A question for you 22' owners
- Thread starter Paddy111
- Start date
schiavolou
New member
We had a 22 for one season and loved it, though we felt a little cramped when spending weekends aboard. Then we got a deal we couldn't refuse on a 25 and traded up. After two seasons , no regrets.
Pros of the 25:
more room in cabin and cockpit
more power w/150 vs 90hp
more amenities - windlass, shore power (you can get these on a 22), head w/shower.
fewer pier-strollers say "cute boat"
Cons:
harder to trailer
more systems to maintain
everything, from slip fees to routine maintenance to insurance is more costly
Still we went with the 25 even tho' it cost about 50% more, and cost WAS an object.
Lou S.
Skimmer (II)
Pros of the 25:
more room in cabin and cockpit
more power w/150 vs 90hp
more amenities - windlass, shore power (you can get these on a 22), head w/shower.
fewer pier-strollers say "cute boat"
Cons:
harder to trailer
more systems to maintain
everything, from slip fees to routine maintenance to insurance is more costly
Still we went with the 25 even tho' it cost about 50% more, and cost WAS an object.
Lou S.
Skimmer (II)
This question should be answered the same as all boat selections. What is the real planned use of the boat, both now and in the future.be honest with yourself on this because all boats are a compromise and you want to fill the bill for the real use. It would be easy to say, without money being an issue go with the largest possible. the compromise starts to hit with a larger tow vehicle, higher fuel costs, higher overnight dock costs. I would not trade my '85 22' Classic for a new 25' because I could not justify the ongoing extras for the use I have for the boat. Let your personal needs drive the decision because others probably have different needs for their boats .Years ago I went through the 4'itus and later back down as the need changed. I now have a 21' Ranger tug for sale because of a need change as we moved to a new location.
Ron
Ron
We'll soon be moving up from a 16' Cruiser to purchase a 25' Cruiser. Reason: amenities.
You can store a lot more stuff on the 25' Cruiser without it being cluttered and actually entertain 4-6 folks in comfort.
The fees may be a bit higher compared to a 22', but not that much. Insurance is cheaper with a higher deductible, slip fees are normally based on a per foot basis. We plan on financing with a home equity loan (lower interest & tax deductible).
Where there's a will, there's a way
You can store a lot more stuff on the 25' Cruiser without it being cluttered and actually entertain 4-6 folks in comfort.
The fees may be a bit higher compared to a 22', but not that much. Insurance is cheaper with a higher deductible, slip fees are normally based on a per foot basis. We plan on financing with a home equity loan (lower interest & tax deductible).
Where there's a will, there's a way
Wandering Sagebrush
Free Range Human
Paddy,
We considered a 25 when we were looking, and there are times now that I would still like to have one. That said, I am glad we went with the 22.
I like to fish offshore, and the deeper cockpit of the 22 is what sold me. I feel much safer when I am working the cockpit. The raised floor of the self bailing cockpit in the 25 gave me the feeling that I would go overboard. Nothing really to base that on, but still it was an uncomfortable feeling.
For cruising, I would love to have a 25, but the 22 is paid for and does the job.
Regards,
Steve
We considered a 25 when we were looking, and there are times now that I would still like to have one. That said, I am glad we went with the 22.
I like to fish offshore, and the deeper cockpit of the 22 is what sold me. I feel much safer when I am working the cockpit. The raised floor of the self bailing cockpit in the 25 gave me the feeling that I would go overboard. Nothing really to base that on, but still it was an uncomfortable feeling.
For cruising, I would love to have a 25, but the 22 is paid for and does the job.
Regards,
Steve
T.R. Bauer
New member
Paddy,
It all depends on what you want in a boat. The 25 is a great boat that has more creature comforts. It is probably better for larger groups of people. The 22 is simpler with less to go wrong and I like the spartan feeling of it. It is also one I can load and unload by myself and pull with a smallish tow vehicle. But, as you said if money was not standing in the way of my purchase, the 25 is probably what I would settle on. Heck, since money is no option, I want a 50 foot Armstrong Cat........
