Coke or Pepsi.... 22 Cruiser vs. 23 Venture... and why

[JonO]

Question for veteran C-Dory pilots.... if you were to choose between the 22 Cruiser and 23 Venture Sport... which would you choose... and more importantly, why?

I can see pros and cons for both boats... and I can compare specs including the slight differences in beam and length as well as weight and power but I don't have hours on the water to really know what's important from a real-world perspective.

So far, I've spoken at length to one C-Brat who loves the 22s and another who favors the 23, saying that boat offers a smoother ride in chop. Both offered some valuable insights... I'd like to cast a wider net for information.

What are the pros and cons that drove you to make the choice you did?

TIA

JonO

[NORO LIM]

For starters, just type 22 23 in the search box in the upper left of the page and you will find threads on this very question.

Some of the differences will depend on the year of manufacture. Some people consider some of the differences largely cosmetic. YMMV.

The 23 has a little more dead rise at the stern, which may make the ride a little smoother in some conditions. Overall the differences in performance are not that big. If you've looked at or been on both, there probably isn't some secret difference you haven't detected.

If I were in the market right now, pocket-book issues and model availability would likely be determinant.

Good luck in your search.

[JonO]

Thanks Bill,

I did try searching 22 vs. 23 and 22 and 23 prior to posting. Surprisingly, search said no results, so maybe I did it wrong. Clearly, I am not the first to ask this question. <smile>

JonO

[thataway]

Often going off the C Brat site and doing a search will find more than on this site.

For example Google. Site: C Brats: C Dory 22 Vs Venture 23 brings up a number of threads.

[T.R. Bauer]

If I were buying either one used, I would spend more time focusing on the price, hours, and condition of the vessel then I would anything else as they are so similar. Oh and by the way....Coke hands down

[JonO]

Thanks, T.R.

Good points on price and hours. I'm looking for fairly new (but not showroom new) as a hedge against potential problems without paying "brand new" prices. Let's say the boats are within a year of each other in age with fairly similar hours and condition. I would expect the 23 to be a bit more expensive, in part due to larger size, larger trailer, beefier motor and some extras. Neither boat has everything I would want... (Does any boat ever have that?)

I think I'd be happy with either option. because, you're right... a lot of the core functionality is similar. At some point, the question becomes what is it about the 23 that makes it worth the extra investment.

And yes, Coke all the way.

JonO

[JonO]

Hey Bob,

Thanks for the tip on using Google search outside of the website. It gave me this thread right away: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=24315

JonO

[starcrafttom]

As a pass 22 owner who has fished out of a 23 for two season, friends boat, and also being the first cbrat to test drive a 23 before it was a venture ( what was the other company name?? ) I would get a 23 all day every day over a 22. I wrote a long long post about it years ago but it all comes down to the 23 being a better hull design. Everything else inside the hull is just details, most of which can be changed to your liking. the 23 hull is a different shape that cuts better thru the chop and planes better. It is not as narrow in the stern so planes better, supports a bigger motor and more weight if you need it and gets better mpg. As it cuts the chop better, not as well as a deep v but its better then a 22 all day, you can run faster if you wish with the bigger motor that the wider stern can support. Troy, friend with a 23 I fished with, had a great fish box made for the 23 that hung on the stern. Look like part of the boat and saved a lot of deck space. But it could be used for fender storage as well. Even a couple of chairs. Yep if was looking to buy a 22 I would buy a 23 every time. But thats my opinion based on 1300 hours in a 22 in 5 years and two years fishing a 23.

[JonO]

Thanks, Thomas. Very insightful.

JonO.

[starcrafttom]

important info from one of my old post

[DayBreak]

JonO,

I sent you a PM yesterday. You may see it in your personal C-Brats header column.

Both the 22 Cruise and 23 Venture are solid boats, sold in good numbers because of their design and quality of build. Spend time to examine each boat carefully side by side to see which will be a better fit for you. Both are very seaworthy vessels and will take you to your desired location in comfort and safety. So glad that they are still being made today from NMI in Fairhaven, Wa.

Lay in the forward berth, sit in the captain's seat, sit at the settee and walk around in the cockpit. Imagine doing the things you do onboard, this will help you determine which boat fits best.

[ssobol]

[T.R. Bauer]

Either of these boats will get you out on the water (in safety and comfort) where all the fun is. The difference are just nuances - like how much salt and pepper is too much on your t-bone steak....or which is better coke or pepsi.....lol....the venture 23 is a tad bigger and the cd 22 is a tad smaller....with very similar hull designs. if you want quite a bit different, expand your search to the Seasport 2200. A long time ago, I came very close to buying one. They have lots of deadrise, power, and speed in about the same sized boat. However, there are drawbacks like there is with everything and there is no perfect boat. Buy the one that won't make you broke and you're happy (mostly) with.

[little wing]

I think being able to see out the side windows while standing, or seated at the helm, without ducking down, would be outstanding and maybe worth the admission price.

[JonO]

Excellent points. Thank you for your advice.

I need to find a C-Dory near me (Madison WI) and a skipper willing to give me a tour...and show me the ropes. Shopping from great distances isn't easy.

JonO