Alternatives to C-Dory?

K

Karl

New member
I will be in the market for a pilot-house type outboard boat soon, and the C-Dory looks promising. BUT, there seem to be soo many problems, both currently and historically, with gelcoat, coring, and leakage issues associated with C-Dory. Not to mention customer-service issues which just don't want to go away...

I'm also considering a welded-aluminum hull boat, such as Hewescraft, as an alternative. It would appear that a thick, welded aluminum hull would eliminate 99% of the C-Dory complaints.

Comments and suggestions welcomed.

Karl
 
I think it is human nature to frequently point out the bad and to not vocalize the good.

We mention the problems because we are looking for solutions. We don't mention things that are not wrong because we don't need a solution to fix something that is not broken or works.

I am pretty new to boating and have owned our boat for just over a year, we have used it all year long. There have been a few little issues...and being new, I wanted to make sure that I did not neglect anything, so I scrutinized everything.....I listened intently when someone on this site had a problem or issue...I wanted to make sure my boat was ok.

I love my boat. It is simple and easy to care for.

I have not had any reason to get the factory to help me. I have spoken to my dealer, Marc Grove of Wefings marine, and they make it right.

I am very pleased.

Did I mention that I love my boat??

Karl, you'll love the C-Dory :D
 
Well, Karl, that's like asking how smart our kids are. :wink:

I think an aluminum welded boat has its place, depending on what you're going to do with it. As has been mentioned on this forum, it will be hotter and colder than a fiberglass boat if you are cruising on it. You're also going to spend more up front for it. It will likely have more of a V bottom, so it won't be as economical. And, it won't come with this great owners group.

There have been some problems. The factory has proven that they are not reliable with delivery times. I find that unacceptable business. There have been a few boats that have had some problems - and the factory has stood behind those boats. So, one in the factory's favor. And the boats themselves are pretty amazing... after almost two years of ownership, I haven't seen anything else being made that comes close to the capability, ease, and price.

I just waxed the cabintop this morning, so I've been going over the entire boat - no evidence of stress cracks. In fact, with the wax on her, she looks just as pretty as the day we picked her up.

I heard about a guy on the internet who drives a truck with a Duramax that shelled the engine... that didn't stop me from buying the right truck (with a Duramax) for our needs.

The Rosborough is a very nice boat. Feels bigger than our 25, certainly looks heavier, and I can't help but think it will use more fuel. But if it was the right boat for the way we'd be cruising, I'd put it onto the consideration list. I was on a guy's Hewescraft last summer, and it was a nice boat... but they didn't stay on it. He had installed an inboard diesel to make it the right boat for him.

While the factory has certainly done some stuff that pisses me off, if something happened to our boat, I would not hesitate to buy another C-Dory. So, when you are reading complaints here, a good thing to ask that owner is: would you buy another one? Many here already have. Others have moved on to something else. There's probably little I can say to set your mind at ease... but many of us have wondered the same thing while in our decision-making process.

Find a good dealer who will give you the support you deserve. And then decide if this or any other boat is the right vessel for your use.

Good luck with those decisions.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Karl":1ac7g0zs said:
BUT, there seem to be soo many problems, both currently and historically, with gelcoat, coring, and leakage issues associated with C-Dory. Not to mention customer-service issues which just don't want to go away...
Comments and suggestions welcomed.

Karl
Click to expand...

Karl-
Don't let the complaints deter you from a C-Dory. The ratio of problems to the number of boats is not as large as it seems. It's just that those of us that has had to deal with the factory seem to be a bit more vocal concerning the poor customer service attitude of the factory.
As I noted in previous posts, I have had good response from the factory on several occasions. This time around, I am not very happy with them (management)--- the boat is a good boat, we love our 22' and have considered going up to a 25' or TC255---- but the 22' so versatile for our use, we don't need anything bigger.
 
We love everything about the C-Dory. It's affordable, very fuel efficient, towable, and good looking. It comes complete with a family of experts that can fix almost anything, will picket the factory for you if necessary, and buy you a beer and a burger. Go for a ride on a Brat's boat in your area, ask any questions you might have, find a recommended dealer or get a used one from the for sale listing. Do it sooner than later, winter comes early in upstate NY.
 
If C-Dorys sucked there wouldn't be this C-Brat community, yes community, not a mere forum. This active and helpful community contributed to our decision to buy our C-Dory 22 Cruiser.
Mine has been trouble free as are most. There is a reason they hold their value better than most boats.
All boats have their problems, many owners seem to accept this. We've been spoiled and have a forum to express our concerns and frustrations. The owners with issues deal with them rather than move on because our boats work so well.
Good luck in your search.
 