Tim
It all depends on what you want in a boat. The 25 is a great boat that has more creature comforts. It is probably better for larger groups of people. The 22 is simpler with less to go wrong and I like the spartan feeling of it. It is also one I can load and unload by myself and pull with a smallish tow vehicle. But, as you said if money was not standing in the way of my purchase, the 25 is probably what I would settle on. Heck, since money is no option, I want a 50 foot Armstrong Cat........
Tim
Hi Folks,
To me the 22' C-Dory is the perfect size. It can be towed by most normal sized SUV's. It can be handled easily single handed. It is easier to launch both ways single handed. (If you want to use your boat any time, you will find that you will be single handed.) Cost half as much. Two people who get along can live in it for long periods of time without being on each's nerves.
The 25' uses a much bigger tow vehicle. The 25 would be much tougher to handle single handed.
Both boats handle rough seas and weather very well.
Just my idea.
Fred
To me the 22' C-Dory is the perfect size. It can be towed by most normal sized SUV's. It can be handled easily single handed. It is easier to launch both ways single handed. (If you want to use your boat any time, you will find that you will be single handed.) Cost half as much. Two people who get along can live in it for long periods of time without being on each's nerves.
The 25' uses a much bigger tow vehicle. The 25 would be much tougher to handle single handed.
Both boats handle rough seas and weather very well.
Just my idea.
Fred
I am very new to boating so I am not yet familiar with the basics, let alone the more complicated aspects of boating. We contemplated both before buying our 22. We have less systems to deal with (no fridge, no stove, no head) so we/I can concentrate on mastering the basics. I love the 22 - not too big, not too little, not to complicated, and gets me where I want to go (and even some places I don't!). The only thing I miss is a real head but I'm glad I don't have to deal with the complications of all the other stuff. Someday, when I know the boat as well as I know a car, I will trade up, but probably to a TomCat rather than a 25. I don't think the 25 offers me enough more to justify trading up, whereas the TomCat does.
I can only echo what others have said. When I first went looking at the C-Dories, the 25 was out of the question, for us, price wise. There is a significant difference in price! :shock: It was really appealing to have a shower and toilet on board - and a hot water heater. Wider longer cockpit was nice! I figured that I would start out with a 22 and if necessary, add amenities or move up to the 25 if I needed to. Most of my boating would be weekends and short excursions - for my wife and myself. These boats are not built for entertainment on the seas - inviting your family of 6 and friends to cruise. There isn't enough room and you would be grossly, and unsafely overloaded. So they are not yachts (and are not designed to be), but sturdy, workhorse, reliable, seaworthy boats.
I believe that I made the right decision with the 22 and have not looked back or regretted it. The thing that appealed to me regarding the C-Dory 22 was the fuel efficiency, the enclosed cabin, the handling and ease of use (new to boating), structural integrity, SIMPLICITY, and towing requirements.
Did I mention simplicity? I do not need a shower or toilet on board. (porta-potty works great and is simple - and if it should need repairs, just buy a new one - much cheaper than a marine toilet) If I am paying dock fees to stay overnight, then I want to use the marina's facilities. Let's face it, both the 22 and the 25 are "camping on the water". It's up to you if you need the bath/shower - and how much you will use it. I've got a couple of sun-solar bag showers that do us just fine. On sale for $11 each. I also have a fresh water rinse/hand held shower in the cockpit that was installed for us by Cutter Marine.
I don't need the extra headspace inside the cabin - and there is enough storage for two - pack light and efficiently. The cockpit on the 25 seems massively large compared to the 22 - in fact it is only 2" wider and 16" longer.
Tow weight difference is significant - 1700 lbs just in the basic weight of the boat, not to mention the extra fuel needed to feed the larger single or dual outboards, larger water tank, the need for a larger trailer (electric brakes or surge?)
