Seating solution for a family of 5?

[Nordic]

Hello everyone. I'm considering getting into a C-Dory, probably the 22' cruiser size. I can absolutely see the practicality of the design. I really like them. The problem is that my wife doesn't seem to share the same zest. From the sounds of things I think that this is a fairly common situation, generally speaking. C-Dory's are not particularly frilly (that's part of what appeals to me, utilitarian) however not to my wife. One main concern is the seating area. I have 3 younger sons (8, 6, and 2) to put somewhere. Have any of you found creative ways to accommodate seating for a family of 5? I'd love to hear you of your experiences.

Thanks

[marvin4239]

At one time C-Dory made a commuter model that had a couch where the dinette is. Several people have done some really good jobs converting the dinette area to a couch. Myself I have two folding chairs from Boaters World I use in the cockpit. They are especially handy when you beach the boat they can go with you. Actually the age of your boys they probably won't sit still very long anyway. A cooler with a top pad on the floor of the cockpit works well also. I take 5 adults with me quite often. I find that after a while most want to sit in the cockpit anyway when the weather is nice. On the frilly side part of the fun of a C-Dory is customizing it to your own likes No two are a like. Spend a little time in the photos section and you'll see something that appeals to both of you. Women love to hang curtains of their own choosing.

[DaveS]

Hi Nordic,
Welcome to the site. The vessel "Luna C" was ordered from the factory with the galley (stove and sink counter) lowered to the same plane as the helm seat. Then they are able to place a cushion over that area for additional seating. Other folks have made the dinette bunk up and created a couch on the port side which will accomodate more seating space than what is available when in the dinette configuration.
Since you are new to the site, if you'd like to see what the "Luna C" interior looks like, click on "Photos" in the banner above on this page, then select "C Dory Albums", then go to page 10, locate the "Luna C" album and you'll see their photos.

[ffheap]

Hi,

First, change the wife. If she doesn't like the boat now, she will never like it.

Second. The 22' C-Dory Cruiser model has plenty of sitting room. Problem might be the weight. The 25' might be the better choice, but you still need""mom" on board".

Said from experience.

Fred

[patrick and linda]

hello,
first, i agree with fred, can the wife. although having said that, who would then cook your meals, clean your clothes and fetch your beer, wash and wax the boat, change the flat tire, and man the orrs when you're broke down? better keep the wife after all.
secondly, with all the kids, where were you going to store the beer? my god, man, you must think this out!
all right, generally when we have four aboard, we plant two in the cockpit
and two inside the cabin. this works well while underway, making way, but when anchored we all try to squeeze back in the cockpit.
with younger children, i think your main challenge would be keeping them entertained and to some extent out of the captains way.
i guess, fred was right after all, can the wife and kids, grab your buddys, buffalo wings and beer and set sail for sights unknown.
best regards
pat

[Nordic]

Wow, heh, heh, heh, you guys crack me up. Some pretty good points there. I think I'd better keep the wife, you have me thinking though. The ability to customize these boats is a big part of what draws me to them. I also really like the ability to get to things when I'm out on the water (having an electrical problem or something). It sounds as though most of you guys are that sort. I simply can't understand why the wife doesn't see what I see in these boats. It's kind of strange and surprising. I used to think that she was rational (mostly kidding). Anyhow, back on topic, hmmm seats out in the cockpit did cross my mind however I thought that they might get tossed around pretty good when underway (especially with light kids in them). Is this not the case? Does some variety anchor down better then others? I guess this'd be one way to loose the ones complaining about space. Perhaps that's what you meant.

Cheers

[patrick and linda]

i looked at several c-dory's before purchasing the one i have now. there was one , who the owner modified, i thought very cleverly, with seating in the cockpit. he had installed a level, woodlike, floor in the cockpit, 1" x 6", then built a 4' seat that backed to the transom. the seat was bolted to the wood floor. it wasn't actually wood material, it was the artificial type, the name escapes me at the moment. under the seat was storage area. downside was, couldn't see the gas reservoir unless you raised the decorative fabric running from the bottom of the seat to the floor. other than that i was impressed with the look and fit. this might be of interest to you since the little guys could take a snooze on this type of arrangement.
wish i had pictures, but don't.
good luck and welcome to the site.
pat

[marvin4239]

Nordic getting tossed around isn't really and issue. using a little common sense you'll find that you don't cruise that fast and don't take wakes at to high a speed. My 6 pound dog goes every where with me and his favorite seat is on the bow. They make a fold down seat (garelik) that some have mounted on either side of the transom. My folding seats have rubber feet on them and don't move. As far a C-Dory over other styles of boats and express cruiser style gives you the feeling you are in a cave and you are out in the weather when at the helm. I'd take the wife to a boat show and point out some of the differences. You can probably get the little guys a DVD player and put them in the V-berth and they'll love it. As someone previously said the 25 Cruiser would seat 4 at the dinette plus the enclosed head and shower should appeal to your wife. I've got a hammock I made on the bow of my boat from the roof railings to the bow rail. At slow speeds and calm seas that's where my 40 year old daughter lives. Don't know what part of the country you are in but down here where C-Dory's are rare every time you stop at a marina, dock, service station you are flooded with people asking about the boat. That reinforces the fact you bought the right boat.

