16' Angler + Cruiser "Research Project"

[Wood Zeppelin]

Well I've gone and done it. I am know the proud owner of two C-dory's:

- 1997 16' Cruiser
- 1988 16' Angler

Now, this might seem crazy, and maybe it is. But in my experience, it's really hard to "know" a new car, house, boat, toy, or piece of outdoor gear until you've spent some time with it. In some of my previous inquiries about the difference between a 16' Cruiser vs. Angler, I got lots of great feedback from super people here on this website. But I kept wanting to really "experience" BOTH boats. I like to fish, and boat camp, and cruise, etc., so I need a versatile boat. For me, it's a trade off between the open space in the aft of an Angler compared to how cool it is to have a sleeping berth in the cruiser. These two main factors are both about equally important for me. Some have suggested getting a 19' or 22' to have the best of both worlds. The 19' is awfully tempting. But I do a lot of outings on my own, and my tow vehicle is only rated for around 2000lbs. I'm not wanting to get a different tow vehicle at this time. I also have limited parking space. The smaller boat has definite advantages for me. Eventually I need to narrow it down to one boat.

I've called this a "Research Project" - so for anyone also curious, here are my findings so far.

Cruiser Pro's
- I've slept on my Cruiser twice now. Both we're great experiences!
- I love that the sleeping berth and space underneath offer lots of easy-access storage when I'm out fishing or boat camping, etc.
- I like the cruiser seats better, more comfortable.
- I love the storage compartments under the seats
- Better for taking out 2-3 other people.
- I like the extra ceiling height in the center aisle.

Angler Pro's
- I love the open space, when I'm outdoors, I like to be "outdoors".
- When fishing, it's easier to see where I'm going drifting/trolling.
- I like how it looks slightly better than the cruiser.
- It seems to handle a little better / plane a bit easier.
- With a soft top, it can easily convert to have the same amount of enclosed "interior space" as a cruiser.

Also learned,
I prefer a roller trailer to bunk trailer, I like to launch in some rough places.

CONCLUSION:
Although I will be doing further research, my current idea is to convert my Angler into a bit of a "Hybrid". Like this:

(1) I'd like to remove the port side 2/3rds of the bulkhead and build a padded platform similar to the cruiser, but not as long. Storage underneath.
(2) I'd like to swap out the original pedestal seats for "seat boxes" with storage like the cruiser has.
(3) I plan to devise a way for the short berth to extend out over the port seat box (seat easily removable) to convert into "sleeping mode".
(4) Get a custom convertible top that can enclose all or part of the aft open space.

Anyone ever done anything like this?

[MikeR]

Wow James, congrats! You've been holding out on us!
The mods you are planning for the Angler sound similar to what I also wanted to do, but shoot, if I had had a cruiser I'd probably instead be looking to keep that and make some of the changes others have done to move some weight forward and free up space in the cockpit. For example what Mark has done on his Limpet moving the batteries and fuel forward, giving handling characteristics more like the Angler while gaining a lot of space under the splashwell. Looks like your cruiser already has a camper canvas too, and those are not inexpensive!

I ultimately chickened out on making mods to my 16 Anlger, one minor reason was fearing how it might impact resale value should I ever decide to sell, which is a real possibility. But since you have both boats maybe you have the option of swapping the bits and pieces of each that you like the most, for example using the box seats and the helm from Cruiser on your Angler, and moving over that bow rail and anchor roller you were previously looking for! But darn, that cruiser is NICE (and 9 years newer!) so personally I'd be trying to make that boat the keeper, but that's just me and I'm more into cruising than fishing.

I certainly do hope you share photos of your progress if/when you proceed with the changes, I think that would be a sweet layout for a 16 Angler as a solo pocket cruiser!

-Mike

[Alyssa Jean]

James, go to the Album page and on page 2 are pictures of one of the 16 anglers I "remodeled". "Alyssa Jean" is the name of the boat. I took out the whole bulkhead other than what the helm and other gauges are on. There is an album within the Alyssa Jean album that has a series of pictures of the project.

[dotnmarty]

I keep reading this over and over and what I take away is that you want to turn your angler into a cruiser. But you already have a cruiser which is over 10 years newer than the angler. I agree that "[the angler] looks slightly better than the cruiser", but other than that, I don't see it. Sorry to be such a downer but I've had them both and miss them both. Even though I sound like an old grouch, you are welcomed "on my lawn" anytime, You're a lucky guy.

[South of Heaven]

Wood: You're not crazy. You're spending money on your hobby. I'm on my 3rd CD in 12 months. You gotta catch up.

