Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

[PhatboyC]

Can't wait to overnight next summer. Until we can try it I'm wondering on a couple of things.

1. We have a shower on the swim platform but no hot water. My water tank is beside the engine under the hatch. After the days ride I figure the water will be warmed by the engine's heat. But what if you want to take a shower in the morning? Is ambient water temp good enough for a shower in the summer? (Note; we are only going to use biodegradable soap.)

2. We will often be anchored for dinner at night with my cousins (same size boat) attached to ours. If we are in a calm area with no winds is it safe to leave the boats attached for the night? He will also have his own anchor. Any of you did this but had to wake up in the middle of the night to unhook and anchor alone?

3. If there is no rain do you put the full camper top or just the bimini for the night? I don't have screens for the camper only mica's. This seems it would block allot of much needed air circulation on warm summer nights. Which brings me to my next question.

4. If you only setup the bimini overnight do you close the hatch front door? I don't have a screen for that either. Only the roof round hatch has a screen. Is there less bugs on the river then when camping? Is there any aftermarket installable door screen I can buy?

5. How hot does it get in there after a full day in the sun. Lets say come bedtime at 11:00pm is it back to ambient temperature? I bough a 14" 12 volt fan. Will I need it every night to get the heat out? Maybe a short boat ride after dinner with both hatch open to get the hot air out?

These are the first things that comes to mind for now. I'm sure I'll have more.

 

[thrasher]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

I can't answer your questions, but did you really buy a 14 foot (14') fan or a 14 inch (14")?

Just pulling your leg..

Gary

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Yes it looks like this.

ha ha ha
I corrected my post.

 

[Kev144]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Can't wait to overnight next summer. Until we can try it I'm wondering on a couple of things.

1. We have a shower on the swim platform but no hot water. My water tank is beside the engine under the hatch. After the days ride I figure the water will be warmed by the engine's heat. But what if you want to take a shower in the morning? Is ambient water temp good enough for a shower in the summer? (Note; we are only going to use biodegradable soap.)

2. We will often be anchored for dinner at night with my cousins (same size boat) attached to ours. If we are in a calm area with no winds is it safe to leave the boats attached for the night? He will also have his own anchor. Any of you did this but had to wake up in the middle of the night to unhook and anchor alone?

3. If there is no rain do you put the full camper top or just the bimini for the night? I don't have screens for the camper only mica's. This seems it would block allot of much needed air circulation on warm summer nights. Which brings me to my next question.

4. If you only setup the bimini overnight do you close the hatch front door? I don't have a screen for that either. Only the roof round hatch has a screen. Is there less bugs on the river then when camping? Is there any aftermarket installable door screen I can buy?

5. How hot does it get in there after a full day in the sun. Lets say come bedtime at 11:00pm is it back to ambient temperature? I bough a 14" 12 volt fan. Will I need it every night to get the heat out? Maybe a short boat ride after dinner with both hatch open to get the hot air out?

These are the first things that comes to mind for now. I'm sure I'll have more.

I'm no expert but heres what I see

1) The water temps should be fine, I can't see it being very cold but it wont be warm like you expect in a shower at home.

2) I would not anchor and tie together at night. If winds picked up or boat coming by made big waves not only will it interupt your sleeping with the banging but may cause damage.

3)Bimi if no rain.

4) Leave it open for cirulation or unless you have windows with screens in the cuddy.

5) By 11pm it will cool down. During a hot day, yes it will get very warm in there.

Sorry they are small, not a pro on this.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

1) Jump into the Lake,.......... No need for a Shower.......

2) You can always just raft the boats together,..... If the Wind kicks up,...
You'll just have to Deal with it then.....

3) Either, Or..... It'll depend on the conditions at the time....

4) It depends on the Mosquito's Appetite,....... I made snap on screens for mine......

5) The short boat ride works for Me,...... On a sweltering night,.....
That 14 foot Fan will be Nice.............