Hi Karl,
I went through the same process. I liked C-Dory, looked elsewhere due to the problems, then decided C-Dory was still the best solution for me. It's not possible to buy any boat, at any cost ($20 - $2,000,000) that does not have stupid QC problems that would put any other business out of business. With that as a disappointing fact, it's about picking the lesser of evils. A good dealer can make ALL the difference in the world.

I would not buy a boat that did not have an active/extensive owners group such as C-Dory. My former boat was a Bayliner and they have a great owners group as well. I initially wanted to buy an Orca but could not find any owners.

Before signing on the dotted line for a C-Dory I seriously considered an aluminum boat. The problem is, all the good/production AL boat manufacturers (from my research) are on the West Coast or Canada. I spoke to some east coast places that make custom boats but the price for a base boat was $150,000. When I say base I mean the shell before engines, rigging, trailer, anything. I was looking at $200,000 for a 25' cruiser with the necessary accessories (like engines) and this was not in the cards for me but I do like AL boats. I like the idea of no core and there is a reason almost ALL commercial boats are AL. There are only a few small commercial boats in Boston that are not AL for example.

There is a disparity between the brand equity and the actual product right now, but we all hope this will change. With all my concerns I think the C-Dory is still one of the best boats available in the under 25' category. I was at the ramp for 30 seconds before someone made an enthusiastic compliment about my boat. As others have said, it's human nature to discuss the problems more than the good things. Though I think we do a decent job of that on this site as well.
 
To truly appreciate the c-dory you must first understand the concept behind them. As far as I know there are no aluminum, cabin cruisers that accomplish these concepts. First off, the 22' cruiser was designed to be a "trawler"/cabin cruiser that would be easy to trailer and didn't need a massive tow vehicle to achieve it. Secondly, their design allows for a much small motor than you would typically find on other cabin style boats. Mine has a 90hp motor. Turns out this is even more relevant now than ever before. They don't have a lot of frills but are to the point and highly customizable. I'm no expert on their design but these are a couple of the main points.

I belong to a fishing forum and hear plenty of complaints regarding many different brands of boats including aluminum. It's good that your asking questions. It takes time to find the right boat for the right person. Good luck with your search.

I'd buy another c-dory in a heartbeat.
 
Having owned one of the "better" brands of Aluminum boats on the market here in the NW. I have to say that I loved my North River. It was a great boat and I still regret selling it. The new owner is an aquaintance of mine and has done a lot of things to it after I sold it to him and it now looks as good as new again.

Frankly, if I could afford it I would have replaced the Sled with a 24' North River Seahawk O/S with an inboard diesel mated to a Hamilton Jet Drive. The price would have been between the cost of a CD25 and a TC255.

North River builds very stout boats! I wouldn't hesitate to consider buying one again. C-Dory also builds great boats and I would be hard pressed to decide on the NR above or the TC255 if money was no object. Both of them would work well for my uses.

I've fished on a 24' Kingfisher by Hewescraft. It too is a nice boat. Very similar to the NR. Boulton, and Wooldrige also make similar boats. Most of the Aluminum builders would likely be able to custom build what you want in a boat. I know you can get Wooldrige, Boulton, and North River(Almar) to do custom work. Of course, all of these companies are NW companies. So shipping your boat east will need to be factored into the cost. And it would be better to find a local dealer no matter where the boat is built.

Good luck on your hunt to find the right boat.

Oh BTW: My '83 C-Dory has no stress cracks anywhere. I just wish I could get the time and energy to finish putting the new engine in so I could get it in the water.
 
I own two boats that I consider classics, A 1984 Boston Whaler Montauk and a C-Dory 22. They both look like new and run like new. The few minor problems Ive had with the C-Dory were taken care of immediately by the dealer and in direct contact with the factory, and these few things could have and do happen to any manufacturer. Aluminum is great for abrasion resistance- thats what my duck boat is made of. There is no perfect watercraft, eveything is a compromize. I have quite afew boats and canoes, but the Whaler and C-Dory are in a class of their own and turn the heads of people who know boats. Start with the simple question of what will be the main use of this boat and good luck!
 
I [similarly] have 2 1975 Boston Whalers [13' and 17' Bassboat] and a 1996 25 C Dory . We see problems with every boat line we sell , take care of them to the best of our ability and try to be a good liaison between factory and end user . Its part of the game . C Dory is a great boat in the scheme of things . There ain't nothin like it !
Marc
 
I traveled 300 miles to get my boat from Wefings Marine over a year ago. I too was concerned about any warranty issues I may have, but as it turns out I didnt have any except for a minor tachometer and bilge pump problem, and they sent me replacements for both.

I love the boat, and have no complaints. I keep it in salt water at a near by marina, and thats tough on a boat. But shes holding up well.
 
