C-Dory 25' Cruiser

P

pmberman

New member
I'm one of the new members. Thanks to all of you who gave me advice and opinions on getting a C-Dory. I've been convinced this is the boat for me and my wife instead of the Whaler we first considered. The C-Brats people and the photos on this site tell a lot about these boats. Good products attract good people.

So, here is my next question......I really like the 25' cruiser, but have noticed the majority of you have the 22'. Are there any quality issues with the 25' (I noticed "minnow" posted a few pictures of what looked like problems with his 25').
 
We just took delivery of our 25 last weekend and are quite happy with our decision. I understand that several 22 owners have supersized recently and are now getting 25's. In looking at all the boats at the boat show the most immediate difference (a must have for us) was the stand up head in the 25. It also has more room because it is wider. That said, the 25 takes more to tow around so depending on your tow vehicle, the 22 may be better for you. We love our 25 and we know we made the right decision. Now all we need to do is decide on a name!

Good luck on your decison.
 
In all my reading at both sites, Minnow seems to be a glaring exception and just another confirmation of that old saw "Feces Occurs." . We picked the 22 primarily because of it's size and the storage problem here. When the Jenny B is in it's land berth, even with the folding trailer tongue I only have about a foot rear clearance. Public storage - especially secure storage, is very expensive and current marina fees are $10/ft. and up here in $unny $an Diego.

To be honest and coming from an RV background as well, we really caught the 22 fever after reading the adventures of one couple who are living their dream pretty much full time.

One mistake many novice RV'ers make is getting seduced by the amenities of a larger unit. We've always lived "out of" our RV's, not "in" them, so for us, smaller is better and we're finally immune to "twofootitis". (the burning desire for just another couple of feet.) Over the years we've had RV's between 16 and 32 ft. and are very satisfied with our present 26 footer. It's a "Go anywhere" length with no towing/parking/space available concerns. Eventually we're considering downsizing again.

As far as boats, coincidentally we've also stayed between 16 and 32 ft., and if (or maybe when) we go to a boat show and factory tour, where Dory threefootitis runs rampant we might change our mind too and move up, but 'till then the 22 fits our personal needs 100% of the time and our personal desires 87% of the time. I already have a more than adequate tow vehicle so it's not an issue. Probably the biggest reasons not to move up are age/fitness issues related to single handed launching and recovery and losing the ability to easily "go anywhere anytime". We still have that same dream Bill and El are following, and I'm not yet ready to give it up.


Don
 
After having a 22 crusier for the last two years we sized up to the 25. In fact I am leaving in a half hour to drive to the factory to pick her up. When we first looked at the C-Dory, Kate wanted to get the 25. Biggest thing was the price difference at that time. We also had not owned a real boat before. Just smaller open boats. I am glad that we did go with the 22 first because I learned a bunch about boats, boating and what is important to have or not have. I trailer my boat and storage and launching is not really a factor. Kate is looking forward to the increased stability, and extra room as well as the stand up marine head. Did I mention that the marine head is important to her?

So, got to go bring her home.
 
PM,
Keep in mind that the 25 footer has only been out for a few years, which is big reason why so many on this site have 22's. Am not sure what I would have done when I bought in 2001 if the 25 had been available, but I am now completely enamored of the ease and versatility of the 22 and have no desire to "upgrade" to the 25. (Now that doesn't mean I won't be giving the new TomCat 25 a real thorough look when it is available....)
Best regards,
 
pmberman":3rfihinr said:
So, here is my next question......I really like the 25' cruiser, but have noticed the majority of you have the 22'. Are there any quality issues with the 25' (I noticed "minnow" posted a few pictures of what looked like problems with his 25').
Click to expand...

There's no difference in quality between the 22' and 25' - same factory, same materials, same methods - just size and price. I looked at a lot of boats before buying our 22' CD (including the 25' CD). In brief, you have to get to 25' or so for the stand-up head to become an option in all similar boats (SeaSport for example) and the weight difference between 22 and 25 is substantial. We had an Isuzu Trooper that is rated to tow 5000 lbs and I couldn't justify both a new boat AND a new tow vehicle so we went with the 22'. As a compromise, I had King Marine make a custom enclosure that zips on under the camper top and I put the porta-potty in the cockpit when we need it. The enclosure provides privacy around three sides with the bulkhead being the 4th side. We have a black screen over the inside of the starboard rear window for more complete privacy in the enclosure. Someday, I might upsize but I don't see that happening any time soon. Overall, I'm happy with my 22.

Roger on the SeaDNA
 
If you like to fish, you'll find that the 22 is a better fishing boat because of it's compact size and lower/single layer floor. It also tows much easier and can be launched in tighter places and less water.

You can have it both ways:

Buy a new 22 Cruiser for yourself.

Buy her an older 25-30 foot Bayliner for her (with the $20K you saved over the CD-25) and then

1. Paint it pink all over with red trim inside and out.
2. Install a 6 foot wide cosmetic dresser with 100 light bulbs around the mirror, and an overhead hydraulic descending hair dryer hood.
3. Add a Jacuzzi hot tub, a shower, and a 6-way flush toilet and bidet.
4. Don't forget the walk in clothes closet and shoe rack for at least 75 pairs.
5. And don't you dare forget the heated pet bed for the poodle!