 

[tommays]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

1. I use some 2 gallon solar water shower bags In the PM which is as good as it gets without a waterheater

2. I would never raft overnight YOUR not going to get OUT of a MESS in the dark

3. Some bug spray has allways worked for me

4.I think there is a LOT of regional difference in BUGS cause down in the back waters of maryland OR blackfly time up north comfort is going be tough at times

5.Hot is Hot on Lake George or Long Island BUT it allways gets nice at night

Tommays

 

[bekosh]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Can't wait to overnight next summer. Until we can try it I'm wondering on a couple of things.

1. We have a shower on the swim platform but no hot water. My water tank is beside the engine under the hatch. After the days ride I figure the water will be warmed by the engine's heat. But what if you want to take a shower in the morning? Is ambient water temp good enough for a shower in the summer? (Note; we are only going to use biodegradable soap.)

2. We will often be anchored for dinner at night with my cousins (same size boat) attached to ours. If we are in a calm area with no winds is it safe to leave the boats attached for the night? He will also have his own anchor. Any of you did this but had to wake up in the middle of the night to unhook and anchor alone?

3. If there is no rain do you put the full camper top or just the bimini for the night? I don't have screens for the camper only mica's. This seems it would block allot of much needed air circulation on warm summer nights. Which brings me to my next question.

4. If you only setup the bimini overnight do you close the hatch front door? I don't have a screen for that either. Only the roof round hatch has a screen. Is there less bugs on the river then when camping? Is there any aftermarket installable door screen I can buy?

5. How hot does it get in there after a full day in the sun. Lets say come bedtime at 11:00pm is it back to ambient temperature? I bough a 14" 12 volt fan. Will I need it every night to get the heat out? Maybe a short boat ride after dinner with both hatch open to get the hot air out?

These are the first things that comes to mind for now. I'm sure I'll have more.

1. Should be warm enough. Can't really speak to it because we don't have a shower.

2. You should be fine. Just be sure to have good fenders between the boats. I would use at least two 8" dia x 24". Preferably four, 2 per boat. Don't scrimp on size!

3. We put the camper top up, but we have screens that zip-in in place of the clear for the sides. I would look into that for your's, it shouldn't cost much, and it is really nice to have the extra air flow.

4. Before we had the camper canvas we would close the cabin door and open the hatch.

5. We never had a problem with it being too warm in the cabin and you're even further north than we are. I would recommend bringing a set of cotton sheets and a full size comforter. You are more likely to need the blanket than the fan. It cools off alot out on the water at night.

Here's our ride, tied up at the dock for the night. You can see the front
connectors are clear, sides are screens.

 

[m&m252]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

heck where i am at its using the ice cooler water for a shower in the summer time and the washdown hose in the winter...

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

You did not say where you will be overnighting.
On the Rideau near Ottawa? or the Trent river system?
The bugs up there only have about two weeks to eat and breed before it is too dang cold!!
A late nite dip in the river with your soap on the rope would be sufficient.
And could be fun too as long as you don't stay still too long.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

1. You'll be surprised how cool the water stays in your tank. Cold early morning showers are fun.

2. We raft-up with other boats overnight all the time. 1 anchor per 5 boats, depending on size of boats. If you are worried about spinning with the tide, set a stern anchor.

3, 4, 5. It usually gets nice and cool at night on the water. But that all depends where you are. You'll figure it out.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Thats a lotta questions !!!!! For the shower water temp,I recommend jumping in for a quick swim first---then the water tank will feel warm.Rafting ALWAYS requires fenders between 2 boats.Bimini at night to keep dew off of interior.screen over door and hatchway.Cabins get warm when it is cool out-and hot when it gets warm out etc... Bugs will usually stay on land but if you are close to land they will fly out to you and YOU will be their ONLY food source so dont expect them to leave.Be sure to switch 1 battery off when using the fan.Charlie

 

[Wotam]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

1. We have a shower on the swim platform but no hot water...

Unless you are in the tropics or maybe Florida, It's usually a bit out on the water chilly in the the mornings even in summer. IMHO in warm weather a shower feels more refreshing in the evening. If you want warm water, get a 'sunshower' (solar water heating bag) and take your shower in the evening... or just go for a swim.

