New to C-Dory would like some input! :D

[Drizzik]

Hay my name is Nick and I am looking at a 2005 22ft C-dory Cruiser. I know a little about it but was hopping for some more insite....

The breaks on the trailer no longer work and the engines have some 1400 hours on them. The current owner is very nice and has a (what seems to be) very comprehensive list of things that he has fixed over the years. I am wondering if you all have any info on what typically breaks on these or things that i should look at before purchasing this particular boat. Thanks in advance. Nick

[thataway]

Welcome aboard,
I assume that you are looking at the 22 in Grapeview WA--which has twin 50's with 1300 to 1400 hours on the engines.

Generally you want to see the records of service on the engines, Every one hundred hours or yearly. The 1400 hours is not unusual for a well used boat, and this represents about 200 hours a year. Generally it is better for an engine to use it than to let it sit. I would have a Honda Mechanic check the engines. You should see 4,000 hours or more if the engines are well maintained. But..check them out.

In general the boats wear well. Things to look for is core problems in the cockpit, since the core is balsa, water intrusion is not good. Look for moisture in the bottom of the boat, and inside of the bottom. Ideally all screw holes should have been potted with epoxy--the reality is that they are most likely not.

Has the boat been kept in the water or on the trailer? On the trailer, is generally better, If the engines have been flushed with fresh water after each use, the better.

Be sure you understand the concept of the C Dory--a semi dory is very economical to run--they can pound going into chop, and have to be handled differently than some other boats. You can "tack" off to each side, so you don't go directly into the waves, you can slow down, or follow another larger boat.

The boat listed looks to be well equipped, it has good electronics, a Bimini, (no camper back), but outriggers, dinghy etc…

You might consider a marine survey, especially looking at the core.
If the trailer brakes are not working, make repair part of the deal. Also insist on tires which are less than 5 years old--date on the side wall.

I would take a sea trial.

[ssobol]

You can replace the brake calipers, rotors, and piston/coupler for a few hundred bucks if you do the work yourself. If you've ever done the brakes on a car, you can do it on the trailer. The hardest part is getting the rusted caliper mounting bolts loose.