[Bill3558]

Thats odd. My wife loves the boat because it gives her a sense of security. We have been in some bad weather with steep seas and shes fine, in fact enjoys it.

She never, ever said that when I owned my 25 foot sailboat or 19 foot center console. She would rarely go with me at all. Now on friday evenings when she gets home from work she wants to go for an hour ride to a restaurant, enjoying a cocktail in comfort on the way.

[marvin4239]

I think the enclosed cabin gives a sense of security you don't have in and open boat plus it's a heck of a lot more comfortable. Actually the chances of swamping a C-Dory are far less than and open boat. Less areas for water to get in.

[Tortuga]

Nordic,

You and I have a very similar situation. I have three boys, age 6,8, and 12. And I have a wife who doesn't enjoy boating. She did however instruct me to buy the C-Dory. Her exact words were, "if you buy a different boat you aren't taking my children...".

I liked the C-Dory for all of the reasons C-Brats note every day on the site, but also for the ability to lock my boys inside a closed cabin with me while at sea. I take the boys out regularly -- usually to Catalina or Santa Cruz Island -- in both cases about 25 miles over open ocean. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking them out in an open cockpit boat (or with them in the cockpit of the C-Dory) since I am often busy with 2 hands on the helm in 2-4 foot seas and would not be able to keep my hands on them. And as you know, boys will climb onto almost anything to get a better view (transom, gunwhale, chair, each other...)

The trick is to configure the interior in a manner that allows 3 boys to find solid seating when the boat is moving. I found great ideas from other Brats -- I converted the dinnette into the commuter bench (based on Little Mac's ideas pictured here).

Once I had the commuter bench, I found that the boys slid around (and off) like we used to slide across the vinyl backseat of the old Ford station wagon in the 1960s. So I installed a hand rail for them, and built a step for them to grip with their feet -- the step doubles as a chart cabinet (I'll try to post some pictures when I get a chance). So far so good.

The kids can drive the boat, romp around the cabin, and play (the 6 year old gets a bit sleepy so I keep a spot in the V-Berth clear for him. When the trip gets long, and the swell picks up, they can sit comfortably and hold on. They LOVE the waves -- me, not so much. But I always know where the boys are, and that they are safe.

If we had the $$ I'd buy a Tomcat -- which would be an even better fit for the family. But, with a growing family (and a house in California) I'm lucky to afford the 22 -- and though tight, its an excellent fit. All things considered, I don't know a better boat for a family.

[Capital Sea]

Gorlec jump seats can be added and with extra mounts they can be mover around. In cold (door closed) conditions your seating is harder but if you look at my album you can see how to gain a 4th interior seat. The Susan E had a fish box fiberglassed in just aft of the transom and it serves as a bench seat. So far, its the best mod I have seen.
Good luck to you.

[Wayne McCown]

Little Mac here.... Thanks for the compliment (and the link to my photos).

In another sub-album, you will also find photos of a project converting available space in my CD 22 into sleeping arrangements. I can sleep a couple in the the V-berth, and up to 4 kids (3 off the floor) in the cabin!

[Fred R. Stern]

Nordic,
My suggestion is don't listen to the cavemen. Keep your lovely wife and kids but take them to one of the C-brats events and arrange a look at some of the family and fishing friendly modified boats. C-Dory owners are so proud of their boats they practically pay you to take a tour!!
My husband and I bought our C-Dory because our old Bellboy (the boat from Hell) felt so unsafe for kids. C-Dorys are not luxury cruisers but great practical safe campmobiles on the water. I always compare the C-Dorys to the VW Westphalias. They don't have frills but just enough to safely venture out with some comfort.
C-Dorys enthusiasts are much like the VW nuts. (I am both) They love their fun, friendly campers and the friends they make along the way because of their chosen mode of transportation.
Beth

[drjohn71a]

Lots of good points, so far, Nordic.

I'd just like to add that, if one buys a boat with a lot of pre-installed upholstery, wall panels, carpet, etc., it tends to become a trap for mildew, stains and molds. Not to mention odors! The C-Dory interior can be easily modified, but also easily cleaned and will stay clean longer since there are fewer areas to trap moisture and breed mold.

Of course, the C-Brats photos will show you many varieties of customization, so the sky's the limit and you can change your 'interior design' any time easily!

John