Cdory 16 vs Cdory 19

[docsears]

My wife and I are looking to buy either a 16ft or 19 ft Cdory for use in the lakes and bays of Maine. We are small people and want ease of trailering as we are not living on the water and do not wish to moor the boat but put in and out as we use it. Also like the cuddy idea, hard to find in most east coast made boats unless you get up into the 21 and above heavier boats. There are many islands off the coast of Maine we would like to someday visit on good days, using common sense, but weather has its own mind. Opinions of those who have experienced both boats would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
Hayden and Cathy

[Da Nag]

Not a difficult decision, really. That is, once you understand the benefits/limitations of each model, as they're very different. Much more so than three feet might indicate.

If you've any intention of both of you spending the night on the boat, don't get the 16. There are some crazies who would do it, and we love our C-Brat crazy folk - but it's not something most people would enjoy.

Second - weather. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more seaworthy 16 foot boat than a C-Dory, but compared to it's larger brethren - there' a world of difference between them when the weather/water gets a bit nasty. Probably not something you would encounter often with small lakes/streams, but heading offshore - you really need to pick your days on a 16.

Third - towing. The 16 can be towed by relatively small vehicles. You'll need a larger SUV or truck for the 19/22.

If the above has you leaning towards the 19, consider the 22. Powered the same, identical tow vehicle requirements, and much more comfortable in many instances with its enclosed cabin. If you keep a close eye out and are ready to jump with cash when a good deal presents itself, you can often get an older 22 for the same price as a 19.

And lastly - use the Brat Map (link at the top of any page here) to find somebody nearby, and/or try to attend a C-Brat gathering to see them both in person if you haven't already. Many of the differences will be immediately clear.

[Rick from Maine]

Hi Hayden & Cathy,

Hope you join us Northeast C-Brats cruising downeast on a C-Dory in the future. Lincolnville is ideal C-Dory trailer cruising ground, less than an hour from most of Maine’s prime cruising spots.

As usual, Bill has captured the essence of your decision criteria re overnighting, trailering, and seaworthiness.

A 16’ C-Dory, Clover (maybe Nate will pipe in), cruised Casco Bay and the Midcoast Rivers with us from Portland to Port Clyde for 8 days in 2008. Seaworthiness is not an issue with the 16’ C-Dory. Clover handled steep 4-5 seas off Cape Small as well as our 22’ers. We all bobbed like corks in a washtub, and had to go slow (approx 8 - 10 knots).
Clover did get swept in the current at Gurnet Strait, but that was from not knowing that a fast current was going to hit and going too slow.

Though Nate & Betsy overnight occasionally on Clover, it really is a day boat. It is a good boat for day trips in Maine. So, if you’re mostly considering day trips, the 16’ is appropriate. It will provide all the functionality and safety needed to enjoy Maine cruising with the least hassle and expense. I highly recommend it. You have protection from the sun or inclement weather, easy trailering, good handling, dry space to stow stuff, and the ability to beach it on our islands.

The 16’ works well for extending cruising in Maine from Penbo south because there are many places where you can dock the boat and spend the night ashore. So, weekend or longer cruises can be comfortable on the 16’.

If you are intending to overnight in remote anchorages, then consider the 22’ over the 19’ as Bill recommends.

Rick from Maine

[C-Val]

My observation is when towing the smaller the better but once on the water the bigger the better!

Because C-Dorys have a flat bottom and ride òn top of the water, the longer length tends to help span the chop better. For this reason I went with an older 22ft instead of a newer 19ft

[thataway]

An observation is that many who have bought the 19, eventually bought a 22. As noted, the trailer towing capacity is almost the same.

[Montana Kev]

We really enjoyed our 16 prior to moving to the 22. We spent about 30 nights on the 16 in the 2 summers we owned it. By comparison to the 19&22, the 16 feels like an open boat. Nothing compares to having a back door and full standing room. With that said, a 16 with a full camper back can be made very comfortable but it’s more of a camp boat than a cabin cruiser. I think it depends on what you are use too. We had small sail boats and come from a backpacking and kayak touring background. The 16 was luxury compared to kayak touring and our trailor sailors. You can’t beat the towability and fuel mileage of the 16. Today the 22 really fits our lifestyle. You can see photos of our 16 in our album. Good luck with your decision and search.

Kevin

[Sunbeam]

I probably have the least "boating on them" experience of anyone who has replied, but I'll give you my thoughts. I have a 22 Cruiser, and I have spent a couple of afternoons out on a friend's 16 Cruiser.

It's kind of hard to put these in a logical order...


--The 16 is really simple to trailer and launch - it's just such a small boat, you can tow with many cars, it's so light, it's open at the back, etc. Not that the 22 is "hard" - I mean it's not like you are lifting it - but, for example, I could have towed a 16 with my existing car (station wagon), whereas I bought a different tow vehicle (van) for towing the 22. You really need a 5,000# tow capacity for the 22.

--The 16 uses portable gas cans, for better or worse (I think there is some of each); the 22 has built in fuel tanks.

--Fewer/simpler systems on a 16 than a 22 (I know you are thinking 19, but since I have a 22 and they are similar, I'm comparing to a 22). Yes, you can keep a 22 simple, but it still has built in fuel tanks, doors, locks, cabinetry, etc. etc.