Now when you want to go fishing, just tow her boat down to the Macy's parking lot and leave her there for the weekend sale while you go about having fun your way in your new CD-22!!!
 
Happily Married for 40 years, just with a compartmentalized approach to hobbys/spouse/etc!!!

Actually, we raced together in dinghy sailboats for 33 of those years without very many disagreements at all.

Used to think my wife had no spatial ability at all-could not visualize squat from square! Then I found out he knows more short cuts and back roads between department stores than the UPS man! She could outdrive Michael Schumacher and the F! Ferrari machine between destinations with her Turbocharged Eclipse if the sale prices were ending shortly!

Joe.
 
OK, Patty heard from David around 6:00 pm, he was still at the C-Dory factory, getting everything checked out...he will miss the last Guemes Island ferry tonight, and will spend the night on board the supersized Anna Leigh at the Anacortes ferry terminal...don't pity him too much, he has his laptop, some movies and martini fixins...I am VERY anxious to see the pix, David!


Pat Anderson":yy1uvbvr said:
David should be home by now, and getting ready to post the pix...and email me about what he observed on our CD25, due May 11...
Click to expand...
 
We picked the 22 for price, weight, draft, and economy. We have hauled 8 accross Roserio several times with our extra seat + standing (30 min crossing). It is big enough for our family of 5. When we camp, two or three kids tent on shore.
 
Yes, everyone should take a gander at Lunacy's photos of the interior...if extra seating AND having a galley always seemed unattainable, they have a unique (it is unique, isn't it Chris?) solution for your consideration.


Luna C":3e2ygb4p said:
We picked the 22 for price, weight, draft, and economy. We have hauled 8 accross Roserio several times with our extra seat + standing (30 min crossing). It is big enough for our family of 5. When we camp, two or three kids tent on shore.
Click to expand...
 
We choose the 22 for the cost and the light weight. I have a ford ranger and towing is at a max right now. If we ever up size to a larger boat it will not be the 25 c-dory but the 25 tom cat by c-dory. more room and better handleing. it will go faster and handle the north sound chop a lot better. its even more money then the 25 but is the cheapest cats of that size I have seen. the new tomcat will be out soon and we can not wait to see it. I really want to see just what the cabin is going to look and feel like.
 
Here is our take on the 22 vs 25... We pretty much agree as stated before about all the attributes of the 2 boats.
I am glad we went with the 22 first , then the 25 , mainly for personal situational reasons for us it worked out good.. but if I had owned several boats before the 22 I would have went with the 25 initially.
No boat is delivered perfectly from the factory or a dealer. We do not have any big issues with our new 25 Laurna Jo, just some minor finish problems, we will take care them when in for first service.
We are overjoyed with our 25..my advice is keep an eye at the Pub here for info, but if it was me ,with you experience in boating.. the 25 wins..
Jim & Laurie,,
2005 25 C-Dory Cruiser, Laurna Jo
 
We too started with a 22 and moved to a 25 after 10 years. For new and/or young boaters the 22 is ideal. The comforts of the 25 are appreciated as we sail on in our Geezerhood.
A few issues which may be unique to our boat. The starboard rub rail came out 3/4 of an inch during a slight wake on the Columbia River. It went back to the factory for refit at their request. The original cabinet hardware was very fragile plastic. Many pieces broke. The factory provided excellent units which hold the doors securly. Recently, the forward portside window latch flew off as I closed the window. At the advice of the dealer, I cleaned the surface, applied silicone. Dealer (Sportcraft, OR City)and factory backup has been outstanding.
Our first long cruise for a Spring shakedown last weekend was delightful. Our boat (C- Dragon +) performed like a champ. The twin 90 Hondas, trim tabs and hull size made our trip and stay in Cathlamet, WA a treat for our wedding anniversary. Our two cats also enjoyed the voyage.
 
Yes, the Luna C extra seating above the galley is unique, but the factory did keep the templates. I have had a pm or two on how we have liked it. Maybe someone has opted for that feature by now! I agree with CD-Tom, I am interested in the Tomcat too! Won't be buying one for sometime though.
 
ok, I've been reading a lot of your responses regarding the 25'. After seeing "minnow's" defect photos and hearing how there have been problems with other folks 25's like rub rails coming off, I wonder about the quality. If the C-Dory is 10k less than a comparable Whaler, but their are basic quality issues, is it worth the risk? If I am going to buy a boat for me and my wife to cruise on, I want it to be durable and safe above all else. Be honest, is the lower price of a C-Dory 25' compared to a boat like a Whaler a trade off for quality and durability, not to mention safety??
 
Having owned numerous large and small Whalers I'm probably qualified to answer: If Whaler made a C-Dory type boat: I'd own it, but I'm the type that goes for overkill anyway. A destroyer is more durable, safe, etc., than a Whaler, but alas, I can't afford it. I just bought a brand new Montauk -- guess what, there's a grab-rail I found loose . . . and I'm going to have to take those horrible cheapie gas tanks out and replace them with a Pate tank like Whaler should do from the get go.

Nothing perfect.
 
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