Potential CD-25 buyer

[auxman]

I am looking to buy my first boat and after a careful review of what is out there in the marketplace, the CD 25 is near the top of my list. I saw one recently and noticed how narrow the passageway is to the bow. Does this cause any problems especially when the whether turns bad? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Auxman.

[Captains Cat]

It can get a little hairy. Even on my 22. If it's too bad, I go through the forward hatch. Some have put a handrail on the front corners of the cabin top to hold while you make a lunge for the bow pulpit.

The TC255 I just bought has a rail all around the front of the cabin top which makes it easy!!

Good luck. There's a 25 for sale just before your post. Not much detail as to price/location though.

Charlie

[auxman]

Thanks Charlie. That is my only concern with the C-dory. I just can't see my wife going forward to the bow. Don't want to lose her! I'll take a closer look at the TC 255. BTW, how is the fuel consumption on that boat? Auxman.

[GOYO]

GLAD TO RESPOND TO THIS POST WITH A FAIR AMOUNT OF PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE. THE BEST ADVICE IS ONE HAND FOR THE BOAT AND ONE HAND FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I HAVE A CD 25 AND FAILED TO TAKE NOTE OF MY OWN ADVICE WHILE WASHING THE BOAT ON THE TRAILER IN THE DRIVEWAY I FELL AND BROKE MY LEG IN 6 PLACES 3 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED. I HAVE SINCE DEDICATED A GOOD PAIR OF TOP SIDERS TO BOAT USE ONLY AND FOLLOW MY ADVICE, 1 FOR THE BOAT AND 1 FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I DONT THINK MY FALL HAD TO DO WITH THE WIDTH OF THE PASSAGE ON THE SIDE OF THE BOAT. I BELIEVE IT IS PLENTY WIDE WHEN MOVING FORWARD WHEN THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF ATTENTION IS GIVEN. I DO A LOT OF THINGS WITHIN REACH FROM THE FRONT HATCH AS WELL AS THE PORT AND STARBOARD WINDOWS.

[thataway]

The side decks on the CD 22, 25 and TC 255 are all about the same width--enough for one shoe at a time. There is no question that you have one hand for the ship and one for yourself.

Look at the "Thataway" albums. I have placed hand rails on both the 25 and TC 255 right as you come out of the cockpit and at the foreward edge of the eyebrow.

I have never fallen on one of these boats--but I have the advantage of having run around boats for over 65 years..I am in my 70's. I don't see it as a problem, since it is rare to go foreward. With the windlass, you anchor remotely--except have to untie the anchor--that can be done thru the hatch--so, if there is any question, use the hatch....

[mikeporterinmd]

I have a spinal cord injury and walk with two canes. I can get around the
side of a CD-22. The non-skid really makes the difference. If you place
your foot correctly, it will stay there. And the rails on the cabin top
work well. I do wish they had run the bow rail back a bit further, but the
switch from cabin to bow rail isn't too hard. But, I have been on boats for
a few years prior to injury, so I had some experience.

You could always buy one of the many boats with no sidedecks at all
and solve the problem that way. Then you need to either go
through the hatch or even more fun: walk through the windshield
and down the slippery bow. Not.

Mike

[JamesTXSD]

We had some concerns about the relatively narrow coaming before buying the boat, but it has turned out to be a non-issue. We have never had to go out the front hatch. Wild Blue has seen some "interesting" weather in our travels, and the handholds and aggressive non-skid work. If the conditions are sloppy and one of us has to go to the bow (usually Joan) and anything needs to be moved up there, we hand it through the center opening windshield (rather than carry it along the side).

When docking, Joan is almost always on the bow. Same with anchoring (even though we use the windlass), especially when retrieving.

If you like the rest of the boat, our experience has shown that you should have no problem with moving around it, to and from the bow. Good luck with your decisions.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[Casey]

Like Jim, we find that going out on the bow (particularly in rough conditions) is not really an issue.

For anchoring, we use the windlass, then simply go forward to tie-off the anchorline. (If it's a rough anchorage, maybe we need to relocate or it might spill the scotch during Happy Hour....)

To facilitate docking, we use fixed lines (bow & stern, port & starboard) run to midship and make it easier to dock (even singlehanded).

As a result, the occasions when you need to be out on the bow are really reduced, and usually are only necessary in calm conditions (ie. scouting a route through shallow/rocky conditions, or line handling during a lock passage).

Casey
C-Dory Naknek

[drjohn71a]

Auxman,

If you try going along the side while holding onto the roof handrail, I think you will find it secure and comfortable feeling. You steady your body against the cabin wall so you really have three point contact. Also, you can have the "eyebrow" hand rail installed Like I have on my TomCat.

Going thru the bunk hatch is a real pain and I get in odd, cramped positions doing that myself. If the weather is really bad, tie a lanyard, or lifeline to your lifevest.

Using proper boat shoes, it is very tough to slip on these decks, however, I have slipped wearing some discount store wet shoes.

John

[thataway]

The other feature not mentioned is that one can dock by reaching thru the window. I do this the majority of the time--reaching a cleat or bull rail from the window, using the spring line cleat, and looping a line , and bringing it back--then do the rest of the lines at liesure--same technique for many locks. In the Tom Cat it was hard to reach the cleat, so we added a fold down pad eye, and use a heavy duty Carabiner to attatch the spring line and fender.

I just spent the AM on the side decks of our 25--one side is about 10 feet off the ground, because of our elevated driveway--the "Crocks", plus one hand allowed washing, buffing and waxing with ease. When you get used to the narrow decks they are not an issue--and make up for any inconvience in the increased room inside of the boat.

[auxman]

Thanks for all the comments. I guess my concern was not for me but my wife going forward to assist in anchoring and docking. Is going forward necessary when docking/anchoring or do most people do this single-handed? Auxman