2008 Portland Boat Show

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CW

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Well, I spent a few hours at the 2008 Portland boat show yesterday and my aren't there some pretty rigs to spend some money on! And the sales-guys are so incredibly friendly and helpful, especially after you ask some informed questions that reveal you've done your homework and are not just another bleary-eyed dreamer. Okay, I'll admit, my eyes were pretty well glazed up too and I probably sported a pretty stupid grin on my face most of the time climbing along gunwales, opening drawers and peering at wiring.

Sportcraft Marina had a nice assortment of C-Dorys, Skagit Orcas and Ranger Tugs.

255 Tomcat, twin Honda 150s: $116,499
25 Cruiser, twin Honda 90s: $89,995
23 Venture, Honda 90 : $66,500 (?)
22 Cruiser, twin Honda 40s: $53,645
24 Skagit Orca, 225 Honda $97,000
22 Sea Sport 250 Yamaha: $77,000

I was only at there for 3+ hours so I didn't get to look around much. A salesman got a chuckle when I said to my wife tongue-in-cheek "Hey, we're NOT here to have Fun, we're here to do research, so STAY FOCUSED!"
Impressions: The little Ranger Tug was very cute and would be great if I lived on a large lake and wanted a cocktail//picnic boat. But it's not the boat for bloody salmon or much overnighting. The 255 Tomcat was gorgeous and I just gave it a cursory look as I'd already been on one and am not in that market. The 25 Cruiser looked great and we all liked it, lots of boat, ample room. I was pleased with the impression the 22 Cruiser made on me. It was only the second time I'd been on one and it is surprisingly roomy and feature filled for it's size. I am sure it would do most of what I want most of the time, but I got the feeling that my steady companion (95 lb. lab), two fishermen and a king salmon sized cooler + myself would make it feel cramped (and I often take 2 or 3 others out). My wife particularly liked the 23 Venture. It offered significantly more room than the 22, both inside the cabin and in the cockpit. That little 90 seemed a bit underpowered for it -- but it can be ordered with up to a 150 hp single outboard or twin 50s.

The 24' Skagit Orca and 22 & 24' SeaSports looked like awesome fishing and cruising machines with very spacious cockpits and the benefit of being able to handle the rougher water and more room throughout, though at poorer fuel economy. The Sea Sport seemed better finished and thought out to me.

The good news is that, in our price range, there are some beautiful boats out there that should make us very, very happy. C.W.
 
Chris,

We're heading to the show tomorrow night. Can't wait.

Do you recall if Campion was there through Channel Marine? Last year, they had an 22' Explorer model with outboards for roughly 45k new. Boat has an Alaskan bulkhead, fish lockers, and decent size cockpit. It's a similar, improved model of my Campion Victoria. The V-berth is adequate for cruising if you're six foot or under.

We love how it handles in rough water and it cruises 25 mph at 4 mpg.

Anyway....it might be another boat to consider.

-Greg
 
Thanks for the report. I'll make it there at the end of the week. I'm glad I bought my boat when I did because at those prices I would be out of the c-dory market I'm affraid.
 
We visited the Portland Boat Show, met CW, and spent an hour or so at the C-Dory site. Just some initial impressions. The Venture 23 is nice but it seems to be a dolled up version of the 22. I'm not certain the extra 10k justifies it.

I was cynical about the Venture 29 but the salesperson was able to overcome some of that by showing me some unique features. The V-berth is quite roomy, as is the head, which is conveniently located near the V-berth. The head can easily accomodate a 6 footer. Also unique was the storage or sleeping berth which runs the length of the cabin on the stb. side. Two people would be quite comfortable in it, in contrast to the cave on the C-Ranger. The sales person also pointed out that the boat can go 30 knots. I assume it has a planing hull.

Would I buy one....no. Cruising is our first priority with fishing being a distant second. However, those who fish extensively with guests would be please by this design. Lottsa room in the cockpit.

Given our priorities, the C-Ranger remains number one. My wife spent a lot of time in it with a glazed look in her eye. If all goes to plan, we hope to own one in 5 years and begin the Great Loop on it. It is a very comfortable boat for two people. I've seen nothing comparable in a 25 foot boat (we've own 3 to date).

-Greg
 
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