Considering a C Dory 22 cruiser

eerdoc · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 11:01 am Post subject: Considering a C Dory 22 cruiser

Easy question for the experienced -- I'm considering a C Dory 22. Specs show the draft as 7-8 inches, but how much water do you really need to put it in the water....another foot?....more? less? Thanks. I really appreciate the help...

thataway · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 12:12 pm Post subject:

I regularly run in 18" of water going over a sand bar on the entrance to my home dock during winter low tides. We go stern to the beach at places with no tides, such as lake Powell and the water will be 10" at the stern.

I would say that 15 to 18" of depth for running the boat at slow speeds with the motor trimmed up. Actually floating, probably 10 to 12 "--as you lower the boat off the trailer, with engine trimmed up, that is what it would take to float the stern. BUT, you will not be able to launch off a bunk trailer at that depth--a roller trailer, yes.

eerdoc · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 1:55 pm Post subject:

Thank you. I have about 2 feet at low tide. Just wondering if I'll be able to take it out anytime. Thanks again..

eerdoc · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 2:34 pm Post subject:

How do they do in open water? I'm in VA.....wondering how it would do in the Chesapeake Bay....

thataway · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 3:19 pm Post subject:

Well, the boats generally go up and down the Inland Passage to AK, across the Columbia River Bar, to Catalina, a few to the Bahamas. I lived in Richmond for 2 years, and spent another 6 months on my boat in the Chesapeake. Raced all over the bay.

We have several members who live in VA or nearby. They are happy with their 22's. Any body of water can be nasty, including the Chesapeake. But the C Dory 22 is as good as any boat that size for that body of water, in my opinion.

The C Dory can be a 4 season boat on the Chesapeake -- which is unusual in a boat that size.

One has to understand that the boats are low deadrise, so can pound, if not properly run into waves, and chop. You may have to show down, trim the engine down. I feel that both trim tabs and a Permatrim are almost essential to get the best performance out of the boats.

ssobol · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:34 pm Post subject:

I live in Northern VA and run my 22 on the Bay. I usually launch from Sandy Point State Park by the Bay bridge and cruise the area between Baltimore and St. Michaels, MD (spent 2 days at St. Michaels two weeks ago). Never had any problems and have no hesitation about going out there. Of course, some days are better than others, but the 22 can handle 2-3 waves with no problem. Just have to trim it right for the conditions.

schiavolou · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 9:05 pm Post subject:

There are many C-Dories on the Bay. (See the Brat Map). I had a 22 out of Essex Maryland and Stafford VA for a season, and have operated a 25 out of Solomons, MD and Hampton VA for 7-8 years.

They are safe but often uncomfortable in seas over 2ft, common all spring and often on summer afternoons. Otherwise its suitability depends on how you would use it. They are great for cruising and exploring the many interesting destinations around the Bay. If you are more into fishing or day trips with kids, there are probably better choices.

Let us know of your progress. C-Brats in the Tidewater VA area often cruise together.

Larry Patrick · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 6:38 pm Post subject:

Anyone know what water depth should measure for bunk trailer and 23 venture for launching,thinking of going to Janes Island would be nice to be able to check depths at launches before trying to launch boat. I remember trying to launch a boat in river once it was a tracker and was never able to get it off trailer even with truck in water regular dirt launch but just not deep enough.

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:13 pm Post subject:

There are always ways to get boats off trailers. A tongue extension is one way. Roller trailers allow almost any depth of water. The depth of water vs gradient or pitch of the ramp is key. The bigger the boat, the more difficult on marginal ramps. I doubt that there is much difference between the 22 and 23. Lots of factors on the trailer, including type of axle, rollers in the center, spacing and number of bunks etc.

tcr_pnw · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:53 pm Post subject:

eerdoc · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 12:05 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 12:36 pm Post subject:

Kushtaka · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 12:40 pm Post subject:

You just need to search around this site a bit. All the info you need is here.

My CD22 is a 4 season boat in Alaska. I lived in VA for 12 years prior, and my CD would have been a fine boat there, although I sailed a small trimaran instead while there.

The Ches is sort of shallow, so you get close tight chop. Your CD won't be a speed demon, but it will be seaworthy and safe and easily allow you four seasons of use.

I have draft limitations in some of the places I go. My boat does great in about a foot or so. You can launch in some shallow water if your trailer has rollers. More difficult with bunks.

Good luck.

eerdoc · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 2:37 pm Post subject:

eerdoc · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 6:33 am Post subject: