Are Used C-Dory's Overpriced?

It is as simple as this; a used boat, any used boat is worth what the market will bear. If you want a used C-Dory, pay for it. If you do not want to pay what others are willing to pay, buy something else. If in your mind, the C-Dory is over priced, there are lots of other cheaper used boats out there. Find one you think is a good deal and get it.
 
James,
I am guessing that the dealer you purchased your 22 from was Three Rivers Marine in Crystal River, Fl. I am making this assumption on two clues; 1. Your profile location 2: Because I purchased my 22 Angler there and had a problem first day out , a Friday and on Monday morning that same service manager was on my doorstep taking care of me.

C-Dory is going to miss Three Rivers as a dealer, they are top notch.

If by chance I am wrong about the dealer you were speaking of, please let me know the name of yours so I can add them to my list of preferred service people.
 
gregfl has completely missed the whole appeal of a C-Dory, we dont have our GPS wired by an electrician unless he is a relative or friend....we do it ourselves.

I have had several unsolicited offers to purchase my boat which never happened to me with the other 6 boats I have owned, I just smile as I motor away from the launch ramp, pass the fuel dock, and enjoy my time on the water.

Used can be expensive if you mean next to new; if you are willing to seek out an older boat you can find some good deals.

Good luck in your search and dont think in terms of the age of the boat; think condition of the boat and how you can improve it; you will have a lot more fun.
 
Thanks again for the comments!

I have another concern that I would like more discussion on, and I am sure you guys got the answers.

I am going to say the dirty word...Balsa cored hull.

I have read the reports on what has happened to Sea Rays. I have read the surveyors that basically say...stay away from ANY balsa in the Hull and any cored hull period. Here is one such article.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/cored_hull_bottoms.htm

Yet I haven't heard or seen a thread yet on a failed C-Dory Hull.

What gives here? Why Core the Hull with Balsa? Why not just hand lay up fiberglass?

This will also be a deciding factor in my final decision C-dory or no C-dory. So far you guys have been more help than you realize.



Pros and Cons anyone?
 
gregfl,
I think that is a great topic. I suggest you post it as such...as a NEW TOPIC.
 
The balsa core is a topic that has been gone over many times before. First, the reason - balsa is an incredibly strong wood that adds significant strength to the hull that could otherwise only be obtained with either a) Wood stringers (worse than balsa) or b) A great deal of extra wood.

Second, if you look at where the balsa is ( see this cut away view) you'll immediately see that the vast majority of the hull is indeed handlaid fiberglass.

Third - the balsa used is end grain - e.g. the grain is perpendicular to transverse direction of the wood so that water penetration doesn't go very far.

Fourth, the balsa itself is well sealed in hand laid fiberglass. The results speak for themselves. The reason why you "haven't heard or seen a thread yet on a failed C-Dory Hull" is because if the C-Dory hulls are properly maintained - e.g. you don't put unsealed holes in them, they rarely (if ever) fail. Balsa core, when done properly, is a fine construction technique that is designed to add strength without much increase in weight. The light weight is a benefit for full mileage on both the boat and tow vehicle. Like any other technique, if done poorly the lifespan will suffer. The C-dory record is to do it properly and the results show in the longevity of the hulls.
 
I agree with Whaler, I think this deserves its own thread. Admittedly, "I don't have a horse in this race", because I don't (yet) own a C-Dory, but as an engineer I have a problem with some of the things in the link you posted. Start a new thread and I will be happy to elaborate.

Ralph
 
For those of you interested in previous information about Balsa Core, I resurrected a previous thread entitled "Balsa Core Problems". (After reading that thread in its' entirety, you'll gain more insights into the Balsa Cored C-Dory and how it has "stood up" to the tests of time).

By utilizing the "search" engine (at the top of each page) in this site, you can find lots of information that has been previously discussed. It's always fun to go back and research the old "threads" that may have been forgotten.
 
Tyboo will probably split this thread in two right were the topic changes, won't ya Mike!


uncleralph123":2o9w0mpr said:
I agree with Whaler, I think this deserves its own thread. Admittedly, "I don't have a horse in this race", because I don't (yet) own a C-Dory, but as an engineer I have a problem with some of the things in the link you posted. Start a new thread and I will be happy to elaborate.

Ralph
Click to expand...
 
I think overpriced is the wrong choice of words. Are they priced higher than other boats of the same size and vintage? You betcha! I could have bought a lot of other 18 ft boats for a lot less. Is there any buyers remorse? Not a bit. C Dorys are a quality boat with a well earned reputation. As such they have a loyal following and people will pay more for one than many other brands. The same is true for some other boats. Arima and Boston whaler come to mind. Price well cared for used boats of either of these and you will find the same thing. Just my 2 cents worth.
Norm
 
My Norm...that sure is a nice looking boat you have!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :embarrased :smile :smiled
 
WhalerGoFar":2ig528e2 said:
James,
I am guessing that the dealer you purchased your 22 from was Three Rivers Marine in Crystal River, Fl. I am making this assumption on two clues; 1. Your profile location 2: Because I purchased my 22 Angler there and had a problem first day out , a Friday and on Monday morning that same service manager was on my doorstep taking care of me.