Most all other amenities can be added to a 22 - refrigerator - and extra batteries to run them (I still use that wonderfully designed (redesigned) icebox), an air conditioner and batteries (sorry, but I will never put a window unit on my boat - not putting anyone down, but UGLY - I know function and comfort over looks, but a simple Fan-Tastic Vent Endless Breeze 12 Volt Box Fan and a screen in my Bomar hatch and a screen in my cabin door really does create an endless breeze) [I wonder if the tall top option could be redesigned so that a Polar Cub AC could be mounted and the AC shroud could be desgined into the fiberglass top to keep the roofline asthetically appealing?] 8)
Finally, when I brought my boat back to Cutter Marine for servicing some years back, I was talking to the mechanic about how I wished (at that time) that I could afford a 25. He said "the 22 is a better boat", referring to its simplicity and lack of maintenance problems as compared to the 25. He also said that there were less warranty problems with the 22. Don't know the truth of it all, but it made me feel a bit better - probably what he was trying to do.
I love the 25 and the Tom Cat (drool, drool), but as as been stated, you have to assess your boating needs. A 25, even if I had the money, would, for my boating needs and expertise, be overkill. I am not an overly skilled mechanic and craftsman like many of the other C-Brats, and the more systems on the boat, the more opportunity for failure AND the need for maintenance.
I in NO WAY mean to impune the decision making of others as to the purchase of their boats. I love all of the C-Dory line and admire what you creative Brats have done with your boats. (I have even stolen/shared some of your great ideas). I would NEVER insult anyone's boat - its like insulting your significant other. I do not regret buying my 22'Cruiser. It is my first and hopefully my last boat. It does everything that I need it to do and more. If I ever need a larger boat, the 25 will certainly be in the running.
Did I mention that one of the nicest aspects of owning a C-Dory is the immediate welcome and camaraderie of fellow Brats - always willing to share ideas, experience, knowledge and suggestions?
John
Swee Pea
I believe that I made the right decision with the 22 and have not looked back or regretted it. The thing that appealed to me regarding the C-Dory 22 was the fuel efficiency, the enclosed cabin, the handling and ease of use (new to boating), structural integrity, SIMPLICITY, and towing requirements.
Did I mention simplicity? I do not need a shower or toilet on board. (porta-potty works great and is simple - and if it should need repairs, just buy a new one - much cheaper than a marine toilet) If I am paying dock fees to stay overnight, then I want to use the marina's facilities. Let's face it, both the 22 and the 25 are "camping on the water". It's up to you if you need the bath/shower - and how much you will use it. I've got a couple of sun-solar bag showers that do us just fine. On sale for $11 each. I also have a fresh water rinse/hand held shower in the cockpit that was installed for us by Cutter Marine.
I don't need the extra headspace inside the cabin - and there is enough storage for two - pack light and efficiently. The cockpit on the 25 seems massively large compared to the 22 - in fact it is only 2" wider and 16" longer.
Tow weight difference is significant - 1700 lbs just in the basic weight of the boat, not to mention the extra fuel needed to feed the larger single or dual outboards, larger water tank, the need for a larger trailer (electric brakes or surge?)
Most all other amenities can be added to a 22 - refrigerator - and extra batteries to run them (I still use that wonderfully designed (redesigned) icebox), an air conditioner and batteries (sorry, but I will never put a window unit on my boat - not putting anyone down, but UGLY - I know function and comfort over looks, but a simple Fan-Tastic Vent Endless Breeze 12 Volt Box Fan and a screen in my Bomar hatch and a screen in my cabin door really does create an endless breeze) [I wonder if the tall top option could be redesigned so that a Polar Cub AC could be mounted and the AC shroud could be desgined into the fiberglass top to keep the roofline asthetically appealing?] 8)
Finally, when I brought my boat back to Cutter Marine for servicing some years back, I was talking to the mechanic about how I wished (at that time) that I could afford a 25. He said "the 22 is a better boat", referring to its simplicity and lack of maintenance problems as compared to the 25. He also said that there were less warranty problems with the 22. Don't know the truth of it all, but it made me feel a bit better - probably what he was trying to do.
