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Buying a C-Dory
- Thread starter thewolfeinmaine
- Start date
Sam Walker
New member
Jim, that was one of your best ones yet. :wink
Larry, I have not had the opportunity to purchase my boat yet. :cry However, I have been to the Outboard Motor Shop in Alameda, CA (Oakland) several times to drool. :smilep The General Manager, Bill, always supplies the drool rags so that I do not make too much of a mess. Seriously though, when I visited a couple of months ago, he had almost every C-Dory except for the 16 Angler. They are still showing a pretty good deal on a 16 Cruiser on their website. outboardmotorshop.com. They have a relaxed but attentive attitude there. Bill has always been patient and answered my questions. I know that it is a ways to go, but I do not think that you would be disappointed. :thup
Larry, I have not had the opportunity to purchase my boat yet. :cry However, I have been to the Outboard Motor Shop in Alameda, CA (Oakland) several times to drool. :smilep The General Manager, Bill, always supplies the drool rags so that I do not make too much of a mess. Seriously though, when I visited a couple of months ago, he had almost every C-Dory except for the 16 Angler. They are still showing a pretty good deal on a 16 Cruiser on their website. outboardmotorshop.com. They have a relaxed but attentive attitude there. Bill has always been patient and answered my questions. I know that it is a ways to go, but I do not think that you would be disappointed. :thup
Actually you are better off buying the used boat for a number of reasons. The new boats are not selling cheap. Used boats are. I have seen boats (not C Dories) selling for less than 30 cents on the dollar in the last few weeks. For the most parts these were not at dealers either.
I doubt if the bottom paint job included an epoxy job--probably just bottom paint.
I agree that the "accessory" costs are high--but that is the way they make their living.
Good luck hunting--and buying the C Dory. For some the C Dory 16 is a great boat, for others it turns out to be too small.
As for going through Florida on the way to Maine, it is not that far out of the way as you might think--especially this time of the year, from California. Distance going directly vs going through Pensacola FL--is only 600 miles more--and the direct route goes over the Rockies. If there is a 16 along the way--definately worth the ride!
I doubt if the bottom paint job included an epoxy job--probably just bottom paint.
I agree that the "accessory" costs are high--but that is the way they make their living.
Good luck hunting--and buying the C Dory. For some the C Dory 16 is a great boat, for others it turns out to be too small.
As for going through Florida on the way to Maine, it is not that far out of the way as you might think--especially this time of the year, from California. Distance going directly vs going through Pensacola FL--is only 600 miles more--and the direct route goes over the Rockies. If there is a 16 along the way--definately worth the ride!
thewolfeinmaine":vzj7g82u said:Great website as I already said, thanks all for the advice. Actually Nick from CYA called me this morning and sent me a 2009 pricelist.....Holy Crap!
Larry, I wish I'd invested in several more C-Dorys rather than wasting my money on the stock market. It certainly would have been a more sound investment! (Who would've thunk?.... :disgust ).
(We started with a 16' Cruiser, sold it and purchased a 22' Cruiser).
Hi Wolf I have been lusting after a c-dory for years Finally a good deal came along that was in 2005 We bought a c-22 cruiser repowered it bought a trailer and put in some electronics .We then saw a cape cruiser 23 bought that one here in fl Then sold the c-dory for what we paid 3 yrs later so your resale value is great on these boats . There are 2 .c-16 for sale here on this site
Also I would check out a c-19 not much more weight maybe 700-800lb's more so maybe same tow vehicle will fit in some garages and resale value will be better. towing the 16 would be about 1800lb's vs 2700lb's for the c-19 . The 19 would be better for camping fishing and would hold more friends just some thought s
Also I would check out a c-19 not much more weight maybe 700-800lb's more so maybe same tow vehicle will fit in some garages and resale value will be better. towing the 16 would be about 1800lb's vs 2700lb's for the c-19 . The 19 would be better for camping fishing and would hold more friends just some thought s
Alyssa Jean
New member
One of our house nerds needs to save Wild Blues "Stages". That is priceless and a must read for anyone looking to purchase a boat. How can that be flagged so it can be found easily months from now?
matt_unique
New member
Anna Leigh":qg8il4jn said:One of our house nerds needs to save Wild Blues "Stages". That is priceless and a must read for anyone looking to purchase a boat. How can that be flagged so it can be found easily months from now?
The process was described quite accurately! Classic post Jim!
Captains Cat
New member
Anna Leigh":20r07dvz said:One of our house nerds needs to save Wild Blues "Stages". That is priceless and a must read for anyone looking to purchase a boat. How can that be flagged so it can be found easily months from now?
David, just do a copy/paste into a word document and then you can repost it whenever you want....
Charlie
We bought our 16' new in 2005 from Les so we have had it awhile. I find that there are a couple more stages to go through. I have been through most of the others, and visiting Sportcraft last saturday and crawling through a 22' high top has shown me those "other" stages. They are the ones where you consider moving up but really can't imagine parting with what you have. The 16 has so many pluses, and so few minuses. I know if I sell it I will regret it.
It's real easy..... Ya put yer hand in yer pocket and ya pays yer money...
I looked at lots of boats, I have owned lots of boats, I always wanted a C-Dory but never could find the "Deal" that I just coulden't pass.... so I just went out...deal or not... called a dealer...and said I want a 22' blue one..and did it... he did give me a break..and I have NEVER regretted it...wonderful boat...now I can't imagine what took me so long...
If you wait, your just loosing time that you could be enjoying your boat...Sue and I are pulling out this morning for Lake Mohave.... we are just as thrilled with our 22' as we were when we first bought it.... waiting is the correct thing to do for some things...but a C-Dory...is not one of those things...
Joel
SEA3PO
I looked at lots of boats, I have owned lots of boats, I always wanted a C-Dory but never could find the "Deal" that I just coulden't pass.... so I just went out...deal or not... called a dealer...and said I want a 22' blue one..and did it... he did give me a break..and I have NEVER regretted it...wonderful boat...now I can't imagine what took me so long...
If you wait, your just loosing time that you could be enjoying your boat...Sue and I are pulling out this morning for Lake Mohave.... we are just as thrilled with our 22' as we were when we first bought it.... waiting is the correct thing to do for some things...but a C-Dory...is not one of those things...
Joel
SEA3PO
Larry-
First of all let me say this--- CYA is a reputable firm!
They took care of me when I had warranty trouble with my old 22'--- and they didn't even sell me the boat.
When I took delivery of my 22' back in 2002, I paid $1250 for shipping from the factory--- that is not a dealer pricing--- it is the factory pricing.
Yes, you can choose to make the trip and bring the boat back yourself--- several people have done just that- you need to figure ~$1000 for the trip (Fuel, food, motel).
The price (~$21,000) for a new 16' with (galvanized) trailer is not out of the park high.
The prices for the options are set from the factory- not the dealer.
The price to apply bottom paint the first time- there is a lot of labor involved to remove the factory finish in order to apply the paint. I'm not sure if you can talk the factory into not finishing the bottom so it can be painted- or if they will apply the paint for you.
Seems to me you just had a bad case of sticker shock and wanted to blame it on the dealer.
Cheers,
oh-- Great post from Cap't Jim
First of all let me say this--- CYA is a reputable firm!
They took care of me when I had warranty trouble with my old 22'--- and they didn't even sell me the boat.
When I took delivery of my 22' back in 2002, I paid $1250 for shipping from the factory--- that is not a dealer pricing--- it is the factory pricing.
Yes, you can choose to make the trip and bring the boat back yourself--- several people have done just that- you need to figure ~$1000 for the trip (Fuel, food, motel).
The price (~$21,000) for a new 16' with (galvanized) trailer is not out of the park high.
The prices for the options are set from the factory- not the dealer.
The price to apply bottom paint the first time- there is a lot of labor involved to remove the factory finish in order to apply the paint. I'm not sure if you can talk the factory into not finishing the bottom so it can be painted- or if they will apply the paint for you.
Seems to me you just had a bad case of sticker shock and wanted to blame it on the dealer.
Cheers,
oh-- Great post from Cap't Jim
Jim is absolutely "spot on" with his post! (Love it Jim! :thup )
Larry, depending on how you intend to use your vessel would determine if bottom paint is needed. My former 16' Cruiser and current 22' Cruiser never had bottom paint as the vessel does not remain in the water for extended periods of time....(one of the joys of a trailerable boat). The longest it has been in the water continuously was 8 days and prior to that trip I had waxed the complete hull. When I removed the vessel from the water any scum etc. easily was removed with water, soap and a washmit.
(Bear in mind that where the vessel is used would also help determine the need for bottom paint. Up here in the PNW with the colder water things don't grow as rapidly as down in Texas where Jim lives......shoot, he has those FD Dolphins growing on his hull as soon as it hits that warm water!).
Larry, depending on how you intend to use your vessel would determine if bottom paint is needed. My former 16' Cruiser and current 22' Cruiser never had bottom paint as the vessel does not remain in the water for extended periods of time....(one of the joys of a trailerable boat). The longest it has been in the water continuously was 8 days and prior to that trip I had waxed the complete hull. When I removed the vessel from the water any scum etc. easily was removed with water, soap and a washmit.
(Bear in mind that where the vessel is used would also help determine the need for bottom paint. Up here in the PNW with the colder water things don't grow as rapidly as down in Texas where Jim lives......shoot, he has those FD Dolphins growing on his hull as soon as it hits that warm water!).
Agree about Jim's great, insightful and funny post!!!
Should be posted as a link right of the right of the
"C-Dorys for Sale" heading on the Home Page, perhaps as the
*C-Dory 12 Step Program* Click HERE
(Actually 21 steps, if you want to be correct, but the "12 Step Program" rings more bells!)
Joe. :teeth :thup
Should be posted as a link right of the right of the
"C-Dorys for Sale" heading on the Home Page, perhaps as the
*C-Dory 12 Step Program* Click HERE
(Actually 21 steps, if you want to be correct, but the "12 Step Program" rings more bells!)
Joe. :teeth :thup
Dear Mr. Displaced "Wolfe"
What you saw was Fluid Marine's "Suggested Retail Price List". Dealers can and usually will sell the boat with your selected options for less. Not a whole lot less as you will find out because these boats (at least post Latham era) are not high-production, "fill-up-the-dealer's-lots-with-'em" boats. You will also find that used C-Dory's usually sell for about twice the NADA average even from private sellers.
Boat manufacturers are not like auto manufacturers; they don't subvent interest rates and they don't average freight to the dealer. The auto manufacturers use trains and a HUGE network of haulers to deliver new autos all over the country. They averaged the freight charges to dealers (all dealers pay the same except Alaska and Hawaii) back in the '60s so people wouldn't drive from Oklahoma City to Detroit to buy a car just to save freight charges.
The high cost of bottom paint is associated with what petroleum products did last year. A good two-part four coat bottom job will generally run between $65 and $85 a foot. If your new boat is going to spend most of its idle time on a trailer instead of in the water it is probably not necessary.
The two advantages of paying more to buy new from a dealer are 1. The 5-year Factory Hull Warranty (it does not automatically transfer) and 2. the dealer himself, standing behind your purchase as your advocate with the manufacturer.
Whether you decide to buy new or used you will be getting a great little boat that will do most everything you ask of it. I know a man from Goshen, Indiana that spent one night navigating a storm across the southern tip of Lake Michigan in 15-20 footers in his 16' Angler "Itch".
I would be delighted to assist you with any questions you may have.
Charlie Holtom,
Wefing's Marine, Inc.
What you saw was Fluid Marine's "Suggested Retail Price List". Dealers can and usually will sell the boat with your selected options for less. Not a whole lot less as you will find out because these boats (at least post Latham era) are not high-production, "fill-up-the-dealer's-lots-with-'em" boats. You will also find that used C-Dory's usually sell for about twice the NADA average even from private sellers.
