Looking for some 1984 C-Dory guidance

Emillar

Good morning C-Brats!

I'm new to the forum, but hope to become a fully fledged member when I (potentially) pick up a 1984 C-Dory in the coming days/weeks.

The seller inherited the boat from his father and knows almost nothing about it. It was listed as a C-Dory 23. It appears that there is no 23, but a 22.

It's been well rehabbed, and the survey yielded pretty excellent results. But I can't find information on simple things, like the weight capacity, for example. Or even the weight of the boat. The boat is a couple hundred miles from me, so I haven't seen it in person. So I'm also curious about the size of the fishing area between the stern and the cabin door. Can I get four guys in there fishing?

I'd also love some information about the handling. One of my goals for this boat is a trip (trips) along the coast of Maine (Portland to Acadia, for example). Would be my wife and I on those trips. Maybe one dog. I realize it's closer to camping, and we'd mix some hotels/bnb's along the way, but is it feasible to overnight on?

My understanding is that a slow and steady approach will let you tackle some fairly rough stuff. But does that include the open Atlantic (on nice days)?

Any information, advice, or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

thataway · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:38 am Post subject:

Welcome aboard!

Probably your best bet is to read the forum for some time, and get a feel for the boats. The pre 1987 boats were true semi dory boats--they had a flat bottom, with a dory shear. They tend to pound also--slighly more than the newer boats. The trick to running in to seas is to slow down, put the bow down (trim tabs and a Permatrim foil one the antiventillation plate of the outboard. (not one of the plastic fins, but the metal Permatrim.

Yes, you can sleep/ camp--they are closer to the more recent angler--a bit smaller cabin. You can find photos in the albums. Search "Our boats" by year. The newer "cruiser model" has a bit larger galley counter, with the longer cabin.

Here is a link to the early boat sales brochure.. I think the weight is a bit conservative--add at least 500 to 700 lbs to the "weight".

As to weight capacity--the 22' boat is not required to have a sticker, but some do. I would say you are fine with 1,000#. The deeper a semi dory is the more stable.

Open ocean--sure--but try and pick calm days, with no chance of kicking up. C Dorys go into the open ocean all of the time--some in very rough conditions. See the photos of the C Dory on the Columbia River Bar...

Can 4 fish--sure--but probably a bit more comfortable for 3.

Emillar · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2020 11:17 am Post subject:

Thank you very much for the information and the brochure
Exactly what I was looking for!

I've been browsing the forum all morning and have found a wealth of information. A wonderful resource. We'll see how it goes. It sounds like it may me just a tad small for what I'm looking for, but, I'm going to think it over and keep reading. Thanks again!

hardee · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2020 11:32 pm Post subject:

Emillar · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:15 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the information and guidance. There is indeed more than an afternoon's worth of information on this site. It is fascinating. Thanks again.

The 22 is very appealing. I like the idea of such a shallow draft and a remarkably fuel efficient cruiser. I just wish it was two feet longer (damn that two-foot-itis). Plus, if it was two feet longer, it would draft more and be less efficient. We'll see what I do.

Reading about folks taking a 22 out fifty-miles to do tuna fishing - and many other similar adventures - definitely puts me at ease a little.

I'll keep diving through the site, and we'll see what happens with this prospective purchase.