Buying the Merlin

clayhubler

clayhubler

Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2019
Messages
394
Reaction score
2
C Dory Year
1986
C Dory Model
26 Pro Angler
Vessel Name
Merlin
I will soon be the proud new owner of Merlin, a 26' deep vee C-dory. I'm curious how many of these early 26 footers there were? I think this is hull #1.
HIN: DOR26001J586

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Congrat's Clay! I'm sure you and the family will enjoy the extra space!
 
Thanks, Pat!
The TomCat still would’ve been our preferred boat, but I think the Merlin is going to do nicely. I know I’m going to have a lot of work to do on this boat, but I could not pass up the price. I just wish I didn’t have to wait until summertime to bring it home from Juneau.
 
good deal, have you figured out a way to get it home? However you plan on doing it you should pencil in a few weeks of vacationing...Merlin knows the way to Elfin Cove.
enjoy.
 
Planning to take a couple weeks and drive up in June or July.
 
That is awesome! Congratulations!
 
Clay, congratulations on the purchase, that look like a great boat. The difference between Merlin and a TomCat are probably not worth the extra premium, leaving more in your pocket for upgrade.

Are you planning on taking the ferry? If so, make sure to reserve early as they get book up fast, I was hoping to bring my boat on the ferry, but when I try to book the trip in early may, the earliest availability was in august, I couldn’t wait that long.
 
Stephen,
Thanks for the heads up. I am planning to get the boat in June or July and will likely ferry from Skagway. I’ll make sure to check into that soon.
 
Looks great but we need interior photos
 
Look nice, definitely see the potential with this boat, but like you said, might need some work to make it fit your need. Looking at your past projects, doesn't look like that will scare you. Not sure if you already started to make project plans but are you thinking of adding a full cockpit enclosure?
Did you make the trip to see it in person?
 
Hi Hammerhead,

I am not too far down the road from you in Battle Ground.

It will be fun watching your progress on the new C-Dory. Really enjoyed your album.

Hope o see you on The Columbia River or Ilwaco one of these days.

Ed
 
Hi Hammerhead,

I am not too far down the road from you in Battle Ground.

It will be fun watching your progress on the new C-Dory. Really enjoyed your album.

Hope to see you on The Columbia River or Ilwaco one of these days.

Ed
 
I didn't go up to check it out though I wanted to badly. I plan to rebuild most of the boat so I didn't think that a survey and the airfare were worth the added cost. I paid $16K for boat and trailer, and the engine and outdrive were new in 2014 so still in good working condition. I think I will use the boat as is for a year or so but I do plan to remove the I/O and put a bracket and outboard on the back. Also, I want to lengthen the cabin to have an enclosed head and shower like the newer boats. I'm not sure yet how to go about that but will get it done one way or another with time.

Ed, we boat out of Ridgefield during the summer so if you are in that area we may well cross paths.
 
I launch and fish out of Caterpillar.

I also love the mouth of the Lewis River so I know I will see you around this spring. Hopefully the bite will be EPIC the coming season.

Tight Lines.👍
 
I cant wait to see how it handles
 
You and me both. Too bad I won’t have it down here in time for the Friday harbor gathering.
 
I found a couple of Merlin pics a well as a couple of 30' Tomcat pics in my AK 07 photo album.
 
Not the only non-standard C-Dory in Elfin Cove. I spotted this one over the summer, which I couldn't identify a model for. Typical Elfin Cove weather provided for context.

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Left this morning on our Merlin road trip. Should be getting our first look on July 9th.
 
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