Aluminum ... A-dory?

Punkin Drublic · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2025 6:02 pm Post subject: Aluminum ... A-dory?

Been dreaming of a c-dory for quite some time. Currently own a weldcraft rebel 188. I fish out of Port Alberni, BC on the west coast of Van Isle. Anyway I'd like to be into a 26 venture but it got me thinking, a welded aluminum c-dory.

Anyone know of a manufacture doing something similar? I wonder if c-dory/sea sport guys would have any interest in this or would provide a rough layout/spec that I could approach a local builder with their blessing.

I'm not a fan of glass boats where I am. Frankly, in my searching for a c-dory I've been intimidated by the older 22's because I've no glass repair experience and rot scares me. Maybe it could turn into a partnership with one of the welded aluminum boat builders, I'd be all over testing one lol.

I've looked at dory's and wondered about podding one fully (meaning hull bottom extension) to reclaim the well space, to glass it in and make a fish locker/storage.

Pro/cons/thoughts on any of this? Would love the input of those more experienced with these boats.

DayBreak · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2025 6:28 pm Post subject:

You might consider looking at Kingfisher. Great aluminum boats with the amenities of a C-Dory and an enclosed head. Aluminum isn't perfect though. It will be colder and with the possibility of greater cabin moisture concerns. We also have an aluminum fishing boat but love our C-Dory. A lot depends on how the core penetrations were made on a fiberglass boat and if the boat has a lot of freeze/thaw conditions.

Punkin Drublic · Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2025 7:07 pm Post subject:

Certainly appreciate the feedback regarding Kingfisher. I have been looking at them but the cdory has more appeal. My daughter, our youngest at the wise age of 16, thinks the bigger aluminum boats the equivalent of lifted trucks with bull sacks dangling from the hitch.

That said theres a used KF Weekender nearby. I do like forward slope windows.

The cool temp of aluminum would be a boon in summer, and would certainly be using dry heat to avoid the moisture.

A-Dory strikes a good cord with me though lol

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 1:19 am Post subject:

Alloy boats do look a lot alike....I have a Crestliner and it is great. And yeah, Kingfishers are everywhere so they are doing lots of things right. But alloy has disadvantages too....not that fiberglass doesn't....All of the alloy boats I have had eventually developed cracks that needed to be welded...probably too many cycles on the base metal and it just gave up. Whatever....comes with the territory. It's not the end of the world.

I say the best advice I can give is buy what suites most of your needs at a certain price point and buy it. The venture 26 is super nice, but so are many of the 26-28 foot alloy boats. And, I wouldn't buy a boat that doesn't fit your needs and then try modifying it as you'll be more money into in the end and won't be really happy with it. It is generally just not worth it.

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 8:35 am Post subject:

Pacific Boats are well regarded

https://www.pacificboats.com/

thataway · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 12:14 pm Post subject:

Do the google search on "Aluminum Pilot house boats"--you will find many. A neighbor has a nice one, he brought from the West Coast--never uses it however. I don't the brand.

If you look thru the sights such as Cruiser forum, Cruising Anarchy, Trawler Forum, and even The Hull Truth--aluminum cruising boats come up in the discussions.

shad · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 12:18 pm Post subject:

You might get the Tolman skiff plans and see if they can be adapted to aluminum. They're similar to the C-Dory.

https://tolmanskiffs.com

Granted there are tons of factory aluminum boat options available...

Punkin Drublic · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2025 6:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks all. I’ve been in a number of aluminum boats of various design. I just thought a close match welded aluminum ‘c-dory’ would be rather cool. Already have the name chosen …

Eh! Dory (Canadian, aluminum, dory, it works)

Had a look st the skiffs, might mull that over some more but I’m wanting to avoid deep V’s and associated power required for them. Like the shallow draft concept.

My rebel 188 is 14 degrees at the stern iirc off hand, so not opposed to a flat bottom of a 22/25 or the slight V of the venture models.

Anyway, reached out to a couple builders, see what we can dream up.

Kars10 · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2025 9:22 pm Post subject: Aluminum boat like C-dory

Jasper Marine Boats seem really close to C-Dory style in aluminum. Defender 22. I'm sure they could give you an interior of whatever you desire. Just my assumption.
I follow them on Instagram. They are out of British Columbia.
https://jaspermarine.ca/

forrest · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:37 am Post subject:

[/quote] But alloy has disadvantages too....not that fiberglass doesn't....All of the alloy boats I have had eventually developed cracks that needed to be welded..[/quote]

And all aluminum boats eventually corrode in saltwater. There is no exception to that rule no matter what a salesman says.

thataway · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 5:09 pm Post subject:

Xtraplus18 · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 5:34 pm Post subject:

Not to sound like an idiot but aluminum is lighter than fiberglass then why would a 22’ Jasper boat need 300hp? Maybe it goes 50+ mpmph

I would like to see it down at the Columbia River bar going thru less than stellar weather like the FaCdory test team in the 22’ cruiser.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 7:14 pm Post subject:

NORO LIM · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 11:41 pm Post subject:

Punkin Drublic · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2025 3:54 pm Post subject:

Aluminum in saltwater does well, especially with modern alloys AND correct 'zinc'

5086 is what my weldcraft is built with and I had issues my first two years of ownership. The dealership had done a piss poor installation of the electrical system AND used incorrect anodes (magnesium). I tried actual zinc but the last 5 years have been using aluminum anodes. I'm happy seeing them oxide readily and change them annually. Luckily the damage to my hull was superficial/cosmetic and easily corrected.

The wiring was more of a hassle but being an electrician, easily done myself and yes, the dealership paid for the material costs (wiring, terminations, chemicals). I had to involve Weldcraft in this situation and the dealership no longer carries their hulls. I do shop there (new boat purchase discount) but I have service done at another marine shop.

The Jasper Defender 22 is a beautiful boat but not what I'm looking for. Open bow for one is a no go and I'm looking for multiple over night capabilities for 2 adults (and 2 little dogs - great sea lion alarms salmon fishing)