Some questions about buying a used c-dory.

[Dave Sharkey]

I am looking at a couple of older boats (22') to purchase. One is a 1983 and the other one is a 1987. I understand the hull changed in 1987 which resulted in a smother ride. The 83' is in very good condition and I haven't seen the 87 yet. My question is this; is the ride that much better with the new hull design? Also, how is the ride in a C-dory? I haven't been in one yet.

Dave

[ffheap]

Hi Dave,

I purchased a 1983 Angler a few years ago. The only problem was that the top of the transom was split, and when I purchased a new engine, I had it rebuilt.

The 1983's with their flat bottom, are a little bouncy when in rough water. The newer hulls cut the water better.

If you get a 4 stroke engine, as I did, you will find that the stern was not really designed for the additional weight. The waterline dropped about 2 to 3 inches. The running of the boat is no problem. It still runs well.

The 1983's access to the forward bunks is much better. It is more wide open.

Good luck.

Fred

[thataway]

The early boats were true semidory--that is flat from the point where the stem meets the chine. l The Dory/semidory have rocker in the hull in the fore and aft direction.

The newer boats have a V entry, which tends to pound a little less.

A semidory is a different hull form that a V (most of which have variable deadrise--the amount of "V" varies from the bow to the stern--the actual angle of deal rise is measured at the stern)--and goes from flat in a C Dory to 26 degrees in a Regulator. The Steeper the V, the rougher water the boat can go into at speed. The V takes more power, and has a higher speed to get on a plane. The flat bottom aft C Dory uses a fraction of the power and gets on a plane or semi plane at much lower speeds. If you get in really rough, at some point the deep V will also have to slow down--but it cannot stay on a plane below (for example) 22 knots--so it mushes and is very ineffecient pushing large amounts of water--The semi dory will plane at 10 to 12 miles an hour--and just go over these larger waves like a cork--actually making better speed in some conditions than the deep V.

The Deep V is less stable to roll--the wide flat bottom of the C Dory tends to dampen the roll.

[Sea Wolf]

Dave-

You'll probably find the interior ammenities difference between the Classic and the more modern Cruiser greater than the ride differential.

Here is a comparison I wrote a year or so ago between the Classic and the "87 and later Cruiser:

Most of us have the 1987 or later models. Those of us with the Cruisers love them for their interior amenities: galley, sink, dinette, convertible berth, private v-berth, etc. This is a conventional design that sells exactly because it has appeal to the couple/family buyer and requires little modification for most uses.

The '87 and later Angler, the more direct descendant of the Classic CD, is more like the original boat with a larger cockpit and a more spartan interior. The factory for a while even offered a Sport Fisher (I think that's the term) which is more of a day-use fishing boat without the rear cabin bulkhead and more dedicated seating. This is no longer available as a new boat.

The original Classic design probably seemed a little unorthodox and less immediately appealing to potential customers. The open rear sides of the cockpit and narrow central engine well don't look like a typical purpose designed fishing boat at the boatshow. The interior lacks finished definition of space and is missing the elements of spousal appeal and privacy that create the consensus necessary to write the down payment check. And the absolutely flat, seemingly cut off bottom was to most an enigma that just left most shoppers wondering. Thus the re-design of the boat for 1987.

But, having looked at and considered this design for a good number of years, it makes more and more sense, especially for use as a dedicated fishing machine.

The large and very open cockpit has loads of room and can be modified to accommodate a lot of fishing, crabbing, and other equipment. Rods, nets, livewells, fishboxes, traps, davits, dingies- maybe you can't have them all, but you can have more of them than with a two foot shorter cockpit with closed transom corners.

Internally, the cabin can be modified as needed for your specific needs. Lots of room there to tailor the boat to your fishing/boating plans. A
project person's dream with a few tools and a some time.

