22 cruiser stability and roll

[westri1]

I have been considering a C dory 22 cruiser to replace our aging commuter (we live about 10 minutes from a marina off of Sidney BC) ~ daily commuting in rough weather in winter as we are exposed to strong southeasterlies with some northerlies. We also want to do some cruising in summer as we sold our 29 ft sailboat this past year. A local marine store owner (who claims he sold C dory's years ago) says the boats are very rolly and uncomfortable in anything but calm waters. We like to anchor out and even want to head up the outside of Vancouver island, Can any members comment on this aspect. I have talked to a few C dory owners who advise trim tabs for sure but I do not want to buy something that we will regret. It will likely last us 10-15 years. Also any comments on particular years models that we should avoid?

Thanks

[Capital Sea]

Stability and comfort are two different things. The boat is stable and very seaworthy. If you will have a frequent need to cross open water in heavy seas then the rough ride in these conditions may cause you to look for a deep V design. The light weight of these boats make them great for towing about and offer you great economy on the water though most of us tend to plan around rough water whenever we can.
I think you indicated you have a place on the Island and also plan to take trips on the west side. If I lived on the island, I would pick the 22 as it can be driven to the West side at several points like Gold Beach (or is it Gold River) and once in one of those west side areas, it provides a great fish and camping boat with fuel economy.

[westri1]

Thanks for your comments. We are experienced cruisers and do plan carefully around weather when away. on a trip. I realize there is always a compromise in planing versus deep v hulls but at this stage the C dory is attractive for its ease to plane and fuel economy. We are actually more concerned with roll when at anchor or from passing waves in terms of comfort when sleeping, cooking etc.

Any thoughts on newer models eg 2003 and newer versus 1989 and older. I had understood that the chines and back bottom end have evolved over the years with the newer models having better overall performance and tracking..

[thataway]

There are only two basic hull forms of the 22--pre 87 and post 87. All of the boats after 87 are the same. There have been some changes in the cabin after 87, with molded interiors in the most recent boats.

I agree, I would not choose a C dory 22 as a "rough water boat"--If you really want a rough water boat, consider a Contender or Regulator (these are deep V's--which have 26 degrees dead rise, but they will roll in beam seas--as will most small boats. The roll wil be snappier than the C Dory, but the deep V's will drive into steep seas better. Also cats ride better in rough seas.

Certainly the C Dory are very sea worthy. We have crossed the Straits of San Juan de Fuca in some fairly rough seas, but our speed was slow--for example maybe average 8 knots, vs 20 to 22 knots if it was smooth. You can speed up, and work the seas, but then have to slow down as a larger wave comes along. The major "weakness" if you call it that, is going into steep chop--and there the boats will pound. Adding Permitrims and trim tabs will definately help.

Ride in a C Dory in the conditions which you will find. There are several C Dories used as "water taxis" in areas like the Broughtons--and they make it across Johnston straits in rough weather--but perfer the calmer waters as we all do.

[colobear]

This topic has often been discussed, either in specific or with general questions about boat water/weather performance. Try using the search function though it is not the best. Most recently there is a topic titled "C-Dory 22 capsizing" that deals with the broad issues of stability. You should see it just a few lines down from your topic. I have a 2006 22 cruiser and have had it in pretty rough water:6' chop, often we are out in 2-4' chop. Certainly the boat is not as stable as a Nordhavn 42 for example , it is, after all a small boat but neither is it a dog in weather. In the aforementioned 2-4' chop we just slow down and can usually maintain nearly 10 Kts in such seas and still be comfortable with little pounding. If we try to get up to 13-15 Kts there is quite a bit of pounding. When at a stop in such seas there is quite a bit of movement, we rarely end up stopping in those times.

None of the comments you will get can be nearly as helpful as actually getting out in the boat. You will find that Brats are usually quite happy to take folks such as yourselves out for a ride. Just ask on the site and you should get offers rather quickly, even at this time of year since the boat is a good winter cruiser.