I went to Eastpoint, Florida to see the "Hunky Dory". Nice boat! It is indeed in good shape. The hull has virtually no marks on it, and the interior with a little cleaning of the cushions, will look new. Any reservations I had about the weight of the custom made rack was dispelled by just looking at it. The weight is completely inconsequential. I cannot imagine it affecting the performance of the boat in any kind of conditions.
The electronics were very well installed. What I mean is that it is evident there was a lot of thought invested in placement of the screens and wiring. The entire thing is just as advertised, with the canvas in good shape, carpets for the interior, cockpit flooring, windlass, etc. The only things I thought needed replacement were the trailer tires, and a couple of friction pads on the molded side steps in the cockpit.
I was a little disappointed that the stainless on the upper rack has that faint rust stain indicative of exposure to salt water. It detracts from the boat's appearance, but not seriously so. The clamshell storage unit that appears in some of the advertisement photos is not there, and the downriggers are of course gone as well.
I spent considerable time talking to Wefing's head mechanic, Lee, who convinced me that he is very knowledgeable about the Honda motors. By the way, the hour meters say 1,000 and 1,200 hours, which is a bit more than I previously reported. However, after talking to Lee, I'm convinced that if the motors are compression and compression leak tested, the buyer would know if they are going to last another 1,000 hours or need replacement.
Despite my good impressions, and overall the boat looks very cool - I'd say "outfitted" is a good word - my wife and I came to the conclusion that it wasn't for us. In fact, we decided that the 22 cruiser design wasn't for us. Keep in mind I've got two boys in their early 20's and a stepdaughter in her early teens. There just wasn't room for the occasional whole-family travel we want to do. Plus, and here's my bias coming into play, I didn't like being so far away from the outside at the helm.
My previous boat was no prize, but those experiences piloting her are now part of my expectations. When piloting a boat, I just want to be OUTSIDE. You just ain't outside in a 22 cruiser. You're in a micro bus. For cold weather or rainy travel, ok. But, for summertime use on Lake Powell or in the sweltering south, I don't see it in my personal future.
The monkey wrench has been thrown. I've spent gobs of time researching the characteristics of the C-Dory and man it's got the right stuff. So, we spent some time on the 22 Angler and frankly, I got kinda excited about getting one and having a camper back to give me the indoors when desired, and removable when not.
And, I'm gonna admit that I liked the 23' Maritime Challenger too that Wefings had. They really have an excellent selection of boats! That big deep cuddy, 7 feet long, 4.5 feet high, rounded bow, and the Boston Whaler type flared bow hull. Pretty cool! C-Heresey! It's a gas eater no doubt, but still it claims to weigh in at less than the 25 C-Dory cruiser and to plane at 12 knots.
So, my research isn't over, and it'll be more time spent reading and traveling before the task is done. Speaking of travel, don't do what I did getting to Wefings. Fly in to Tallahassee. Don't drive from Pensacola past every brand new beach condo in America, where the only road is lined with attentive law enforcement officers and the speed limit changes back and forth almost as often as you see a Waffle House, but seems like it never exceeds 45 miles an hour.
I hope somebody takes the opportunity now to check out the Hunky Dory. It's a great deal!
- Bill -