Karl":27hyabte said:
I will be in the market for a pilot-house type outboard boat soon, and the C-Dory looks promising. BUT, there seem to be soo many problems, both currently and historically, with gelcoat, coring, and leakage issues associated with C-Dory. Not to mention customer-service issues which just don't want to go away...

I'm also considering a welded-aluminum hull boat, such as Hewescraft, as an alternative. It would appear that a thick, welded aluminum hull would eliminate 99% of the C-Dory complaints.

Comments and suggestions welcomed.

Karl
Click to expand...

With all due respect and admiration of C-Dory's, I would consider Rosborough if you wanted a 25 foot tank. If 22' is your desire, then consider my boat....the Campion Explorer. Quality is quite good...best I've owned so far (Starcraft, Maxum, Regal, Carver). It's a deeper V than a C-Dory, so it rides through chop quite nicely. However, it's tippier than a C-Dory. The interior is multifunctional....no set dinette or mate chair. However, we miss having a comfortable mate chair. Ours cruises 25 mph at 3-4 mpg. Top speed is 40 mph. A C-Dory cruises nicely at 15 mph which is a great speed. 25 mph makes it hard to relax. Not much time to react when encountering flotsam.

Hope this helps.

-Greg
 
Dene":dgupfe17 said:
With all due respect and admiration of C-Dory's, Hope this helps.
-Greg
Click to expand...

Yes- with all due respect- remember that this is a C-Dory Owner's Group.
All lookers are welcome to browse and research whether or not the C-Dory will work for them. There are several makes of boats on the market that are great boats, and some have owner's groups as well.
If you decide that a C-Dory is not right for you, we can understand :( - but please respect that this is a forum for the owners of C-Dory boats. :)

Roger
 
Yes this is a C-dory site. Why would you ask a question from C-Dory owners on what boat to buy? You would have to be a little slow to not get the fact that we own C-Dorys because we figure they are the best boat for what they are designed to do. If we thought there was a better one we would have bought it instead. Sheesh!

Regards
Ryder
 
We lived on our CD-22 for the better part of seven years, cruised her the equivalent of around the world, have traveled almost all the navigable rivers in the US and most of her coasts -- and have you read any posts of our complaining about the craft that has been our comfortable, reliable, little home? She's a dandy and we've had good relations and responses from the builders and dealers. We couldn't have made a better purchase of a better boat for our purpose -- at any price! Everyone has their own purposes and needs -- so of course we understand that each will make their own choice. You are wise to consider alternatives carefully -- then, when you make your choice, you will more likely be satisfied. Good luck.
 
ryder":35d2xkdn said:
Yes this is a C-dory site. Why would you ask a question from C-Dory owners on what boat to buy? You would have to be a little slow to not get the fact that we own C-Dorys because we figure they are the best boat for what they are designed to do. If we thought there was a better one we would have bought it instead. Sheesh!

Regards
Ryder
Click to expand...

I think this the perfect place to ask his questions. People who own C-Dory's are not mass media buyers and should be able to offer plenty of good advise on fairly uncommon style boats. (non go fast rockets) If you can't take a minute to help out a fellow boater, don't bother to post. Sheesh!
 
As for the number of positive posts...

Someone recently messaged me wondering what happened to me since I had not posted much for months.

When I was deciding what model, equipping and ordering my C-Dory, I was on here every day, morning, noon and night.

But now I'm spending 3 day weekends on the boat on the water, having a great time with no significant problems remaining on the boat. I had a baitwell problem early on and a corroding fitting, both of which the factory fixed at no charge, so I did not write here about that either.

Anyway, most of us don't have the creativity, talent and drive to both enjoy the C-Dories and write daily blogs about that positive experience, unlike JamesTX, Bill and El, Dave and the Andersons, and the many others whose entries I really enjoy reading.

So, you can stir us happy campers up enough every now and then to post our enjoyable experiences with the C-Dory factory, sales, and dealers.

Of course, just like in any 'family' there are sometimes problems...

But overall, I am living a dream I've had since I saw my first C-Dory in early 1982 and would not change a thing.

John
 
ryder":3nhenleg said:
Yes this is a C-dory site. Why would you ask a question from C-Dory owners on what boat to buy? You would have to be a little slow to not get the fact that we own C-Dorys because we figure they are the best boat for what they are designed to do. If we thought there was a better one we would have bought it instead. Sheesh!

Regards
Ryder
Click to expand...

Sheesh, Ryder-
My comment wasn't directed at Karl- he is legitimately asking questions and wants to know why he should buy a C-Dory--- who best to ask than C-Dory owners. :thup
My comment was directed at the hangers-on that, after deciding to not buy a C-Dory, show no respect that this is an owners group, not just any boaters forum. :shock:
 
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