Upgrades and Maintenance for the C-Dory 22

Getting a pocket cruiser prepped for the upcoming boating season requires balancing space efficiency, reliable power, and trailering safety. In a recent video update, adventurer Trip Smith walks viewers through a series of practical DIY upgrades and essential maintenance projects aboard his C-Dory 22.

Under-Galley Storage & Organization

Trip tackles underutilized interior space by building a custom lightweight shelf system. Using sealed plywood and heavy-duty breathable mesh fabric attached with stainless steel hardware, he creates a flexible "tramp" shelf. Suspended with L-brackets to prevent hull-chafing during transit, this setup promotes airflow while securing soft gear like life vests and apparel. He extends this mesh-pocket design to the back of cabinet doors, nearby hull sides, and dedicated shoe storage.

Hull, Trailer, and Deck Repairs

Addressing long-overdue deck items, Trip fixes minor deck hardware issues by removing an old lightning-damaged spotlight. He chamfers the remaining deck holes, seals the underside, and fills the voids with Marine-Tex epoxy. Next, he replaces worn, hardening bow rollers on both the boat's anchor road setup and the trailer to prevent hull scuffing and line chafing, along with fresh windshield wiper blades.

Solar Capacity & Heavy-Duty Trailering

To boost off-grid house power, a flexible 100-watt BougeRV solar panel is mounted to the cabin top. Testing the output under direct sunlight, switching the solar array setup yielded an increase from ~111 watts to over 156 watts. Finally, Trip installs upgraded heavy-duty Strapo stainless steel ratcheting tie-downs with dual locking mechanisms and angled mounting brackets to ensure the boat stays rock-solid on the trailer during highway transit.

About Capt. Trip Smith

Capt. Trip Smith is one of BoatTEST.com's lead captains and marine journalists. With years of experience testing hundreds of boats, Trip combines real-world boating knowledge with BoatTEST's rigorous performance-testing methodology. His reviews go beyond the specifications, covering handling, ride quality, comfort, design, and how each boat performs in real-world conditions, helping boaters make informed buying decisions.

Follow Capt. Trip Smith on YouTube for more in-depth boat reviews, walkthroughs, and boating adventures:
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