Height of 25 boat, on a trailer?

[qboat]

I have a C-dory 22 that I keep under a pair of the cheap polytarp-and-steel-tubing shelters you can buy for around $100 online. I overlapped them to make a shelter 10' x 30', and extended the legs with pvc pipe so I can back the 22 boat underneath, with the shelter sides guyed to pegs driven in the ground. If you are imagining that is unsightly, you are wrong--it is way worse than that. It looks like a cross between a refugee camp and a hobo jungle for giants. I am planning to replace it with a metal carport or pole building next year. The year after, however, I am planning to retire, and very much considering selling the 22--which I love--and buying a 25, because my wife would like the amenities that would provide, including the head and more room.
My concern is getting sufficient height on the new permanent shelter to accommodate a C-Dory 25. I assume I can get a trailer set up so the hull of a 25 will fit in between the wheels, as does the 22. I also realize that any equipment on the roof--radome, for instance--will increase the height I need to allow for. If someone can tell me how high the roof of the 25 cabin is from the ground on the trailer, that would be a huge help planning my shelter. Thanks

[colbysmith]

As you already stated, it's going to depend upon what additions you have on your roof. And to some extent the model trailer and it's set up. My 25, on a Load Rite tandem axle aluminum trailer needs a clearance of approximately 10'. That's including my Garmin radom that is only lifted 2" off the roof. So without the radome, I'm probably looking at 9'. Colby

[qboat]

Colby, thanks. That is the answer I needed. I had better ensure an opening height of 10' 6" or so. Much appreciated. Sam

[Avidmagnum12]

I’d go 11’. My 25 is 10’ 10” on the trailer with the radar 4” over the cabin. I also want to be sure my cockpit cover clears. But .. Yes you can get down to 10’ 6” depending on your trailer. The C-Otter has an air draft of 7’2” in the water with the radar up and antenna down. Just measured it yesterday. I can easily make it under a 8’ bridge or obstruction on the water. We liked our 22 but absolutely love our 25 now that we spend about 6 months a year on it.

Happy hunting ….

[colbysmith]

Looks like Tom and I are pretty close on the air draft on the water. C-Traveler is at 6'10" with the antennas and mast light down. And again, that's with the radome on the roof. I agree going with a 11' door would be plenty of clearance, as long as you don't have any radar arch or other high roof obstacle. BTW, FWIW, on the water, my 22 and now my 25 had about the same airdraft. I think the 25 only increased me barely an inch. Both boats had the same radome. And my 22 had the high top. The higher clearance on the trailer comes from a larger trailer that sits a little higher. I think I added about 4" of clearance over my 22. Colby

[ssobol]

Might want to consider going higher. If you want to do any sort of mods or maintenance on the top while the boat is sheltered, you'll need room to work.

[qboat]

All good advice. If I put up a pole building, I can go as high as I want. If I buy a prefab metal carport style, and want a standard size, I am limited to 11 or 12 feet (depending on the manufacturer).

[Foggy]

My pole barn door had 12' 0" vertical clearance which cleared the radar dome by
an inch or so on my CD 26 Venture on a Baltimore built tandem Venture trailer.

When it's real close, you can gain a little space and peace of mind by letting some
air out of the trailer tires.

Aye.

[Volant]

These are accurately measured clearances for our 25' Cruiser "Just Enough". As everyone has said, it depends on your boat weight and equipment and your trailer and trailer bunk arrangement. My boat sits very high on our trailer.

Vertical Clearances for 25’ C Dory Cruiser

In Water:
8’- 4” to anchor light
7’- 10” to top of radar dome

On Trailer:
11’- 6” to anchor light
10 - 11” to top of radar dome

[qboat]

Thanks--sounds like the consensus is 12' is a safe minimum. This has all been very helpful. Sam