I love the 25 and the Tom Cat (drool, drool), but as as been stated, you have to assess your boating needs. A 25, even if I had the money, would, for my boating needs and expertise, be overkill. I am not an overly skilled mechanic and craftsman like many of the other C-Brats, and the more systems on the boat, the more opportunity for failure AND the need for maintenance.
I in NO WAY mean to impune the decision making of others as to the purchase of their boats. I love all of the C-Dory line and admire what you creative Brats have done with your boats. (I have even stolen/shared some of your great ideas). I would NEVER insult anyone's boat - its like insulting your significant other. I do not regret buying my 22'Cruiser. It is my first and hopefully my last boat. It does everything that I need it to do and more. If I ever need a larger boat, the 25 will certainly be in the running.
Did I mention that one of the nicest aspects of owning a C-Dory is the immediate welcome and camaraderie of fellow Brats - always willing to share ideas, experience, knowledge and suggestions?
John
Swee Pea
Wayne McCown
New member
I can't really compare the two, since I have never owned a 25' CD. But I love the 22'. I can easily launch and retrieve it by myself, and it is easy to handle in the water as well.
We have a 1992 22' C-Dory that we bought used 12 years ago. It was practically new because the previous owner did not use it much. We have loved every minute on board. It is a little small when you have guests on board but we limit that to two people extra and only for a day cruise.
We kept the boat at a marina from May thru Oct for about 8 years and used it as our house on the water. Since we both still work full time, weekend cruises were the greatest. We have spent up to a week on board but it is just camping on the water. We have a canopy over the back deck that I made and that adds an extra room.
Last summer we decided to keep her at home and do some trailering to new places and see new things. This year we plan to do more. We have trailered her to NC last year (the furthest) and are signed up for the gathering down there this year also.
The 22 is great for trailering and we two can get it in and out with no problems. I agree with the porta potty situation. If you stay at a marina for the weekend, you use their facilities.
No matter which one you choose, it depends on what you want to do with the boat. If you want to trailer around, the 22 hands down is the right choice. Just my opinion.
Check out our photo album for pictures.
Good luck.
We kept the boat at a marina from May thru Oct for about 8 years and used it as our house on the water. Since we both still work full time, weekend cruises were the greatest. We have spent up to a week on board but it is just camping on the water. We have a canopy over the back deck that I made and that adds an extra room.
Last summer we decided to keep her at home and do some trailering to new places and see new things. This year we plan to do more. We have trailered her to NC last year (the furthest) and are signed up for the gathering down there this year also.
The 22 is great for trailering and we two can get it in and out with no problems. I agree with the porta potty situation. If you stay at a marina for the weekend, you use their facilities.
No matter which one you choose, it depends on what you want to do with the boat. If you want to trailer around, the 22 hands down is the right choice. Just my opinion.
Check out our photo album for pictures.
Good luck.
Unlike some of the other 25 owners here, we did not move up from a 22. We went to the Seattle Boat Show expecting to order a 22. When we compared the differences between the two, the 25 made the most sense for us. It seems that the enclosed head gets more attention that any other difference between the two... and it is significant. Certainly a porta-potty will work on almost any boat... it comes down to personal space and privacy. You can put a solar shower on a 22, but you still need a place to take that shower. Think a shower isn't important? Go on a week-long cruise with your significant other where no marinas are available. :wink: See how much snuggling you get after day 3.
The other real difference is the amount of space/volume in the boat. More storage and more elbow room to move around. Two can pass in the aisle of a 25... another important "personal space" consideration on a rainy day. With that space comes more weight; with more weight comes a better ride in chop; with that ride comes more fuel use... all boats are a collection of compromises.
Both boats are great - they keep you dry and warm, or keep you out of the sun. You have a place to sit, eat, and sleep. Neither is anywhere close to luxurious living. For us, the fridge, water heater, enclosed head, and additional space make the difference in how much time we can (or want to) spend aboard.
Yesterday, we were treated to some time on our friends' Ranger Tug 25. It seems to have even more useful space in a similar length. Certainly a much higher level of trim and finish. A bigger fridge. That little "cave" for storage under the dinette. The compromises: lower top end speed, the inboard diesel, and another 1,000+ pounds of weight. But, they picked the boat that is right for their cruising style. And THAT is the secret to being happy with your purchase. You can make any boat work... but selecting the boat that best fits your usage will make the whole process easier. And keep in mind there are people who pick the right boat and then decide they just aren't crazy about cruising... it's something you really have to DO to know if you enjoy it. So, the price of admission for a smaller boat may seem like a cost savings... but not if the product doesn't meet your needs.
If you get the chance, try to make it to a C-Brat gathering. There will be people there who use their boats in many different ways. They will be happy to visit with you and show you around. We have had folks look in Wild Blue and the look on their face says it all... either absolute horror or they can picture themselves enjoying time out on the water.
A 22 or a 25 won't insure your happiness... but careful thought about how you will REALLY use the boat can help guide you towards the boat that will be the best fit.
Good luck with your search and decisions.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
The other real difference is the amount of space/volume in the boat. More storage and more elbow room to move around. Two can pass in the aisle of a 25... another important "personal space" consideration on a rainy day. With that space comes more weight; with more weight comes a better ride in chop; with that ride comes more fuel use... all boats are a collection of compromises.
Both boats are great - they keep you dry and warm, or keep you out of the sun. You have a place to sit, eat, and sleep. Neither is anywhere close to luxurious living. For us, the fridge, water heater, enclosed head, and additional space make the difference in how much time we can (or want to) spend aboard.
Yesterday, we were treated to some time on our friends' Ranger Tug 25. It seems to have even more useful space in a similar length. Certainly a much higher level of trim and finish. A bigger fridge. That little "cave" for storage under the dinette. The compromises: lower top end speed, the inboard diesel, and another 1,000+ pounds of weight. But, they picked the boat that is right for their cruising style. And THAT is the secret to being happy with your purchase. You can make any boat work... but selecting the boat that best fits your usage will make the whole process easier. And keep in mind there are people who pick the right boat and then decide they just aren't crazy about cruising... it's something you really have to DO to know if you enjoy it. So, the price of admission for a smaller boat may seem like a cost savings... but not if the product doesn't meet your needs.
If you get the chance, try to make it to a C-Brat gathering. There will be people there who use their boats in many different ways. They will be happy to visit with you and show you around. We have had folks look in Wild Blue and the look on their face says it all... either absolute horror or they can picture themselves enjoying time out on the water.
A 22 or a 25 won't insure your happiness... but careful thought about how you will REALLY use the boat can help guide you towards the boat that will be the best fit.Good luck with your search and decisions.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Fun Patrol
New member
Paddy...
Congratulations on narrowing your search to a C-Dory 22 or 25. That is a huge step...you've eliminated over 99 % of the boats out there. For many of us, it is not that simple, I still vacillate between sail or power, large or small.
Without knowing your boating needs, wants or history, I offer this: Spend a LOT of time estimating your future needs. It costs a lot less to get it close to right the first time...(just like cars, houses, jobs and marriages). Read though this site and notice how many boats the various members have had. Sometimes their needs have changed, sometimes they just plain got it wrong. In my case I went from a Hobie Cat to a MacGregor 26 to a 47 ft. cruising ketch to a C-Dory 22. My needs changed. I was lucky enough to come out OK financially through all of this.
My advice would be to keep your investment as low as possible...just in case you might fall into that 99% that end up changing boats later. Start by buying a good used 22 and see for yourself how you like it. These boat don't wear out. Mine is an 89 and in near-perfect condition and would resell for more than I paid for it. 22s have an excellent resale value, so you shouldn't take a big hit if/when you decide on a 25, 27, 29, 40 ft trawler, etc. (Most folks go up until they hit their level of discomfort, then start back down). You will be able to safely trailer it behind just about anything you now own, it will go as fast (or as slow) as any you are considering, and the systems are quite simple and trouble-free. Do not buy a 22 if you or your wife just can't live without a small, cramped enclosed head and shower. In that case, buy a 25...or larger...with these additional systems, and maintenance, and weight. The additional weight may require you to buy a heavy-duty tow vehicle capable of towing 7500#. But, if price is no object.......
With that said, shopping for boats is fun! Enjoy it!
....Roy
"Fun Patrol"
Congratulations on narrowing your search to a C-Dory 22 or 25. That is a huge step...you've eliminated over 99 % of the boats out there. For many of us, it is not that simple, I still vacillate between sail or power, large or small.
Without knowing your boating needs, wants or history, I offer this: Spend a LOT of time estimating your future needs. It costs a lot less to get it close to right the first time...(just like cars, houses, jobs and marriages)
. Read though this site and notice how many boats the various members have had. Sometimes their needs have changed, sometimes they just plain got it wrong. In my case I went from a Hobie Cat to a MacGregor 26 to a 47 ft. cruising ketch to a C-Dory 22. My needs changed. I was lucky enough to come out OK financially through all of this.My advice would be to keep your investment as low as possible...just in case you might fall into that 99% that end up changing boats later. Start by buying a good used 22 and see for yourself how you like it. These boat don't wear out. Mine is an 89 and in near-perfect condition and would resell for more than I paid for it. 22s have an excellent resale value, so you shouldn't take a big hit if/when you decide on a 25, 27, 29, 40 ft trawler, etc. (Most folks go up until they hit their level of discomfort, then start back down). You will be able to safely trailer it behind just about anything you now own, it will go as fast (or as slow) as any you are considering, and the systems are quite simple and trouble-free. Do not buy a 22 if you or your wife just can't live without a small, cramped enclosed head and shower. In that case, buy a 25...or larger...with these additional systems, and maintenance, and weight. The additional weight may require you to buy a heavy-duty tow vehicle capable of towing 7500#. But, if price is no object.......
With that said, shopping for boats is fun! Enjoy it!
....Roy
"Fun Patrol"
That is a hard question to answer when you take price out of the equation. For us, it wasn't the cost of the CD22 vs CD25 - it was the cost of a new truck to pull the CD25. We already had a truck to handle the CD22.
Like someone else stated - both the CD22 and CD25 are "camping" on the water - just a tad bit bigger with the CD25.
If money was not part of the equation, well then I'd probably buy myself a Nordhavn.
In our little time with the CD22 (about 4 weeks aboard this summer w/4 of us) - we have not needed to use the porti-potty on the boat. We also have an inline pump that we heat water on the stove and shower in the cockpit. I like that I can afford twin engines on the CD22, that I can see the fuel tanks and replacement would be easy, that I can lift the porti-potty out and empty/replace, etc. We have shore power, refridge, etc like the CD25.
Sorry, I can't really answer your question - I have a feeling if I had the CD25 - I'd say absolutely the 25. But I have the CD22 and love it.
Like someone else stated - both the CD22 and CD25 are "camping" on the water - just a tad bit bigger with the CD25.
If money was not part of the equation, well then I'd probably buy myself a Nordhavn.
In our little time with the CD22 (about 4 weeks aboard this summer w/4 of us) - we have not needed to use the porti-potty on the boat. We also have an inline pump that we heat water on the stove and shower in the cockpit. I like that I can afford twin engines on the CD22, that I can see the fuel tanks and replacement would be easy, that I can lift the porti-potty out and empty/replace, etc. We have shore power, refridge, etc like the CD25.
Sorry, I can't really answer your question - I have a feeling if I had the CD25 - I'd say absolutely the 25. But I have the CD22 and love it.
Wandering Sagebrush
Free Range Human
Doryman":2kvm7dfp said:Also, consider that you can never have too many boats!
Warren
Warren, I have to disagree.... I finally hit the limit and have started shedding part of the fleet. Down to 9 now... Only 2 on trailers though...
Chris Bulovsky
New member
If money were not an issue I'd go with C-DORY 23' VENTURE. Despite the pipe dream I'm content with a 22' It serves me very well.
Chris
Chris