Boat manufacturers are not like auto manufacturers; they don't subvent interest rates and they don't average freight to the dealer. The auto manufacturers use trains and a HUGE network of haulers to deliver new autos all over the country. They averaged the freight charges to dealers (all dealers pay the same except Alaska and Hawaii) back in the '60s so people wouldn't drive from Oklahoma City to Detroit to buy a car just to save freight charges.
The high cost of bottom paint is associated with what petroleum products did last year. A good two-part four coat bottom job will generally run between $65 and $85 a foot. If your new boat is going to spend most of its idle time on a trailer instead of in the water it is probably not necessary.
The two advantages of paying more to buy new from a dealer are 1. The 5-year Factory Hull Warranty (it does not automatically transfer) and 2. the dealer himself, standing behind your purchase as your advocate with the manufacturer.
Whether you decide to buy new or used you will be getting a great little boat that will do most everything you ask of it. I know a man from Goshen, Indiana that spent one night navigating a storm across the southern tip of Lake Michigan in 15-20 footers in his 16' Angler "Itch".
I would be delighted to assist you with any questions you may have.
Charlie Holtom,
Wefing's Marine, Inc.
Jazzmanic":2ja8i47h said:Jim,
INSTANT CLASSIC!!! This post should have a place all its own.
Thanks! :thup :thup
Can I get an 'Amen!' God I love this site.
I've had my C-Dory 16 Cruiser for a year, putting 140 hours on the engine last year. I bought the boat, because although it is small, it is packed with safety features. The air buoyancy chamber in the bow is a good example. I was really tired one day, and mindlessly entered into 5-foot standing waves at Plum Gut in Long Island Sound. This was a stupid thing to do. I hit the first wave dead-on and immediately broached the boat with the next wave. The bow popped straight up into the air. I felt no propensity for the boat to turn on it side. I turned to starboard at a 30 degree angle, throttled up to prevent the boat from slipping backwards down the next wave, and then backed off the throttle once over the crest -- making it safely through this harrowing pass. Again, I never want to go through 5 foot standing waves again, but the bow of the CD 16 is incredibly buoyant and stable. I weigh 250 pounds, and can stand right on top of the bow, rocking from right to left, and it barely budges! Another thing about this boat is the high freeboard that is filled with foam. I would rather have my flotation high than to be standing on it like you see of so many self bailing boats. It seems to me that a boat like a CD 16 would have a more self-righting propensity. It should also be pointed out that those fancy inboard/outboard boats that one sees in boats shows, as well as for boats over 20 feet are not required to have upright and level flotation, albeit the manufacturer may chose to do so. Safety is the main reason why I purchased the C-Dory 16. New England waters can get quite rough. It's nice to know that if you are accidentally caught in a dicey situation, which is a prospect to be avoided at all costs, you have a better than even chance to survive in this boat. As for fuel economy, I have a Suzuki 40 HP and get approximately 6 miles per gallon in varied conditions. The occasionally rough waters of Long Island Sound and constant wakes from passing boats require a lot of adjustments to the throttle, which greatly impairs fuel efficiency. Finally, it is not as much fun to go out alone as it is to go out with others. My wife loves this boat, and has fun driving. It's a great day cruiser. Day cruising is all we want to do, and this boat is more than up to the task.
There is important thing that should be noted. This is a great two person boat, but I do not recommend a third person unless they sit on the berth as the manufacturer recommends, otherwise you would get too stern heavy, and would have difficulty getting the boat on plane. I would recommend buying a bigger boat if you regularly carry more than 2 people.
Rich
There is important thing that should be noted. This is a great two person boat, but I do not recommend a third person unless they sit on the berth as the manufacturer recommends, otherwise you would get too stern heavy, and would have difficulty getting the boat on plane. I would recommend buying a bigger boat if you regularly carry more than 2 people.
Rich