16 cruiser/angler Gunwales

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Wood Zeppelin

New member
Does anyone know why the 16' Angler has Gunwales that are about 3" wider than a 16' Cruiser?

Specifically I'm comparing an 88 Angler to a 97 cruiser, but poking around the photos on here is seems to be consistent regardless of the model year.. But I'm wondering if they ever made 16' Anglers with the more narrow gunwales?
 
The current design of the 16 Angler dates back to the mid-80s, and as some here claim, the best designed C-Dory ever (And how can you argue with that C-Brat Logo in the upper left?) :wink The Cruiser was introduced a few years later.

My guess would be that they narrowed the gunnels on the Cruiser to re-gain a wee little bit of valuable cockpit space that was lost by moving the pilot house back for the Cruiser design. Just a guess though. I really loved the wide gunnels on the 16 Angler, makes it feel super secure for a small boat and sort of like sitting on the tubes of a RIB. But hey, the Cruiser's gunnels aren't THAT much narrower, are they? Only by a couple of inches right?

But to answer your question, yes the original 16 Anglers (aka Sweet 16 in the brochures) from the early 80s had narrower gunnels, in fact they had practically no gunnels, the pilot house was mounted directly onto the rolled gunnel hull without any deck molding:
http://www.c-brats.com//files/cdory-sales-packet.pdf
 
In a boat the size of a 16, wide gunnels serve as a welcome seat at the ready wherever you want on either side of the boat. Not enough room in the small cockpit for any added seats rigidly mounted to the floor.

Wide gunnels could also help contain and partially hide a pair of saddle gas tanks which would keep some of the weight out of the transom and create a better balanced boat.

Also, they're great for mounting equipment like rod holders, downriggers, etc.

I like 'em! :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
SeaWolf - yes. When I first noticed they were wider Gunwales on the Angler vs. Cruiser, I was a little bummed because I want more "outdoor space". But you're right, in a way they create MORE space (especially when you sit on them)!
 
Wood Zeppelin":2t7ednc9 said:
SeaWolf - yes. When I first noticed they were wider Gunwales on the Angler vs. Cruiser, I was a little bummed because I want more "outdoor space". But you're right, in a way they create MORE space (especially when you sit on them)!
Click to expand...

Yup!
If I had a boat that size with narrow gunnels, I'd consider making wider wooden ones for that effect.
They'd need to be fiberglassed over for weather and sitting wear durability.
The resin could be pigmented to match or compliment the boat.
Fun project! :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
The gunnels on my 22 Cruiser are about 4 inches wide. I sit on them regularly. (Either on them or on a fender down inside the cockpit, and use the hull side wall for a backrest.) Just have not figured out a second use for an extra chair to carry around.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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