-- Sound level: This is a biggie for me, and after spending a couple of afternoons on a 16 (with a canvas "back door"), I knew I wanted the better sound reduction of a solid door, which a 22 has. It's still not silent, but better.

-- The solid door also gives you a modicum of security for things aboard - not that it will discourage "real" thieves, but at least there is a door/lock there (token, but there).

-- I met up with Lyle and Janda (and their dog) on their 16 Cruiser at Lake Powell and they gave me a tour of their boat (See-Saw). They cruise it far and wide, often spending a week or more aboard. They come from a kayaking/backpacking background, and while their 16 is "primitive" compared to a 22, they keep the backpacking mindset, and so the 16 is luxurious in comparison. But it is a camping feel. A 22 feels more like a little big boat, with a "real" cabin that is dry and "indoor like," has a heater, etc. In the 16, I felt like I was outside, but sheltered. Either may be better or worse depending on what you want.

-- The 22 is cute, but the 16.... cute as a bug

-- I found the 16 Cruiser really fun for a couple of "day cruises with stops and lunch" for two people. There were two good seats, a little table for lunch or books (they may not all have the table), and a berth to either put stuff on, or nap on, or both.

Have fun choosing, and welcome to the C-Brats

Sunbeam

[NODAKID]

Greetings,

A 19 replies. Like always it depends. A 19 is a larger boat than a 16. From the windsheild forward it is the same as a 22 only lengthwise shorter. Towing weight can be quite a bit less than a 22. Most 22's are outfitted like a camper which is a lot of weight. I figure mine about 2500 lbs. Engine power can be less than a 22 and work just fine. I have a 90HP but in the minority as most have smaller engines and do just fine. Part of that could be because the 19's seem transom heavy. Lots of weight back there. The twin 25 gallon tanks alone are a lot. Do not buy one without trim tabs (or plan the cost) because the change in origonal design length (it is a shortened 22) will cause porpoising (sp?) no doubt about it. If you really do not plan to sleep aboard overnight then the cabin area gained by a 22 may need some thought. If you plan to fish and want the captain and crew to interact during fishing, a 19 is a nice alternative. Here the open back is an advantage. Actually more wide open. Thats why they build them. I am sure more experienced people will weigh in but the 19 used in good condition can be a good alternative and a stepping stone up to a bigger C-Dory as we gain experience. Personally, I expect to have a 22-25 some day but today the 19 is affordable and my favorite toy! Good luck, hope we have helped.

[Sunbeam]

[chromer]

Go for the 19

[thataway]

[docsears]

Cathy and I thank you all for your excellent commentaries/opinions. But, we see that what we are most grateful for is the honest and caring community you all are. We are so happy about finding your group, and about the cdory which we will pick/find in the near future. We are zeroing in on a 16, we think, for now, as our first. We look forward to meeting many of you in future as we embark on our own adventures. This group, and the website, is truly an inspiration, and a confirmation that adventure, and community are indeed ever present. We thought we were just dreamers, and here you all have been enjoying a common passion and sharing the pleasures and challenges as well. Hats off to you, and many thanks. More comments please, especially on options for the "camping" 16's.
Hayden and Cathy

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Hayden & Cathy,

Check in with Lyle and Janda Draker on See Saw. The do a lot of cruising on their CD 16.

[hardee]

Not having been on a 16 C-Dory I may not have what you are looking for. I did spend several years with a small (15 Montgomery) sailboat. With 2 people, it is an exercise in movement. Move the stuff out of the V-birth to sleep and out of the cockpit for daytime travel. Only sat on the same side of the boat when we were really sailing, usually. And yes, it towed easily with my Subby Outback.

The 16 will not have standing headroom --except outside, cockpit. Both will have an open aft exit to the cockpit. The difference between the 19 and 22 is there is 3 feet less cockpit -- taken out of the forward section of the cockpit, so the transom, tanks and lazarettes are all the same. The 19 would need Trim tabs and/or Permatrims.

The 16 is probably more seaworthy than most boats its size, and soundly built. It will handle your lakes and rivers, and will be a great day boat. It will tow with any midsize on the road. As Sunbeam said there are advantages and disadvantages to any thing. The 16 will be a great starting boat and can be an excellent platform for "learning the ropes".

My sailing instructor once told me, If I learned to sail that little boat (about 10ft) I would be able to sail the bigger ones later. And he was right. Learn on the smaller boat, It will be more responsive, and what you learn will transfer on to the larger one if/when you make that decision.

As to where you can go on a 16, There are plenty of 16 skippers on here that can attest to the fact, you can go where you want to. Sometimes you just have to adjust "when" you want to go.

Harvey
SleepyC

Catman's Bambina, a 16 that gets around.

[NODAKID]

Sunbeam is right to be sceptical, I was light on my estimate and did not include the single axle trailer weight and some gas. Sorry I misspoke. We do not keep much stuff in the boat but most people seem to. That said, our 19 really calculates closer to 3000 lbs but have never actually put it on a scale. Best to plan for more weight than be marginal on a tow vehicle. We tow with a 3/4 ton truck.