My new, old 18 footer.

[Jim1985]

Hi to all.
Way back in 1983 I purchased my first boat, a brand new 16' C Dory with a 35hp johnson. Loved that model for so many reasons. Fished all over the SF Bay, San Joaquin rivers. All good things come to an end eventually I had to sell it a few years later.
Last year, while dreaming about another boat. I found a sad looking badly neglected 1985 C Dory 18 listed on CL. I couldn't resist the temptation to rescue this one and make it my new project boat.
Hull # 13 came down from AK the previous name (Scampi) was removed. That's about all I know of its past.

Research led me to this site where I discovered there were very few of them made. I'd like to say Thank You to all on this site for the information I was able to gather about this model.

First step to making it seaworthy was put it up on blocks. I sold the trailer and the O8 Honda BF75. Next step, I stripped every piece of hardware off the boat. Found the worst damage was some core rot, around the stbd scupper and around the bow hatch which also had been leaking. Water intrusion and freezing had caused swelling along the gunnels, which had to be repaired. The gel coat is all in great shape considering the age.
Once I had her cleaned out and had a solid hull to work with, the rest was all fun.
Started with a 23 gal fuel tank fitted under the vee berth. Glassed in storage boxes under the pedestal seats. Built an entirely new helm station with hydraulic steering. New jewelry on the deck, cleats, rocket launcher, wipers, bilge pump, Nav electronics, etc. Ordered an aluminum kokopelli trailer which finally arrived just as the majority of work was completed. Getting the boat onto that trailer was tricky, a bit nerve racking to say the least.
The total cost was just under 20K (not counting my labor of love) including 2024 Honda 60hp.

Like the 16' this baby tows like it's not even behind me pulling it with a Colorado. Unlike the 16, it's really a whole lot bigger boat overall. With the 14 pitch prop I'm cruising at 27 - 30 top end speed. Perfect boat for my needs.

Hopefully I'll get a chance to bring her up to Puget Sound. Been a long time ago since I was at Friday Harbor.

[Roamad]

Sounds like a beauty, and quite an economical project, all in. Congrats! Please post some pix!

[thataway]

Great story! We would love to see some photos of your boat. The early 18's are so unusual, it is almost a museum piece.
Ask the administrators for an album. (Da Nag and TyBoo, the #2 and 3 on the Member's List--see header.)

[DayBreak]

[Jim1985]

Thanks for the replies..
I'll work on the photo request.. Still trying to navigate my way around this forum.