C-Dory Competition?

Thanks Bill!

That was an interesting read.

Nothing like a lively discussion and that thread brought out some great points and real emotion. This really is a great website for information.

:-)

Robert
 
I got the chance to stand/sit in one of these at the Boats Afloat show last month in Lake Union. They definitely look like well built boats. There were a couple things that I noticed.

The extra bit of width really makes a difference! As some of you know I'm a very big guy so moving around on the 22 is a bit tight. I didn't feel that at all on the 23.

The fuel tanks are aluminum. I personally think this is a good thing!

The curved roofline gives ample headroom even in the dinette.

If I were shopping for a new boat I would be hard pressed to make a decision but I have a feeling that I would actually end up with the Cape Cruiser. To me that extra room in the cabin would be much more comfortable even though it is only a couple inches. Of course I lucked out as my 27' C-Dory has all those things already! :)
 
Has anyone actually test driven one of these boats who could provide a blow-by-blow comparison?

And does anyone know how they compare in price?

Robert
 
I was kind of suprised to see the C-Dory Marine group logos all over their site since I thought they were no longer dealers.... are they C-Dory dealers again? If not, seems like they wouldn't be permitted to use the logo... Anybody know?
 
Stuberg":15ir2t9f said:
Has anyone actually test driven one of these boats who could provide a blow-by-blow comparison?

And does anyone know how they compare in price?

Robert
Click to expand...

I checked into them before I bought my C-dory. There were some things I liked better about them. The prices were similar. Which to me is a problem. These boats are not cheap and if I find myself down the road having to sell I would be concerned if I owned a cape cruiser. I mean who's heard of one. You would spend your time trying to convince people that it's "basically a c-dory". To me the only way I would of seriously concidered the Cape Cruiser is if the price was considerably lower and it was not. My .02
 
Hi C-Brats,
I had no trouble selling my Toland 18-8, even though there were only 12 of them made. I consigned the boat with Les and Cathy at E.Q. Marine and they had it sold quickly. Before I consigned with Les, I was getting phone calls from all over the west coast just based on my C-Brat "for sale" listing. If a boat is well designed, well-built, and well-maintained it should sell in a reasonable amount of time. It helps that Les does a great job with his dealership and has an informative web site.

Best Regards, Leo.
 
After seeing that new boat , I personally be more worry about the resale value of my 2005 C-Dory in the near future. Just look at the front of this Cape Cruiser , it is different than the C-Dory . Just remember who created that new boat? I am very interrested on trying one .Gary SeaRam
 
I have been wanting to take a look at these boats for quite a while. I just bought a new boat last year but, am not 100% satisfied, so am taking a look at my options. I will lose some $ on any deal I make but, at least I will be happy. Anyway, I have really been wanting to get out for some serious sea trials on Both the Cdory, and the Cape Cruiser. I was leaning towards the C dory, because of the reputation of the company, and they have been making that model for a long time and have alot of the bugs worked out. But I do like some of the features of the Cape Cruiser, especially the transom, and that you can put up to 150 HP on it, and I like to go fast at times. I emailed C Dory (robinson point marine) which is actually the Cdory factory twice. Both times asking whether or not they took trades. I never recieved any type of response. Possibly because my boat is so new, and it is harder to make a deal that works for both parties involved. But any response would have been nice. On the other hand I emailed Cape Cruiser, and they called me right away, they were not overly excited about taking a trade, but are willing to work on it with me, and have been very up front, and always responded to my questions promptly. So I decided to give them a chance to score my business, I am going out on a sea trial this saturday. The salesman even sugessted we try to get into some choppier water so I can really see how she handles in the chop. Anyway, I'll let everyone here know how it goes, and how it rides etc... Anyway my advice if your looking at buying new( after making a mistake myself) is to get out on both boats a couple times, in different conditions, go over the boat with a fine tooth comb, and know exactly what you are getting. Although I think either of these lines would be a great boat, you might find one or the other fits your needs a little better. As they are similar boats but also have some big differences too. Good luck in the buying process.

A.S.
 
It will be interesting to read some feedback from someone who has driven both a C-Dory and a Cape Cruiser to find out how they compare.

I'm wondering which one is smoother in rough water. Being able to handle some wave action is a major advantage where I live on the Great Lakes. I did notice that the C-Dory's that I've test driven so far pound a bit in rough water which I think is normal for them.