2. We will often be anchored for dinner at night with my cousins...

Calm spot, good anchor, good holding ground, no worries. Enjoy. You can get a GPS with an 'anchor watch' feature... it will tell you if you're drifting beyond a preset radius. Be respectful of others that may be around you... music and loud noises really carry across the water and should stop at an appropriate hour.

3. If there is no rain do you put the full camper top...

Depends... I don't have one but If you're on the water often everything will be covered with dew in the morning unless you have some sort of 'roof' over your head... but you for for sure want to allow ventilation.

4. Is there less bugs on the river then when camping? Is there any aftermarket installable door screen I can buy?

Bugs vary with venue... if you can get far enough away from shore you will generally find relief from land-based critters. If you can't get away from them you will need screens, citronella candles, bug repellant etc. With some snaps, bungees, and some creativity you can come up with a screen door.

5. How hot does it get in there after a full day in the sun. Lets say come bedtime at 11:00pm is it back to ambient temperature? I bought a 14" 12 volt fan. Will I need it every night to get the heat out? Maybe a short boat ride after dinner with both hatch open to get the hot air out?

In hot weather, the most important thing is to have air moving through the boat and across your skin. Even a humid, hot night can be comfortable if you have moving air. Every place where somebody is going to sleep needs a fan. Battery powered 'O2 Cool' brand fans work pretty well for providing 'personal' cooling. Boat ride before bed is a nice idea... be careful out there though.

Inside boat temps can be reduced by rigging a light-colored sunshade over the boat. Cruisers in the tropics get pretty creative with these. A 'washdown' pump (drawing lake water) can also be useful for cooling the boat, hosing yourself off etc.

Get a rail-mounted barbeque and do your evening cooking outside. No sense in putting extra heat and moisture in the boat.

 

[stevens]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

That's a lot of questions - can't wait for summer, huh?
Don't fret over it, just get out there and give it a few tries. Then you can start adding all the gadgets you'll like, such as bug screens, water heaters, air conditioning, coil spring mattresses, a coffee maker, etc. - and then a bigger boat to have room for it all.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Most states won't allow even "biodegradable soap", be careful.

I am in the same situation with no water heater. Thus far, it has not been a problem.

I prefer to anchor away from other boats.

We have screens in our camper top put it up if it's hot and buggy. Look into having your canvas modified to add screens. Any cabvas shop can do it. That will help solve your ventilation/bug problem.

I made two 12V power vents for my cabin. They are small and quiet and move just a little air, but they do keep it from getting stuffy. It will get hot in there, even at night, just from the body heat.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

1. Is ambient water temp good enough for a shower in the summer?

We don't always have water for a shower, so we often use those 'wet-one' things. You can get a wash cloth sized package of them at WalMart; they're called Fresh'n Up.

2. If we are in a calm area with no winds is it safe to leave the boats attached for the night?

We 'raft' overnight all the time in protected waters, with one anchor. If you've each got an anchor out it can be a mess if you need to untie in the dark.

3. If there is no rain do you put the full camper top or just the bimini for the night?

If there's ANY chance of rain the bimini is up, otherwise we sleep with it down.

4. Is there any aftermarket installable door screen I can buy?

There are aftermarket screens but our problems are more with no-see-ums that can get through a traditional screen. We rub on the deet.

5. How hot does it get in there after a full day in the sun.

We've found that it can be miserably hot in the cuddy at night. If the bugs are out it can be unbearable. Fans do help, one for each person. We also sewed 2 sheets together to make a sleeping bag. You can climb in and keep the bugs off without getting too warm...now we just close up and run the air conditioner.

http://www.geocities.com/jeff_nicholas/AirConditioning/Air1.html

 

[LSM]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

1. I would just jump in and take a lake bath.

2 We are always tied up with friends. Any where from 7 to 30 boats for the night. Just make sure you have fenders in. We tie a shore line also if not two of them.

