Looking to buy

[NoBoatYet]

My brother and I have decided to buy a boat for our retirement time - fishing, cruising, and just thoroughly enjoying tranquility. Our "better-halves" will be enjoying it with us as much as possible. Our only dilemma is the size to buy. We are enamored with the C-Dory's, but don't know which size to buy. 99% of the boats on the C-Brats forums are the 22', but will that be big enough for 4 of us to cruise around the San Jaun Islands over her in WA St.? We appreciate the price difference between the two, but will fork out the extra if needed. Do the 25' C-Dory require all that much more horsepower?
Thank you, Greg Alexander

[rogerbum]

For four people - full sized adults, you really will want the 25. 3 full sized people are comfortable on a 22 but not 4 (for more that short trips). 3 full sized adults can sleep on either the 22 or the 25 but 4 sleeping would be tough on either and annoying on the 22. On the 25, 2 in the v-berth, one at the dinette berth and one in the cockpit would be doable without any person being cramped (cold and/or comfortable is a separate issue) - could be done on the 22 but would be a pain. If you just do a couple hour day trips to ports and then one couple stays on the boat and the other gets a hotel at port the 22 is OK. If you're going for longer cruises or all day 4 person fishing trips/picnics, I think you want the 25 or the cat.

Roger on the SeaDNA

[Dora~Jean]

From reading others' posts over the years, it appears the 25 takes about double the horsepower over the 22. I have an '03 CD25 with twin 80 Yamaha's (4 stroke), great power combo. Also, mine is slightly lighter than most stock boats because I elected to have a porta potty, no shower, no holding tank and tend to keep additions light. I can plane my boat on one engine, about 15 knots at 5000 rpm -- kind of hard on the engine though, not recommended for long periods. I consistently get about 3.0+ mpg under most conditions.

Good luck in your research, this is a very fun part of the experience!

Steve

[JamesTXSD]

4 people in a small boat? Overnighting? Cruising? Now, I'll admit I only have a few hours in a C-Dory and we're anxiously, but patiently, awaiting our 25... but we have traveled extensively (over 250,000 miles) in motorhomes and spent lots of time on our sailboats. Most of these vehicles/vessels are designed for a couple. Sleeping for 2. Dining for 2. With our last 40' coach, we had a sign that said: "Drinks 8, Feeds 4, Sleeps 2". In our travels, we have seen several 2-couple friendships not able to survive the close quarters.

4 full-size adults for anything more than a few hours would be too close for most people on these boats. Who would get the v-berth and who would have to sleep "elsewhere"? In the interest of family harmony, I have the solution: TWO 22 Cruisers! You said that you could go the difference in $$ for the bigger boat - put that towards two of 'em. That way, each couple could have their privacy and comfort and you could "buddy boat" all over. On the times that the significant others didn't choose to go, you could take turns with whose boat you'd take. Think of the fun you'd have personalizing each boat and the attraction of pulling into a marina with your "twins".

On the flip side, think how fast water supply dwindling, holding tank filling, and just the logistics of keeping your "stuff" would diminish the fun on a small boat? Not trying to be a spoil sport, just thinking what couple we could endure that close of quarters with?? There are bigger boats with more than one cabin and head that might work... but 2 22's - how cool is that!

Good luck with your decision.

Best wishes,
Jim

[digger]

That James is a good thinker. I fully agree with him. Ron, aka "digger" on Snoopy-C.

[starcrafttom]

When you say four people it would depend on the type of people. four fisherman out for a week of fishing kings, No problem as long as you have 8 rod holders, one beer/fish cooler and 10 cans of tuna. 4 woman would sink a c-dory with just the "must haves" on board. Susan has been known to stash as many as 6 sun screen bottles on the boat. We went swimming one day and I counted 8 towels for 3 people. I was never a boy scout but I married their leader. I took two of the 4 first aid kits off the boat last year. No two woman packing for four people will sink a c-dory in no time flat. What do i need 6 flash lights for????

[Sea Wolf]

[C-Hawk]

I will have to agree with BOTH Jim and Tom.

[DaveS]

I agree wholeheartedly with Tom.

Once in awhile I will demonstrate a bit of wisdom. (this is one of those times)..........ie: (having been married long enough to know better)....I ain't saying anymore on this subject!

[starcrafttom]

she does not know how to search for all my post so I get away with a lot while she is at work.

[NoBoatYet]

WOW! Thanks all for the input. We are excited about the research part. I've been doing alot of spelunking the C-Brats forum for information. Just part of my nature to get as well informed as possible before taking the plunge. I picture my brother going out fishing along the Washington coast for salmon, maybe some halibut, taking the ladies out for a 2hr cruise to fish some and then going out again to finish the day off with my bro. We do not plan on doing any overnighting on the boat Just some day cruising thru the San Juans and then berthing and staying in a B&B, then hop to another Island. Thanks again for the replies. I will be lurking in the shadows until I have some more questions.

[DaveS]

[NoBoatYet]

I personnally vote for the 25' C-Dory. Our only consideration is the bottom line. We've been looking at the Mfg site and have drooled over both. But... the $ difference between the two is significant. I haven't won the lotto yet (hope, hope), so the 22' is more attractive. I realize new price over a used price is not that great, but when adding in all of the extras that someone has attached to get the boat up to the fully equipped stage can make a helluva difference. We would like to buy new, but will in reality buy used. Considering that, the 25' C-dory will probably fall within our price range, plus the fact that we will split the cost. I've surfed the web looking for used C-Dorys', but find few. And the ones that I have found were 22 footers. the 25' C-Dorys' seem quite hard to come by. Is there a secret site that only the select few know about? Thanks everyone. I won't just sit by in the shadows, but will be active with the research which will produce lots of questions. Thanks again. Greg Alexander

[CatyMae n Steve]

Maybe you can strike up a deal with Pat and Patty on the Daydream when their 25 tug is done...who knows?

[R-Matey]

About three or four weeks ago there was a 25CD For Sale in Blaine, WA.
Try Ron France at Sun Chaser Yachts, cell #360-961-9125. This CD is actually located in the boat yard at Blaine Marine Services. That phone # is 360-332-3324.

Ruth and Joe
R-Matey