Thanks pilotnavigator; your customization is just what i was looking for (how does one utilized the cockpit 'tent'!)! Sure makes the most out of 21'. I like the windshield 'fly', great idea! Thanks to all for the responses.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

The fly keeps the sun and rain off the front hatch. We can leave it open for ventilation during rain! Makes for a more comfortable sleep. You may not think it but it does direct any breeze that exists into the berth area.

 

[Two killicks]

The fly keeps the sun and rain off the front hatch. We can leave it open for ventilation during rain! Makes for a more comfortable sleep. You may not think it but it does direct any breeze that exists into the berth area.

It is a great Idea, I had one made too based on John's design, it makes a great difference in the berth area.

 

[Newshoes]

Well its been 4 months since Cricket (R21EC) launched at Keuka Lake NY. I finally had to add some diesel to the 18 gallon tank. So far we logged 34 hours on 14 gallons of diesel. I have found that the Yanmar cruises comfortably at around 2400-2500 rpm at around 5.5 knots. Not a lot of noise in the cabin or the cockpit at that speed. My wife loves the boat and we get lots of looks and comments each time we go for a cruise. The wife does not like to go fast and get "beat up" as she calls anything resembling a wake crossing, so 5-6 knots is the perfect ride for her. At that speed we always find something new to look at as we cruise the shoreline. We find this boat is the perfect fit for us. We are asked how fast does it go; our answer is "it is a wine speed boat". Our friends and neighbors are always wanting to come along for the wine cruise. We even have boaters coming up to our dock to look at Cricket in the lift.

Thanks to everyone on this site for the wealth of information available that enhances the ownership experience.

As an aside can someone direct me to a link for winterization of the R21EC. I believe I had received a response previously but can locate it any longer.

I hope to extend the boating season on Keuka Lake until Columbus Day at which point I will reluctantly put Cricket in storage until the Spring.

Andrew