3 We put our canvas up almost all the time at night. Keep the dew off of the seats. also keeps the bugs out.

4 There should be something you could buy.

5 It should cool off good for you. We almost never run our A/C at night. It always cools off good for us.

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Can't wait to overnight next summer. Until we can try it I'm wondering on a couple of things.

1. But what if you want to take a shower in the morning? Is ambient water temp good enough for a shower in the summer? (Note; we are only going to use biodegradable soap.)

If you're talking about boating in the Rideau Canal or Ottawa River there's plenty of marina's to pull into for a quick shower. You won't find many places with clean water between Ottawa and Smith's Falls that's suitable for bathing. The Ottawa river runs too quick and too many boats but you might be able to find a nice lil' hidey hole for swimming. I don't know how big your water tank is but on most small boats you won't get more than a quick rince from it.

2. We will often be anchored for dinner at night with my cousins (same size boat) attached to ours. If we are in a calm area with no winds is it safe to leave the boats attached for the night? He will also have his own anchor. Any of you did this but had to wake up in the middle of the night to unhook and anchor alone?

One anchor for two boats and be prepared to move them apart if weather picks up. We've done it w/2 25'ers on one anchor in the Rideau Lakes. Anchor alarm on chart plotter is a good idea.

3. If there is no rain do you put the full camper top or just the bimini for the night? I don't have screens for the camper only mica's. This seems it would block allot of much needed air circulation on warm summer nights. Which brings me to my next question.

We've always put up full camper top and had zip in screens made. Made all the difference and keeps the bugs out.

4. If you only setup the bimini overnight do you close the hatch front door? I don't have a screen for that either. Only the roof round hatch has a screen. Is there less bugs on the river then when camping? Is there any aftermarket installable door screen I can buy?

We spent a few nights in hell last summer when a heat wave rode over the Rideau. We were stuck in Smith's Falls & Merrickville when the daytime temp was 35+ degs C. I'm sure we would have expired had we not had fans. It was so hot in the cabin we had to pack the cat on ice to keep her cool.

5. How hot does it get in there after a full day in the sun. Lets say come bedtime at 11:00pm is it back to ambient temperature? I bough a 14" 12 volt fan. Will I need it every night to get the heat out? Maybe a short boat ride after dinner with both hatch open to get the hot air out?

Anything you can do to keep the air moving will help. Fans are great if you have enough battery capacity to keep them running. Noise is sometimes a factor (with ours anyways). Usually you've got time before the sun goes down to air out the boat and it'll cool down.

Rick

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Thanks for sharing your experiences all. I really appreciate. Here is what I gather.

The consensus on the bug issue is there is less bug then on land the further from shore you are. Some of you raft-up overnight no problem. Depending on the weather predictions. If we are anchored in a place where no boats passes by and have enough fenders we'll be all right. Temperature wise it can get cooler at night on the water. Shouldn't be to hard to get the hot air out of the cabin being in Ontario. Screens are available for the camper (thanks for the pic bekosh). We should be alright with the ambient temperature shower. If it's to cool in the morning then just take it in the evening. At the minimum put the bimini on for the night.

I also noted all the suggestions posted. Very useful. If all this is not enough then Ill install a "jeffnick". (jeff-nick: noun, a well conceive AC installation for boating application.)

jeeperman : We are thinking of staying on the Ottawa River. Probably downtown Ottawa for Canada day. I'm thinking watching the fireworks from the boat at night should be memorable. Another time perhaps just on the east side of the Carrion dam. Then go to Lachine to let the girls go shopping.

For cooking food I was thinking of using my camping Coleman stove and table top bbq on the swim platform. Without using any stand so they are low to the platform. The bbq has rubber underneath the feet and I'll try to install something similar for the Coleman. Hopefully the 3-4 inch of clearance is enough not to melt the platform.

They should invent some kind of floating fire pit. Would be nice at night like camping. What you all do for entertainment at night? Ok, ok, I mean when raft-up with other boats. Play cards?

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Questions on Overnighting with a Cuddy

Cooking thread here:
http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=108527