[Marco Flamingo]

The CD 16 Angler looks better than the Cruiser? I always thought that the Angler looks like the poorly balanced budget version of the Cruiser.

But seriously, an additional three square feet in the cockpit turns a CD 16 Cruiser into an Angler? What if you're an angler, like me, that wants to stay out 5 days? And take my wife? More accurately, one version is an Angler and the other is a Cruising Angler.

Mark

[jimicliff]

Sounds like you have it made with two boats. But if you only want one boat which I understand I would modify the Angler for better sleeping because the cruiser does sleep well. If you have a tent you like on your angler all you need is a better sleeping arrangment. I dont know how you manage two people for more than one night unless your really in love. My wife says shes been happily married for 27yrs and out of 41 thats not bad. I've stayed out two weeks so far and in a week or two I'm going out to break that record by a fair ammount. I've spent the last three yrs detailing and my Cruiser and it is from Heaven. This incredible sight sure has played a major part in making it happen. All the best with your planning just go forward and get on with it theres not enough time o fool around enjoy your self

[jimicliff]

Sounds like you have it made with two boats. But if you only want one boat which I understand I would modify the Angler for better sleeping because the cruiser does sleep well. If you have a tent you like on your angler all you need is a better sleeping arrangment. I dont know how you manage two people for more than one night unless your really in love. My wife says shes been happily married for 27yrs and out of 41 thats not bad. I've stayed out two weeks so far and in a week or two I'm going out to break that record by a fair ammount. I've spent the last three yrs detailing and my Cruiser and it is from Heaven. This incredible sight sure has played a major part in making it happen. All the best with your planning just go forward and get on with it theres not enough time o fool around enjoy your self

[jimicliff]

Sounds like you have it made with two boats. But if you only want one boat which I understand I would modify the Angler for better sleeping because the cruiser does sleep well. If you have a tent you like on your angler all you need is a better sleeping arrangment. I dont know how you manage two people for more than one night unless your really in love. My wife says shes been happily married for 27yrs and out of 41 thats not bad. I've stayed out two weeks so far and in a week or two I'm going out to break that record by a fair ammount. I've spent the last three yrs detailing and my Cruiser and it is from Heaven. This incredible sight sure has played a major part in making it happen. All the best with your planning just go forward and get on with it theres not enough time o fool around enjoy your self

[Sea Wolf]

Take those two 16 footers and bolt them together athwartships into a catamaran, then you'll have enough room to fish, cruise, sleep, crab, shrimp, cook, shower, or just lollygag around until your heart's (and your wife's, too) is content.

OR

Bolt them together transom to transom into a double-ender for much the same effect.

OR

Stack 'em up, one on the other, into a double-decker boaterhome on one trailer for some dry camping and endless round-the-clock question answering.
You could also then become a Scout Master and take the entire troop of 15 ten-year old boys on a week-long camp out in the Okeefenokee Swamp.

Good Luck on however you solve your dilemma!

Joe.

[Jackie]

To echo what everyone else has said "Wow!" I like your list of pros for each boat. This will be an interesting experiment to watch.

Although your Cruiser is so much newer I can completely relate to you loving the fishing room and wanting to make the Angler a bit more cruiser-ish. I finally got out actually fishing on my cruiser this weekend and have to say it was a bit claustrophobic! I can't imagine fishing three people on it. That little bit extra room on the angle would be perfect.

However, I wanted a boat I could sleep on and cruise more than fish. I spent the vast majority of the summer down south and not boating. I think it will be perfect for what I want, I just need to hurry up and retire and get to using it!

Post lots of pictures of whatever mods you make. I learn so much from the photos and explanations on this site.

Jackie

[Da Nag]

Disclaimer: Take a peek at the C-Brat logo at the top left of every page. That should make it clear what my favorite is.

My short/sweet input:

- With a few tricks and minor conversions, you can get the majority of the cruising comforts of a Cruiser on an Angler

- The reverse is not really true; the Cruiser will always be the lesser craft when it comes to fishing/crabbing. There's no way to increase the cockpit size, which is the primary reason the Angler is so good for these activities.

- Everything else being equal, the Angler is better balanced

- There is no finer looking C-Dory than a 16 Angler

I always get in trouble when I mention that last one, but I can take the heat.

[Jackie]

Well, Da Nag, they are both pretty cute to many people. When my son and I were fishing this weekend a big, nice charter boat passed us in the opposite direction. My son said "look, she's taking pictures of us!" referring to a woman on the back. He happily waved, but when she was still filming after several minutes he was confused about what the big deal was. First time he'd experienced that CD 16 'cute' factor!

Jackie

[Blueback]

[Catman]

Da Nag, once again you're right! This time it doesn't pain me to say that.