22 Cruiser of 23 Venture

BuckMontana · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:09 pm Post subject: 22 Cruiser of 23 Venture

Looking for advice and opinion for the purchase of my first C-Dory. I'm a transplant to PNW with river sled experience in Idaho and BC. I'm retired and looking forward to "living the dream" - fishing and cruising the PNW, and maybe beyond. I'm 5 minutes away from a boat launch into the Puget Sound. I've narrowed it down to the two models: 22 Cruiser and 23 Venture, including the Sport. They appear big enough for friends and family and small (ilght) enough that I can trailer them with my F150 (8000bs tow capacity). My request of you sage and experienced C Dory sailers is which one would you prefer? And why? Assume both boats are similar age, equipment, and condition.
Thanks!

DayBreak · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:56 pm Post subject:

Good question. PM sent.

thataway · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 10:13 pm Post subject:

I would suggest looking at and tryng to get a ride in both the 22 and 23, there are some differences in layout, and slight differences in the "ride", especially if there is a little chop.

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 12:37 am Post subject:

The Venture 23 would be my choice. I've owned 3 22 Cruisers, one was an '85 with ironing board flat bottom, not good. Right now there is a really nice used one in Mount Vernon at Master Marine. Sure seems loaded and beats the brand new price. Good luck!

Esmi2 · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 1:59 am Post subject:

As a rank newbie, my opinion may not count for much. For me, I let the market determine which boat was "better." What I mean is that I was actively looking for either one, and would have been pleased with either one, and ended up with a Cape Cruiser due to timing/dollars/condition/location and a very cool/trustworthy seller.

(Now that I have a Cape Cruiser 23, I can see the myriad benefit of this model over any other model Wink

)

BuckMontana · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 9:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys. Great info. I’m going with the 23 Venture (Sport)

DayBreak · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:17 am Post subject:

ssobol · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 10:45 am Post subject:

The factory might be better served by ensuring that all the penetrations into the core are properly done.

Leadbelly · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 8:37 pm Post subject:

I've owned a 2007 22 Cruiser and a 2018 Venture 23. The 23 had enough incremental improvements over the 22 to make the jump worthwhile. Can't go wrong with either boat tho.

Just found my former 23 for sale: https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2018-c-dory-venture-23-9884610/

Best of luck with your boat search!