Greetings. I'm looking for feedback from current 16' owners on the following: How many people can the boat comfortably carry for day cruises? How does motor and handling performance change as you approach the maximum load? What level of wind and vave action can these boats comfortably handle, where one would choose to venture out? How functional is the drop curtain when closed while underway(ie humidity, air leaks, sound, waterproof, etc.)? Suggestions for security of electronics when the boat is unattended in a marina or other public place? Thanks in advance! Westward
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
16' Cruiser questions
- Thread starter westward
- Start date
We'll be starting our 4th season on Amelia Anne fairly soon.
In our experience the boat is a 2 passenger boat but a 3d can be seated in a folding chair in the tiny cockpit behind the main seating area, or on the edge of the berth if it's bad weather. This seating isn't real secure.
We can run thru rain storms and spray off the bow without the curtain across the back with two.
The dashboard is microscopic. Room for maybe 2 additional 2" gages, but not room for the fuel flow meter I bought to keep track of the tanks. Top of the dashboard or between the windows under the ceiling is where our instruments are mounted.
Boats ain't real secure regardless. We've had no issues at docks overnight, etc. and we have a full mooring cover for extended periods which keeps eyes out. Easy to dismount the dash and ceiling mounted instruments if needed.
The dory hull is very unkind to your butt in chop. Keeping the bow down is mandatory. We use a PermaTrim vane on the motor; works better than the Honda packaged fin. The dory hull on inland rivers and lakes zips right along with minimal fuel use.
We've not slept on the boat other than on the trailer, so I'm having second thoughts on Cruiser vs. Angler. We came from a midsized sailboat so the berth and potty were very yachty! But the Anger is a better balanced boat as the seating is two feet forward of the Cruiser's and the micro cockpit doubles in side to a mini cockpit. There appears to be room across the rear of the 16 Angler to fit a bench seat.
There are a few photos in the photo section here and also on my Webshots area:
http://community.webshots.com/album/509074585hWtcoy
Contact me here or direct as you like.
-- Chuck
In our experience the boat is a 2 passenger boat but a 3d can be seated in a folding chair in the tiny cockpit behind the main seating area, or on the edge of the berth if it's bad weather. This seating isn't real secure.
We can run thru rain storms and spray off the bow without the curtain across the back with two.
The dashboard is microscopic. Room for maybe 2 additional 2" gages, but not room for the fuel flow meter I bought to keep track of the tanks. Top of the dashboard or between the windows under the ceiling is where our instruments are mounted.
Boats ain't real secure regardless. We've had no issues at docks overnight, etc. and we have a full mooring cover for extended periods which keeps eyes out. Easy to dismount the dash and ceiling mounted instruments if needed.
The dory hull is very unkind to your butt in chop. Keeping the bow down is mandatory. We use a PermaTrim vane on the motor; works better than the Honda packaged fin. The dory hull on inland rivers and lakes zips right along with minimal fuel use.
We've not slept on the boat other than on the trailer, so I'm having second thoughts on Cruiser vs. Angler. We came from a midsized sailboat so the berth and potty were very yachty! But the Anger is a better balanced boat as the seating is two feet forward of the Cruiser's and the micro cockpit doubles in side to a mini cockpit. There appears to be room across the rear of the 16 Angler to fit a bench seat.
There are a few photos in the photo section here and also on my Webshots area:
http://community.webshots.com/album/509074585hWtcoy
Contact me here or direct as you like.
-- Chuck
Thanks for the info Chuck. Our boating needs are changing (empty nest), and the economy of the 16' size is very apealing. We no longer carry the heavy loads or passengers that led us to our 22' cruiser, and like you we never spend the night aboard, etc. We do, however, still travel in potentially dangerous waters. Seakeeping ability is probably my main concern in potentially downsizing. You must get into nasty water sometimes in your neck of the woods? What is your experience in this regard? Cheers! Mike.
fiddlersgreen6
New member
Great pictures Chuck--- It is true (one picture is worth a thousand words), I agree 2 people or 3 at the max. and this would have alot to do with the size of the person, (like El & Bill) and the amount of gear. I prefer the cruiser mainly for the extra storage and head, and you can sleep on it if you need to do so. I try to avoid small craft warning days. The intercoastal waterway and inland lakes can even have days that one should avoid during certain times of the year.
