opinions please: older vs newer c-dory cruiser

[nimrod]

I've been looking for a 22' c-dory cruiser for a while. I've just come across a 1991 with a 2006 90hp Suzuki. I don't really care for the wood grain paneling on the door and cabinets or the aluminum framed glass in the cabin. But if the price is right, maybe I could learn to love them.

For those of you who know the details of these things, what are some of the noteworthy pros/cons of a 1991 c-dory vs a 2000 & newer vintage boat?

Thanks!

jd

[tomherrick]

One point in favor of the older boat is that there may be less nailbiting when making serious modifications. I've got an '84 and am not worried about the boat value in the long term.

T

[Matt Gurnsey]

Windows are very similar- just plain aluminum in the older boat versus powder coated.

Just remember- "you pays your money and you makes your choices."

[Will-C]

Hi,
My vote would be to hold out for what you want and are willing to afford. It has been suggested that boats in the 2003 and 2002 might have been built better than some of the newer the newer editions. Most short comings have probably been addressed by current owners. Leaks from where the brass strip was attached on the bow and at hull deck joints were fairly common. Newer boat 2006 and later had electric windshield wipers and hydraulic steering. Both are fairly inexpensive upgrades. Forward facing seats for the dinette in the newer models was great option. I would have any boat checked by a surveyor familiar with balsa core construction. Have them pay attention to any screw or bolts that have penetrated fiberglass to the core including motor bolts. There should be some pretty good buys out there if you are willing to travel and the old adage cash is king is truer than ever. Good Luck on your hunt.
D.D.

[thataway]

The 1990 vintage boats were well built and in my opinion just as good as the newer ones. You can paint both the Decaboard (wood grained) as well as the window frames. Many of the 1990 vintage boats have upgradedd power plants. As noted they are somewhat easier to modify with simple wood working.

However, they do lack some of the features of the newer boats--such as the sliding forward seat.

Don't discount an older boat.

[Tortuga]

I've got a 1994 -- which I love. The bigger issue for me was the condition and the mechanics. I paid $19000 with the old 2 stroke 70 a couple years back -- and last year upgraded to a new Yamaha 90 EFI. The total package (boat + brand new engine) were within my meager price range, and I am delighted with the overall package.

Newer is always nicer, I suppose, but the mid 1990s boats have not had any of the issues that came up in a few of the 2002-2004 year boats (brats can correct my timeline if I am off here). And, I'd rather have an older -- but still excellent condition -- hull and the newer EFI than a newer hull with an older motor. Still, I would love that forward facing dinette seat -- we usually keep the dinette down as a settee since my crew usually includes a gaggle of boys.

Finally, consider the actual use of the boat -- if you use it you will scratch it. I hate every nick and scratch on my boat, but I love the trips I made them! Especially when I marred up my beautiful green gelcoat bottom by beaching in Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. A once in a lifetime experience that I relive every time I look at those fine scratches! If the boat were newer and more expensive those occasional dings would be a lot more painful .

Which ever way you go you'll love the boat. The suzuki is a great engine!

Matt

[Doryman]

Isn't there also a difference in the aft hull profile? The earlier ones had a completely flat bottom aft, I believe.

Warren

[Tortuga]

The pre-1987 are the classic C-Dory with flat bottom, The current hull is unchanged -- as I understand it -- from 1987 to the present.

Matt

[Yellowstone]

Undoubtedly there have been changes to the 22' cruiser over the years, some of questionable merit, e.g., aft hatch covers, and molded interiors, and others which are improvements, e.g., more options (raised cabin tops, etc.), better placement of bilge pump, larger steps in cockpit, etc.

There is an X factor about the quality of workmanship, particularly when the ownership changed. When the Tolands ran the factory, screws didn't penetrate the brass strips past the solid area and spider gel cracks weren't so numerous as found in later models. But the X factor is just that, an unknown, and I do not believe there is any real evidence that the newer models are inferior in any appreciable manner. Any mass produced boat is subject to the " Monday" phenomenon. Regardless, the current boats in my opinion are very well made. John

[Captains Cat]

I had a '94 CD 22 that I owned for about 5 years until 2007. When I sold it, I got as much as I paid. That will not happen if you buy new. Taken care of, these boats depreciate just so far.

Of course I put in some improvements but it paid for a lot of my TC255 which I also bought used.

Charlie

[jennykatz]

We had a 99 cruiser which we repowered with a 90 Suzuki We put on a bimini top bought a new trailer and gps I really loved the boat but a cape cruiser 23 came along which had the fiberglass interior + the bigger cockpit + nicer ride + barber chair + newer boat . If i would have had a 07-08 cd -22 I probably would not have looked at the cc-23 . I like the fiberglass finish inside the boat much more finished look also came with barber chair and much better cockpit (raised and self bail to rear )plus a great step to get into the boat .

So if I were looking I would look at the 07 -09 for nicer interior and better cockpit . or at least a 2000 model they added the better fuel tanks (20 gal.vs 18's)

Another option is get a 06-07 cape cruiser and get a better cockpit and nicer interior for about the same $ as a cd-22 in that year range

[RonJr]

jd
I have a '87, which I love. The old interiors do look tired after a while. I upgraded my interior to include a forward facing seat. I'm getting ready to cut the v-birth opening larger and install portholes. I've had fun fixing up my older c-dory and it isn't that hard.

[nimrod]

Thanks everyone! Helpful & informative comments.

As an amateur woodworker, I'm kind of looking forward to making some modifications to whatever c-dory I end up with. But then, that takes time that could be spent boating, right? I'm sure that my first mate would prefer a barber's chair. Do I want to build one? Maybe.......

I'm going to look at the 1991 c-dory on Sunday. I'll let you all know what I found.

jd

[Tokluk]

What are the pros vs cons on a Cat vs a cruiser? Sorry, I am a newbie and have a lot to learn! I am trying! Thanks!

[rogerbum]