The hull's secrets are usually untold. The absolutely flat bottom rocks somewhat less at rest than a shallow v. ( and a lot less than a deep v, which the CD's are not). It planes relatively easily, like the shallow V of the later boats, and sets flat on a mud or sand bottom with the tide out, so you won't want roll out of bed when the tide takes it leave, or need a gimballed stove for breakfast. Plus, it's draft should be even shallower than the shallow V.

Overall, it appears the Classic C-Dory was very carefully and cleverly designed as a utility fishing boat with a lot of adaptability, but not very well understood by the public after the typical quick glance or look at the boatshow or dealer's lot. Probably even a good explanation of the boats qualities and design solutions by a salesman would be met with unsettled indecision unless the prospective buyer had a wealth of knowledge and experiences with fishing boats of this size and purpose.

But that's not to say that we can't today appreciate these Classic C-Dorys for what they are and how they can be used. As a dedicated fishing boat for a person who knows what they're going to do with the vessel and can determine how it fits their needs, it may be a very good fit. Especially if one likes projects and has the time to do the work. As such a boat like this actually provides a second hobby of boat modification that is entertaining in its own right.

If you'd like to see just how far this type of endeavor can lead, look at Red Fox's 1985 Classic C-Dory on the link on the left menu. Fortunately, the approach can be enjoyed fully at a somewhat less intense level as well.

That just about does it, but I thought I'd just share these ideas with you for your consideration and amusement. Good luck!

Joe.

[Captains Cat]

Boy Joe, that is an old post. Dave, the link to the Red Fox site isn't there any more but you can find him, and his site, by googling "Red Fox C-Dory". Greg has done more with that boat than most of us put together.

Welcome to this site!

Charlie

[Sea Wolf]

[Byrdman]

WOW Joe..

That just brought you from self pleasure to self plagiarism.
That aint all bad at your age ... I do enjoy your insite.

Yep.. it is a sign of age on site when we have ran down the roads of re-do topics.. but, it is good to see if we missed things.

I am amazed at just how many post a day now happen...and go away for a week or three...and it is simply unreal.

[Sea Wolf]

[ffheap]

Sea Wolf,

Very good advice. The C-Dory will be refereed to as "our boat", not the "damn boat".

Fred

[Jimbo]

Dave;
I purchased a 1981 just over a year ago and am really happy with it. The hull is sound and the cockpit spacious. The amenities are abit sparse but I have plans.. just need some cash!! I am going to put trim tabs on this winter to try and ease the pounding. I am told by this site that it will make a world of difference. I was a little unsure about buying a boat this old but am really happy I did. I really liked the original lines of the boat. If the price is right go with the 1983.
Tnx, Jimbo

[MikeMac]

Gee Dave,
I agree with all of the posts. I've got an old Classic and they are about as simple and reliable as an ax. You can see everything in the boat. The big flat cockpit decreases martini spills. They are a bit lighter to tow (but not much), if that's an issue. You can geek them up to your heart's content. About the only downside is they won't handle twin motors, and the wooden bulkhead can be a pain to maintain (but I think the wooden bulkhead is cool). They do squat a bit with the heavier 4-strokes, but I don't think that's too much of a problem. If the 83 is a good deal, I'd go for it!

Mike

[Dave Sharkey]

Thanks everyone for the advice, it has been very helpful. After reading all your comments I think I actually prefer the older hull design. I haven't been in the water with it yet so that may change my mind.

I've just joined the C-Brats and I have to say I am quite pleased with the welcome from all on you. Hope to be chatting with you soon.

Dave

[oldgrowth]

Dave – let me welcome you aboard. If you ever get up to the NW corner of the states give me a shout. Would enjoy meeting you and maybe spending some time with you on the water.

As a side note, I think I may have to change my name (signature) to oldgrowth. There are too many Dave’s on this site and when I saw all those responses to Dave, I thought to myself, I don’t remember posting to this thread.

Glad to have you aboard Dave. You could not have joined a better group.
________
Dave