Does anyone have any knowledge of a liveaboard individual that apparently has been living aboard a 16' C-Dory cruiser for the past three years (3)? Hard to believe, but I have now heard this from two different sources. Possibly in the Florida Keys. Rich
Does anyone have any knowledge of a liveaboard individual that apparently has been living aboard a 16' C-Dory cruiser for the past three years (3)? Hard to believe, but I have now heard this from two different sources. Possibly in the Florida Keys. Rich
Our primary boating area is Lake Erie, the home of very short chop (AKA square waves). It's more difficult to keep the bow of the 16 Cruiser down than the 16 Angler because of the center of gravity being 2 feet farther aft in the cruiser. Slamming into Lake Erie waves ain't no fun, but the boat is very seaworthy. On the Ohio River or inland lakes she'll run 30mph easily and can gunk hole into some pretty shallow streams.
Of interest is the USGC require for self flotation on boats of this size.
Get the electric wipers, I ordered them after the first weekend! Not rain, spray off the bow.
-- Chuck
Of interest is the USGC require for self flotation on boats of this size.
Get the electric wipers, I ordered them after the first weekend! Not rain, spray off the bow.
-- Chuck
Never been on the water in a 16 Angler. Had my 16 cruiser in just about any condition possible...some, due to mother nature and my location...and was for sure in water that I was WAY way...uncomfortable in. This 16 Cruiser can for sure handle real bad waters. The particular day/event was in 2003, had went out Destin Pass in FL. Other days, same area, no problems.. But this day was differant. Known for being a ruff pass when all is well....but, throw in about 25 commercial charter fleet boats leaving, yes, I did wait until around 11am so the parade would be gone, and I went on out. Ruff...but very doable at about 8 knots. These are for sure not speed boats so forget it unless you are on real smooth water. Yes, the more weight in the nose of this Cruiser model did help....so I often moved a big cooler up front. Always seem to have one of them. Any who.... weather alert over the VHF, Coast Guard alert telling all in the area to clear the waters....tornado warnings/watches... and tornados on the ground moving towards our area. So....not sure if you know Destin Pass and the Gulf Coast....but basically one "alley" to go thru to get back inland for miles....and I was about 4 miles from the pass....and due to the weather and waves...and shallow waters, traveling at my 8-11 knots....making mental notes when on top of the waves due to not being able to see when down in the troffs. And....upon getting to the pass....those commercial vessels were hauling a$$ getting in, and them being in the 35-65' range made for quit an event....mixed with the growing winds....much confused seas at this point, much water over the bow...and...just prior to making my dash thru the pass..... I twice took blue water on the windshield....bringing the boat to a virtual stop....and sort of "popping backwards" back to the water surface..... I was truly praying at that point it did not happen again and my big fear was the windows would push right out and into the cabin/cockpit with me, leaving me and my "cute little boat".... at the waterline. Prayers were answered. Windows stayed in, and the two major "plunges" was as bad as it got. Truly thankful for nothing splashing in over the rear of the transom into the cockpit, because no way in the world would it have handled that much water. The little ol bilge pump was pumping its little heart out getting the splash overs out.... But..the good news is we did make it into the pass just fine all be it with very white knuckles......and AJ's was glad to have us tied to their docks....and American Express was glad to cover the bar tab. I left her tied out there that evening...and came got her the next morning.. not due to her not being seaworthy....but after a few hours getting over the ruff pass entry...at the bar... I was not sea worthy and opted for a ride to the hotel.
Never had anything stolen, but did have mostly hand held electronics and radios, and did have a cooler that was about as wide as the beam near the transom area that 2 folks could sit on. But, with 4 folks on board, I would change props to a lower number pitch prop.
This boat can take much much ruffer water than most people...to include myself as proven on that day, and yes, it is a very light, mostly flat bottom boat that gets great fuel echonomy, but you just have to slow down in the "chop". Great boat.
Never had anything stolen, but did have mostly hand held electronics and radios, and did have a cooler that was about as wide as the beam near the transom area that 2 folks could sit on. But, with 4 folks on board, I would change props to a lower number pitch prop.
This boat can take much much ruffer water than most people...to include myself as proven on that day, and yes, it is a very light, mostly flat bottom boat that gets great fuel echonomy, but you just have to slow down in the "chop". Great boat.