Life is Like Sailing - What the Heck is a Dorade Box?

[@soniamcconnell6758]

Nice job on the box. I just started watching your channel and I like the way you explain stuff for non sailors like me. Thank you.

[@indigill4417]

Excellent explanation with visuals! Thank you!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!

[@CawffeeTyme]

Im glad you do these videos, gives me a chance to live the boating life without having a boat of my own

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Cawffee Tyme Glad you enjoyed the video and you can live vicariously through them! :)

[@billbye1432]

Beautiful boat,Dorade Box and Shiney Brass Instruments on the bulkead. and a Captain Ron video. Well Done! Totally awesome boat. s/v Moonshine!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+bill bye Thanks, thanks and thanks!! :)

[@tWoforgamenot1]

looking good :)

[@ismzaxxon]

loving watching your series. I am a live aboard in Australia and have noted that sailing Dads are great with thier children. The kids seem to love being on the boats. off to watch your varnishing video as my recent attemp was terrible.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Terry Peake Thanks and glad you like the videos! You are living aboard in a pretty nice spot in the world I think!! :) Yes for sure the kids love being on the boat whether we are out sailing or just tied up to the dock at the marina. Good luck on your varnishing project!

[@wezpa]

Nicke work, I really enjoy seeing your projects as I always learn something new! Looking forward to your next video already!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+wezpaa Thank you! Glad t o hear you enjoy seeing these little projects! :) Thanks for watching!

[@bigfoot1307]

Looking good keep up the great vids thank you for sharing

[@lifeislikesailing]

+BigFoot Thanks and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@TheADVENTURESoftheCAYMANJEWEL]

Great video. Box looks great. Im in the process of doing all 5 of mine along with refurbishing the cowlings. Watching you do it in your cockpit made me REALLY appreciate the fact that I have a workshop for the next year while we renovate. I epoxied mine with MAS EPOXIES then 4 coats of varnish. Hoping it helps when I have to re-do it in a couple years.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+The ADVENTURES of the CAYMAN JEWEL Thanks! That is great that you have a workshop to use for now! I have heard of using clear epoxy for the base and I may try that sometime! :)

[@theislandpackrat]

Good job, looks great! I'm hoping to get those cowls someday my plastic ones are even smaller than yours was.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+theislandpackrat Thanks and it is nice to have one to provide ventilation below! :)

[@gruftsouto]

Nice job! Look's great!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Antonio Souto Thanks Antonio! :)

[@kenlynch6332]

Good job on the varnishing , which I know is a labor of love for any yacht owner

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Ken Lynch Thanks and yes, it sure is a labour of love! lol

[@usa-uj5mw]

Great job on the dorade box!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+usa Thanks!

[@bradd5883]

You're a fast worker! The cowl and dorade look really good.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Brad D Thanks Brad!

[@bakesail7541]

LOVE Captain Ron! It's definitely a family favorite! The varnish job looks amazing! And thanks for providing a the correct term for the dorade box. I knew what they were but not the correct term.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+BakeSail Yes and classic sailing movie for sure! Thanks re the varnish and glad you know a little more about the dorade box now! :)

[@ian3940]

Very nice job.it looks great

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thank you!

[@SuperLaplander]

Nice video, nice box.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+SuperLaplander Thanks and thanks! :)

[@shipskepr1]

nice job on the varnish,it can be a pretty persnictity job,cheers,,paul

[@lifeislikesailing]

+paul stratton Thanks Paul and yes it sure can be!

[@billbruce5528]

Freshly varnished teak is beautiful on a boat...nice job. I had a dorade box go over the side a while back when a jib line got caught on it and a guest cranked the winch so hard it popped it off. I should get going on making a new one.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Bill Bruce Thanks! Yes things go overboard from time to time! lol

[@chiltonpr1]

thanks for the tips! great video ! love it!

[@lifeislikesailing]

You are welcome and glad you enjoyed it!

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

Vancouver is beautiful. It's on my bucket list to visit someday. BTW: Captain Ron is one of my favorites also!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+S/V Southern Lady Yes it sure is beautiful! I hope you will make it here one day! ah yes....Capt Ron is a classic! lol

[@beechcraft12]

I went and watched Captain Ron and it was the best movie I have seen in a while. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@lifeislikesailing]

You are welcome! Classic movie!!

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Looks great!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Sail Before Sunset Thank you!

[@mahargyrogerg]

You've just reminded me, I need to re-varnish my dorade boxes this year Alfie. Cheers. As I've got two dorade boxes, I declined to buy the expensive metal cowl vents. Just have the plastic ones. Yours looks great though.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Gregory Graham Yes it is that time of year to start varnishing things! :)

[@mahargyrogerg]

We should buy stock in Epiphanes!

