Anyone ever seen a C-Dory with a "tower" on it?

First Draft

Something like a mini "tuna tower" or "cobia tower"? Something where you could pilot the boat from above and enjoy better visibility.

ssobol

AKFisher · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 1:58 pm Post subject:

I like the idea that ssobol came UP WITH. You would definitely need to strap it down and have some cup holders in place. Cocktail

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 2:16 pm Post subject:

I think this came up years ago on this forum. The C-Dorys are designed to carry their weight low - that kind of weight aloft would be an issue, not to mention all the ancillary things you'd deal with, like: access to getting up there, the railings you'd need to stay on the boat while up there, and running engine controls and steering. I would think it would be more stable on a TomCat compared to a 22 (since the OP didn't mention what model C-Dory he was thinking of doing this to).

Could it be done? Sure. Should it be done? Seems to me that it would be better to buy a boat that has been designed to have that upper helm and has been built with it. Another case of the right tool for the job.

That said, with money and determination, you can do almost anything. I recall one of the Brats who put a sunbathing platform made of wood planking on top of the boat. And another who took out the dinette in a 22 and made an enclosed head that mostly filled that space. Personally, I think these boats are great as designed, and will give you the most utility when used within that design parameter.

I suspect someone will pull up the Photoshopped image of a 20' ladder on top of a C-Dory running at speed. Twisted Evil

hardee · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 2:28 pm Post subject:

rogerbum · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 3:11 pm Post subject:

The series of photos in this album comes close to what you are talking about.

thataway · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 5:09 pm Post subject:

There was also a recent thread on this. My concern is that the center of gravity is placed considerably higher, on a boat which is relatively narrow beam, and not self bailing. I have seen 20 to 25' foot boats capsize with additional weight aloft.

CaptMac · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:53 pm Post subject: Center of Gravity

One way to find out is to put some weight on the cabin top estimated to the amount of the person(s) and necessary equipment and see how the boat handles in different situations.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:58 pm Post subject:

Here's one image...

Yeah, it has been Photoshopped (as revealed by the person who posted it).

Here's the ladder one I was talking about...

What could possibly go wrong with that? Twisted Evil

First Draft · Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 9:26 pm Post subject:

I'm thinking more along the lines of something lower-profile and simple like post #21 in this linked thread: https://www.thehulltruth.com/mid-atlantic-chesapeake-bay/967403-t-top-fabrication-2.html

hardee · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:52 am Post subject: Re: Center of Gravity

PaulNBriannaLynn · Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 3:13 pm Post subject:

I've seen more than one tomcat with a tuna tower. There was one Tomcat 24' that was up on the Olympic peninsula that had a really elaborate folding tower a number of years ago. These cat hulls are more laterally stable, so would be more suitable. for it

South of Heaven · Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 7:08 am Post subject:

First Draft: What C Dory are you looking at? I think the only option would be the Tomcat. Its still only an 8'6 beam but would probably be the best choice to add some steering on the roof.

I had a 25 and couldn't imagine having a 200 lb person up there. If you hit a wave wrong that boat will flip over. As others have said , the C Dorys dont like to have their center of gravity upset.

First Draft · Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:40 am Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:57 pm Post subject: