Sorry, can't stop the wheels from turning tonight!
In some simple ways, the Rosborough RF-246 seems like an in-between compromise between the semi-dory planing C-Dory design and the displacement/semi-planing C-Ranger 25 Tug.
I remember Dr. Bob Austin (Thataway) made a comparison of the Rosborough RF-246 designs with a C-Dory once, so I thought I'd dig it up for interesting reading for our members.
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(Sat. Jul 15, 2006 9:11 pm)
"I suspect that he is asking to compare a semi dory and a Down East type of boat. The lobster boats, Duffy, and the nearest to the C Dory is the Rosborough 246. There are a fair amount of cross over between these two boats--and some Rosborough owners have been C Dory owners.
The Down East type of boat is often straight run aft, flat buttocks with a round chine, , and a moderate V foreward. It is also a semidisplacement boat. My personal opinion is that all in all the C Dory is a more stable and better sea boat.
The Rosborough often are much slower than the C Dory and are run at displacement speeds--with twins up to 15 to 17 knots and occasionally with large engines up to 30 knots. My feeling is the C Dory is more effecient in use of fuel. But the Down East boats are less likely to pound.
They are good boats, and I had considered one when I was making the decision on the Tom Cat 255. I am still a member of their list and plan on making a cruise with this group later this year.
It is a little like comparing a C Dory and A Sea Sport--both have some good features. The Rosborough has pilot house doors on the side--I see this as a negitive, because of water intrusion. The Rosborough has perment foreward facing seats, the V Berth is slighly shorter than the C Dory, and the head is more cramped than the 25 or Tom Cat--and below the helm console. The side deck access is about the same as C Dory. There is an extended cabin top over the aft cockpit--and a high and low freeboard model.
There are a number of other down east boats--but the Rosborough comes to mind when thinking of comparison with the C Dory.
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Bob Austin
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P.S. (from Sea Wolf):
1.) Did you know that the six US dealerships for Rosborough boats include three C-Dory dealers? --- E.Q. Marine (Les), Cutter Marine (Maryland), and Wefing's (N.C.)?
2.) Rosborough only produces 40-50 boats a year, according to their website.
3.) I wonder how a surge in interest in Rosborough boats will affect the resale value of similar sized C-Dorys?
4.) I may be wrong on some of this, but can't stop thinking about the impact of this possible set of developments.
5.) Please don't kill the messenger!
Joe. :smileo