[@ga3ch]

Wow! Really liked the cityscapes. You most certainly have the 'eye'. Good job on the dorade box. To many folks rush a varnish job and don't do enough coats. It definitely takes multiple coats with sanding and tack cloth in between. Sometime could you talk about the area where the mast goes into the boat? I seem to remember that there can be leakage in that joint. I can see on the base of your mast some kind of wrapping. Keep up the good work. Craig Halman

[@lifeislikesailing]

+ga3ch Thanks Craig and glad you liked the Vancouver pics! Yes I agree to varnish something properly it definitely takes time, but well worth it in the end! That sounds like a good video idea and I will have to fit in an explanation of the mast then!

[@whites5554]

Great job. The shiny vent against the stained box looks sharp, good choice, I lost my vent last year from the jib sheet wrapping around it, they don't float, and probably won't replace anytime soon. Have you taken a wave into the vent yet,the water vent holes seem a bit small on the dorade box to be able to drain a good intake of water quickly.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Whites5 I have taken pretty big waves over the bow in the past with the last cowl and didn't have drainage issues. If it is extremely rough seas I can remove the cowl and put a stainless steel cap on that came with it. :)

[@Trevscuriosites]

great job on the box as a keen woodworker I am surprised you don't treat the inside or did I miss something

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Trevor Lees Teak can be varnish, oiled or just left to weather. I will oil the inside about once per year since the condition of it was good and I haven't removed the box in over 4 years. :)

[@Trevscuriosites]

thanx for info

[@bedspread02]

I am wondering why you didn't varnish the inside of the box to protect the wood from the salt water that will be entering the box?

[@lifeislikesailing]

+bedspread02 Teak is a wood that doesn't need to be varnished, but can be varnished if you want it to look the way it does now. I decided the inside didn't need to be varnished and I will just pull the box off once a year to oil the inside.

[@1240enzo]

Nicely done Alfy, and thanks for the explanation of the term and also your varnishing method. It makes good sense. Just one thought is there a reason why you didn't seal the underside of the dorade box, given that if water enters via the vent tube could it not affect the timber leading in time to some rotting ?

[@lifeislikesailing]

+David Mitchell Thanks and glad you liked the explanation. :) Well teak wood can be varnished, oiled or just left to weather. The inside of the box was in really good condition and this is the first time I have removed it since buying the boat over 4 years ago. I will just remove the box once a year and give the inside a couple coats of oil.

[@aidanhill]

Thats looks great! I was wondering if you were going to vanish it at the start and you did, so brilliant.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Aidan Hill Thanks Aidan! The topside teak always look better with varnish I think! :)

[@johnnyohness]

I'll be darn. I love the look of Dorade box/vents...and always wondered how they worked. Well after your great tutorial I fully understand, However if in really rough weather...waves crashing over the bow could the Dorades not be overwhelmed and still flood the birth below? Depending on the way they are turned I guess...huh?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you learned more about dorade boxes. :) You can turn the cowl away from the water or remove it completely and a cap can be screwed in.

[@terrywilliams6923]

Great video Alfy. I have glassed in dorade boxes on my Rival 34 but the cowls are plastic and too small, i would much prefer the type that you have. Do you remember the brand name I maybe able to obtain similar in the UK. I am in the process of a major rebuild of my boat. All the interior has been removed and I am replacing the mahogany finish to white oak. Will send you some photos if your interested. Love Vancouver, had the opportunity to explore the city when my company attended a Pharmaceutical conference.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Terry Williams Thanks Terry! Nice to have the dorado boxes glassed in! I purchased the cowl from victory-products.com I am not sure if they ship or can recommend someone on your side of the pond! Cool you have been to Vancouver and glad to hear you enjoyed it here! Sounds like you have a big job on the go! I hope you are taking some video for us! :)

[@dsmith3239]

Was out in the Vancouver area last week, actually in Surrey for work. Too bad there was not enough time to contact you for a possible visit.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+D Smith Ah, too bad....but I hope you enjoyed your time in Surrey. Let me know if you are in the area again! :)

[@michaelcyr8215]

Very nice. Where did you get the air control for the inside of the boat?

[@lifeislikesailing]

It came with the boat, but Victory Marine might have them.

[@OutsideAndStuff]

Thank you for this! We learned something today. :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Outside + Stuff You are more than welcome! Really glad to hear you learned about dora boxes! :)

[@tWoforgamenot1]

indeed :) at 76 i do .

[@passmeby9398]

Very nice as usual. Do you find that air is drawn out of the cabin when the cowl is reversed?

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Pass Me By Thanks! There could be airflow either way from what I understand. :)

[@spinnaker5514]

Hi, I am also a member of the C&C family. I own a C&C 26' which has on a front hatch and the cockpit entry for ventilation. I have no opening ports what so ever. I was considering adding one or possibly two dorades to help ventilate the boat. I was wondering how much air they really produce down below without having any type of fan attached. Do you think I would be better off spending my money on new opening ports? Of course theres a lot more work to install and expense. I would value your opinion. Thanks, Bill S.