C-Dory is going to miss Three Rivers as a dealer, they are top notch.

If by chance I am wrong about the dealer you were speaking of, please let me know the name of yours so I can add them to my list of preferred service people.
Click to expand...


You guessed right! I cannot say enough good about them.
One thing that impressed me from the beginning. At the boat show where I saw the boat I wanted on a saturday, I called Don and told him I wanted the boat if I could get financing. Don said no problem, I thought yea until someone walks up with cash and he sells it to them. Well, I went by the next day to show my kids the boat, and low and behold , not only did he have a "sold" sign on it, Don had wired up the swim platform to discourage people from boarding. Like I say, GOOD people.


James
 
Before I bought a C-Dory they were definitly overpriced....after I bought mine it looks about right :wink:

As for the balsa core... or should I say balsa below the water line, made me blink for a sec.

So far I've read about the balsa getting wet (resurrected thread). Sounds about the same as other boats to me. Nothing particularly magical. It's bound to happen no matter how foolproof you make it. Time can weaken just about anything. Look at the Grand Canyon!

Still love my C-Dory.
 
Well there are 29 C-Dory's "For Sale" in "our marketplace" as of tonite. What is going on....is the boating season turning in early up north?....or is everyone trading "UP" ?

What I really want to know is where were all these boats to pick from when I was looking for my boat.

With a possible hurricane on my door step, boating in SW Florida is just now getting interesting, so you lurkers...jump in an give one of these fine boats a good home and look me up out there on the water.

Remember, no matter what you pay for a C-Dory, you will get more bang for your buck, in economy, sea worthiness, and enjoyment then any other boat on the water. You also get to come back here and listen to us all tell you "we told you so".
 
WhalerGoFar-

You're right in that undoubtably some of the boats available are from those planning to trade up to the CD-25, TC-255, or C-Ranger 25.

I also think there are quite a few that are available as a result of owners who infrequently use their boats noting how high the used C-Dory prices have reached, and are taking advantage of the opportunity to liquidate. The rush has been on for several months now.

JMHO!

Joe.
 
There are great deals to found if you jump quickly enough. I found mine through an ad on a general classifieds site the day it went up, called the guy & drove (luckily) only an hour & a half to have a look - near mint shape 57 hrs on the motor =). Got it fully loaded for right under what the NADA book price would have been if they had 2005's in the freakin book yet ... I had financed 1/2 the purchase price & they said "oh well, guess we'll have to use the 2004 number".
 
C-Dorys over priced???? No way. I paid $11,100 for mine brand new on a trailer w/o an engine. What a deal.
Today while at the launch at Deep Creek, Alaska another boat pulled along side mine. The man said to me, about my C-Dory, "there is my dream boat". Someday I hope I can afford one.
I hope he does also. He could not stop saying enough about how he liked my boat. He had an old clapped out Crestliner with an ancient Johnson.
Things like that make one proud to be a C-Dory owner. I appreciate it more every day and I have owned it for 23 yrs.
I made a 30 mile trip today on 5 gals of gas at 4000 rpm with a Honda 90. Can't beat it IMHO. Caught halibut too.

Isn't life great?????? :D
 
Made the same trip today. 29 miles and burned 5.6 gals of gas at 4000 rpm, 20 mph, 2 adults and 3 halibut aboard. Also had a 3 mph tide with me.
 
I don't think C-Dory is overpriced at all. I waited patiently for two years before buying. There is nothing else on the market that quite fills the niche occupied by C-Dory. The boat is known for its quality and versatility. And there are few boats on the market that are as well equipped as most Dorys. If we were just purchasing bare boats, I think we'd see that the price wasn't that high. But what other boat owners do you know of that put the electronics, diesel stoves, and other high priced goodies into their boats? My 1999 had near-new twin 50 Suzuki motors (appx. $14000 installed),stainless props ($700), 2005 electronics including radar (est. $4000), and EPIRB (about $800), wallas ($2400), newer canvas and window shades ($1500), and other extras (?$1000). That's $24,400 for the trimmings. And the trailer had been upgraded to a 2003 tandem with power winch, so maybe another $2600 there. So that's $27000 in equipment. I paid $37,000 for the boat or $10000 for the hull. I think C-Dorys are a great deal!!!

Bill
 
I think the answer to being overpriced depends on what your benchmark is. I was looking at a saltwater type aluminm hull (Wooldridge or Noth River) with an alaska bulkhead and your looking at $60 to 70K for a boat in a slightly higher class as a 22. There really is no used market for those type of boats, so you're forced to buy new. I just have to get used to going a little slower than I'm used to for my C-Dory 22 cruiser, which I just bought used, and I am very happy with it so far.

As far as NADA, it seems you may as well pass if you expect to buy used at that price as it seems in this market there will be plenty of buyers hehind you will to pay near or the asking price....
 
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