Why I love our C-Dory 25

[Bess-C]

We just got back from 2 1/2 weeks on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. We used the commercial dock in Tofino as our base and explored Clayoquot Sound. We've been going to that area for 20 years, but there's just something about it that draws us back.

While on Bess-C I had time to think about why we love our 25. We bought her new in March of 2003. It was our first powerboat and we bought it from Les at EQ. The first thing that I noticed was that this boat was tough. As a newbie, I really smacked some docks trying to dock in high winds. I never noticed any damage to the hull other than scuff marks.

The second thing I noticed was that I felt safe in many different kinds of water conditions. I learned that you had to adjust trim and speed, but then I could depend on the boat to work its way through currents, waves and wind. The wide range of planing speeds from 10-25 knots allowed me to adjust to virtually any condition.

When I think about it, it's the versatility of the boat that really impresses me the longer we have the boat. We stayed on the boat comfortably for 17 nights in all kinds of conditions. It allowed us to have a waterfront cabin for $7.00 per night in an area where tourist lodging starts at $200.00 per night. Our Wallace stove has always been reliable, so we have instant heat and cooking ability. The enclosed head makes for much happier women on board. For 5 nights we had our adult daughter with us on the boat. It was tight quarter, but fun for all of us. We added camper canvas 3 years ago, and it allows for a comfortable back porch even during the torrential downpours that can happen in the NW.

When we wanted to go fishing, it took 15 minutes to take down the canvas, set up the downriggers and we were a fishing boat instead of a cruiser.

This boat is a cabin, a social club, a kitchen and a fishing boat. It can be towed or powered to its destination. It gets good fuel economy for its size. I've learned that it's about as safe as a 25 foot boat can be. It's admired and accepted at the commercial dock.

Our boat is a 2003 vintage. Although there have been aspersions cast at the boats originally built in Monroe, I think the quality has been pretty good. We have no cracks that I've found, even the Wallace has been reliable. We have replaced the macerator and the shower drain pump in 5 seasons. C-Dory replaced the original plastic tank after the first season because a restriction was causing it to be difficult to fill. That's it, so far no other problems.

We may buy another larger boat when we have more time to cruise. I admire the Halcyon and Wild Blue folks for their ability to use their C-Dorys as second homes. However, I think 3 weeks is about the maximum for us on this size of boat. No matter what other boats we may consider, we'll always love our 25. It has brought us more pleasure and unique experiences than any other item we've ever purchased. My only regret is that we live 200 miles from the ocean and can only put about 100 hours a year on the motor. Sorry for the long ramble, but I'm missing the boat and the water here 200 miles inland.
Lyle

[Pat Anderson]

Lyle, we feel pretty much the same way - LOVE our 2005 CD25. Whatever I feel about the direction of the factory, never doubt our feelings about Daydream!

[oldgrowth]

Lyel - Thank you for the positive post.

It was also a pleasure to see you again at the Bellingham CBGT. Hope to see you at the Seattle Boat Show/CBGT early next year.
________
Dave

[Dora~Jean]

I feel the same way about our 2003 CD25. The versatility, seaworthiness, comfort, ease of trailering and launching all contribute to the equation. I still walk by at night once in awhile and have to check out her lines and feel the curves in the moonlight. LOVE is an appropriate word. And after 5 years, several hundred hours of operation and many, many joyious times, Dora~Jean is considered part of the family. This is my 15th ocean-capable boat, 7 sail and 8 power...plan to have her many more years for sure.

[Jazzmanic]

Lyle,
Like Dave said, thank you. Now that's the kind of post I prefer reading. I'm starting to feel all warm and fuzzy again.

Peter

[pcator]

We got our 25 in Nov 2007. Love at first sight. I even named it after my wife so I wouldn't feel guilty.

Patrick

[JamesTXSD]

We recently returned home from a 5 month trip on Wild Blue. All but about 2 weeks of that time (while visiting our daugher in Phoenix) we slept aboard... at anchor, in marinas, on land in campgrounds, and in Brent & Dixie's and Casey & Sandy's driveways. Everywhere we went, people with bigger boats asked about the C-Dory; larger trawler owners seemed especially intrigued by our ability to easily trailer. We were often the smallest boat in an anchorage; sometimes we were the only boat in a small cove... from oceans to bays, lakes to rivers, Wild Blue has comfortably handled all we've asked of her.

While I think all the C-Dory models have their place, the 25 IMHO is the most versatile. The "complexities" that have been discussed elsewhere are some of the things that make the boat so livable for extended traveling: stand-up head and shower, fridge, hot and cold pressure water, more storage, and the extra elbow room thanks to the 8.5' beam. It doesn't have to be all about long-term cruising - these same things make a weekend out on the boat more enjoyable.

In the past year we've been coast to coast to coast with this boat; Florida Keys to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia to the Gulf of Mexico. There are a lot of nice boats out there, but very few that would allow us to do the traveling, adventuring, exploring, and cruising that the C-Dory 25 has handled so easily. When we came home last week, the first thing we did was put Wild Blue back in the water at our dock. While we spend some time around home, Wild Blue is ready to take us on sunset cruises, spend relaxing afternoons at anchor, go sight-seeing, and give us that time on the water that we need.

Two very enthusiastic thumbs up! Wild Blue has certainly been the right choice for the type of cruising we do.

Best wishes,
Jim and Joan B.

[Doryman]

[JamesTXSD]

Shucks, Warren, that park wouldn't let me in 'cause I'm too young! (Regardless of my mode of travel)

Yes, it has been parks that think they are upscale for the most part. We've also stayed in some very nice parks with no problem. When heading to California with Brent and Dixie, our two boats were turned away from one casino park in Reno. I let them know that we'd just go on down the road and give our money to someone else... and there's always someone else.

At one park, I was told that the problem with boats is their "water situation" - most places do NOT allow any efluent out of the RV... and most boats run their gray water overboard (a big NO NO). I did make an attachment for the sink through-hull, but it isn't "elegant." We just keep a dishpan in the sink and then dump it right into the sewer hookup so that there is no appearance of anything running out of our boat when in a campground.

Having RVed for so many years, we know that campgrounds can be like marinas... if someone complains to the management about something different in there, it's easier for them to just say "no" in the future.

Most of the time there isn't a problem; people in the RV parks are curious and we've had some interesting conversations due to being in a boat. I sure wouldn't let the actions of a few snobby places get in the way of enjoying this boat while we travel.

Best wishes,
Jim



That's OK, we'll spend our money elsewhere.

[Captains Cat]

Jim, change that first { to a [ and it'll work fine!

Charlie

[alandgin]

Bess-C, Wild Blue, Donna Marie & all you other positive/happy 25' CD owners:

Thanks for the uplifting message. Good to see that "love" poured out to your C-Dories!! I'd love to get one, but first have to find a new owner for our 16Angler and then have to work on the CFO (aka, Gin) a bit more.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Lyle and Shelly,

It sounds like you had a great trip. We would love to see the photos.

Kind Regards,

Steve

[JamesTXSD]