What is wrong with this boat?

[Sdcotten]

This boat appeals to me. The price is right and the modifications seem logical. Is there something I'm missing? Maybe insurance will be a challenge since it is technically over powered?

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1998-c-dory-22-cruiser-103116047


Thoughts?

[starcrafttom]

very interesting boat . Price is right even if you removed the add ons and repowered.

[A Fishin C]

Lots.

I would stay away or you may be stuck with it.

That engine at 500 lbs is way too heavy (thus necessitating extra floats at the stern?)

Trailer looks undersized, and probably not legal.

Stantions and wire rails? Thru bolts from pontoons to hull?

A bunch of bad ideas...

[South of Heaven]

It does seem like a TON of boat for the money. But there are 2 sides to every coin, there must be a reason why the guy is "giving it away".

I would stay away from it as well.

[thataway]

I hope this "engineer" isn't building any tall buildings, major bridges or nuclear power plants!

In all seriousness--the idea of a semi dory having the outboard in a well (where there is a hole in the bottom of the boat, with a false transom which the motor clamps to is a valid design, even with area open aft with a tunnel to the transom, which these "tracks" give the effect of--is OK. But--what worries me, is that there are lids, and which don't seem to be secured except for a hinge aft. If you get in some seas, and that lid opens, (I guess it has the uprights to keep it from going all of the way to 180*), the "tanks" take on water--then you really have a serious situation. The "Trim Tabs" look to be "smart tabs"--I don't see any hydraulic or wires to them--that gives me shudders.

The tanks do not follow the bottom of the boat--and that will create more turbulence. There are "fins" on the inside of the "tanks"--probably added to try and correct the turbulence and increase stability? or tracing?

Agree with the oversized motor. I don't see any insurance purchase issues, companies seem to insure boats with oversized motors---but if there was an accident--the insurance company might deny your claim... I would be worried with that whole set up in following seas and handling.

The hard top I think seems well executed. The life lines--totally un-necessary, and I see them as a hazard--more likely to cause tripping or difficulty boarding.

Otherwise the boat looks clean--not much in the way of electronics--good luck with a fathometer tracking the bottom...off the back of the "tanks".

I would also worry about proper sealing of the bolt holes for the transom with epoxy--probably not done. To remove the tanks--we don't know what adhesive may have been used. If 5200, you may be into re-doing the glass on the transom outside.

If you are serious about buying, I would try and check out the issues which have been brought up. Check all additions for solidarity. Bounce on the motor with it trimmed to trailering to see if any transom flex. Bounce on the tanks. Find out how they are latched and gasketed. See fi the trim tabs are functional or "smart".

Consider selling the 130 and getting a 90 (an aside that year was rated for a 90. The Honda 115 is the same block as the 130 of that vintage.

My feeling is that it is more problem that it is worth--but it might be fun to take a ride and report on what you find, if the owner is up to it.

[BrentB]

Has anyone contacted the seller?

[ssobol]

The third picture shows the inside of one of the extensions. Seems to show that the "tank" is through bolted to the transom.

[thataway]

[Chester]

Run, Forrest, run!
There are too many good boats on the market to buy one this badly butchered.
The 'mech. engineer' only means the guy thinks he knows what he is doing. I have seen some boats horribly designed and butchered by engineers.
Don't get me wrong, most engineers are competent but the incompetent ones seem to have too much hubris to know better.
Is the boat's name Dunning-Kruger?

[Ferg]

LOL - Dunning Kruger

There's a lot of that going on right about now

[Aurelia]

I would stay away for both cosmetics and design conflicts. It may have met the PO needs but it has been specialized beyond the next general owner.

This is the reason why I completely removed the elaborate roof top dinghy loading system from our 25 before I even listed it for sale.

Greg

[ssobol]

[spuncopper]

Hey Sdcotten,

Interesting modifications on this boat. It could possibly be an interesting project boat if the seller would come way down on the price and if you enjoy doing that type of thing.

What I find intriguing is the interior wood work and the wood platform over the splash well look well done. I don't care for the stanchions or life lines, but they too look well installed and possibly would have been properly bedded.

Now for my concerns. Why would the present owner over power this boat like they did? And the construction of the aluminum boxes don't match the quality of workmanship displayed elsewhere. The through bolts appear to be only 5/16th or possibly 3/8th inch bolts. The aluminum used, while 6061, also appears to be on the skimpish side.

The good news is they can easily be removed or even dismantled in place with a high speed 4"grinder and appropriate aluminum cutting wheels; and proper safety gear.

Of course, taking it home on that trailer might be an adventure in it's self.

Now you have another opinion. What would I do? Look for another boat (unless the price was really lowered... way down). Why? What else has been done and what damage has that engine done to the transom.

Take care, be safe and good luck.
Spuncopper

[Sdcotten]

Thanks for all the replies! This boat is off my list. I don't want a project, I want a boat my wife and I can get on and start exploring every lake and river within 500 miles of western NC and beyond. I'm thinking that a 16 might be a good starting point. Spuncopper, how is it spending 2-3 nights on Sock Monkey?

Thanks!

[thataway]

If you are serious about cruising, start with a 22. The wife comfort factor is extremely important.