[@lifeislikesailing]

The dorado box provides decent ventilation if there is wind or if the boat is moving. Probably an easier install that a hatch, but then again the hatch will also give you a large opening and light. How about both. :)

[@Shabba11111]

Hi, great channel! Are you happy with the dorade box and cowl vent? Does it improve the inside air circulation well in your opinion?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Yes for sure!

[@cyclingwithkiwi3956]

you did a good job on it

[@lifeislikesailing]

+alan mckinnon Thanks!

[@otagi]

Nice pictures, and good job with the dorade! Was the first coat (with the cloth) also varnish?

[@lifeislikesailing]

+otagi Thanks! I was wiping down the wood with a cloth that had mineral spirits on it to get rid of the last of the dust. :)

[@steventhomas7504]

Good job varnishing the outside, with the potential of getting water inside why didn't you put a few coats of varnish there🤔

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Steven Thomas Thanks! Well teak wood can be varnished, oiled or just left to weather. The inside of the box was in really good condition and this is the first time I have removed it since buying the boat over 4 years ago. I will just remove the box once a year and give the inside a couple coats of oil.

[@jwrappuhn71]

Good job Alfy, looks great, I know some of the Dorades can be pretty pricy, take care bro.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+jwrappuhn71 Thanks and pretty much anything marine related seems to cost more $$$. lol

[@thinman4648]

Have you seen Summer Rental?

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Timothy Pretlow Yes, another classic! :)

[@ricardoanjos169]

Parabéns show

[@nasanction]

I would have varnished the inside of the dorade as well. After all the water will be going inside the box.

[@iherok]

I totally agree. And i would have sealed the cowl vent mount too, before screwing it on. Filling the old holes from the previous vent would extend the woods life too. Otherwise great job on the vanish. Thanks for sharing your formula.

[@SVELFARO]

Looks sharp ;)

[@lifeislikesailing]

+elfaroproductions Thanks!!

[@ba77le27]

No Varnish inside the box ? Why ? hmmm... ;)

[@lifeislikesailing]

+ba77le The condition of the inside was really good after checking it for the first time in over 4 years, so I just put a couple coats of teak oil on it and I will check it next year.

[@svneverforever]

What the heck's that track in front of your babystay? :-)

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Never for Ever That is the track for the baby stay adjustment. :)

[@svneverforever]

+LifeisLikeSailing - Hmmmmm, that sounds like a video... :-)

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Never for Ever Good idea!

[@jchase5408]

Now you'll have to try your hand at building a SS tubing "protector" to build around it to save your beautiful new dorade from future exuberant foredeck crews!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+J Chase Yes, that sure would be a fun project! I would like to have that!

[@LazyJacques]

As a racer myself, when I saw the thumbnail, my first thought was that, in front of the mast like that, it's just begging for someone to trip on it and injure themselves, and/or break the thing. I totally get the importance of good ventilation in a live-aboard craft, but I would have been tempted to build a system that can be easily removed and replaced with a plate for racing, since I know you do both with your boat. Otherwise, it will continue to be a hazard for your crew, and a more expensive repair job down the line. Nice job, though. Not a fan of epoxy for the first coats? I just refinished a tiller with three coats of epoxy, and three coats of varnish for UV protection. I find this a pain in the paint brush to do, but it seems to provide longer-lasting protection, and looks identical to varnish alone.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Lazy Jacques The dorado box and cowl was on the boat in that location when I bought it. I didn't have a flush cap with the old cowl, but I do with this one at least so if I do race the boat I can put the cap on. I haven't tried the epoxy/varnish method, but I have heard it is good and martyr it on the next project. :)

[@serenitycoastUK]

ooooo so shinny!

[@lifeislikesailing]

+scott sanders I like shinny things! lol

[@andrewmawson6897]

But what about the inside! By design it's going to get wet so needs protecting just as much as the visible outside.

[@hanssolo4ever]

Varnish the inside too to protect the wood.

[@beartutor3377]

Oi sir! In big old ships such as steam tankers, these ventilations are on the rear of these ships but the boxes arent visible, are they hidden under the decks in some models? www.histarmar.com.ar/MarinaMercanteExtr/MarinaMercanteVenezuela/Mercantes/Acosta.htm that there is the Venezuelan steam tanker Acosta

[@JohnJohn-cu7nk]

👍

[@skookumjack]

Nice one Alfy, maybe it's just me but I'd have some 'skito netting over that down pipe inside the box! Or maybe you don't get bothered by 'em? Me, I hate those blood sucking little sucker's! ⚓

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Jack Gates Thanks! Yes I am putting a screen in the box for sure. I had a screen on the inside before, but it was pretty weathered so I need to find a new piece. :)

[@andersjakobsen9906]

;-)

[@lifeislikesailing]

:)