Robert
 
Stuburg, I don't know where you do your boating , but where I am from water conditions can change in a matter of minutes. In all the boats that I have driven, I don't know of one of them that did not pound at one time or an other. All depends how you handle the boat and read the water. Some boats take little more time than others to get use too . Even knowing a boat in and out you are still going to get your butt pounded soon or later, unless you're a weekend warrior and only go boating when the sun out, in 5 to 8 knts wind. I bought a C- Dory without ever trying one: Of all the boats that have owned and all the satisfied C-Brats I did not see the need of trying one. Am I happy with my decision ? You bet , no regrets what so ever. Is it going be my last boat? I doubt it , and if C-Dorys improve, and keep a high level of craftman ship, I would probably buy another C-Dory. And if you think for a minute that my DODGE CUMMINS is better than all the other wanna be trucks like a Dodge truck!!!!! Your right my truck is the best , but then again beauty is in the eyes of the beholder . Gary SEARAM
 
Gary, I think you are absolutely correct. Conditions definitely change a lot on the Great Lakes where I live and pounding is guaranteed on any boat with the right conditions. I'm just curious as to how the Cape Cruisers compare in this regard. If the Cape Cruiser folks have figured out how to lessen the pounding, that may be a good thing depending on everything else that's affected. I'm sure we'll be hearing some real life comparisons soon.

Robert
 
Stuberg-

It's not surprising that folks are interested in the Cape Dory Cruiser. After all, it's a revamped clone of the CD-22 Cruiser, which is by far the most successful and affordable boat that C-Dory has made.

They couldn't, of course, simply copy the design, so they went ahead and tried to improve on the design and fit it into it's own nitche:

Slightly larger (longer and beamier).

Deeper V hull to ride softer.

Taller cabin than the original Cruiser.

Floor is self draining to the rear.

Larger cockpit.

Improved engine well configuration.

Entrance/exit side steps are longer.

Aluminum gas tanks.

Wider gunnels.

See through rear door.

Longer bow pulpit.

Redesigned interior with additional wood trim.

Etc., Etc.

I'm not trying to sell the boat, just saying that they did what was logical and tried to improve on the wonderful original design of the CD-22 Cruiser while imitating it as close as possible to create a new product to sell.

Many of us have been upset by the obvious copy job, but I guess we'll just have to live with whatever happens in this new development. Joe.
 
Sea Wolf":h6txb487 said:
Many of us have been upset by the obvious copy job, but I guess we'll just have to live with whatever happens in this new development. Joe.
Click to expand...

If the truth be known, after reading all the "Be Nice" rule followers here, I firmly believe that if a new Cape Cruiser showed up at a C-Dory "gathering" it would be as warmly welcomed as any other half brother might be.

Don
 
everything comes out bigger and better ... they also cost more and usually more expensive to run ... if your C-Dory is looking a little wienie you should sit in a 32 year old Galglass ... aft deck space zero (inboard) ... :xlol
 
' firmly believe that if a new Cape Cruiser showed up at a C-Dory "gathering" it would be as warmly welcomed as any other half brother might be. "

I was hoping that would be the case, as even though I purchased another brand of boat this year I still check this site daily. I really like the cape cruiser, as it's somewhat like a Cdory, but the differences are geared towards the kind of boating I do and my preferences. ( fishing, deeper V,etc) If the trials go well. I will probably go ahead and get one. But I would love to attend a gathering at some point. Which ever boat I'm in at the time.

A.S.
 
* * * * *
If the truth be known, after reading all the "Be Nice" rule followers here, I firmly believe that if a new Cape Cruiser showed up at a C-Dory "gathering" it would be as warmly welcomed as any other half brother might be.
* * * * *

That's a really nice comment. At the end of the day, it's all about enjoying the water and spending time with old and new friends.

:-)

Robert
 
Don- I'm sure you're right about the half-brother reception, and I'm sure we'll experience it very soon. In fact, we'll surely see the Cape Dory Cruiser at the Seattle Boat Show. Will be a real topic on conversation for our folks!

W.C.- Yup, bigger and newer is usually more$$$. My "87 Cruiser hull was about $13,450 when new, minus the trailer and motors! Paid $20,500 for it used in 1998.

Have bills for a total of over $37,500 total spent, including the purchase price, taxes, servicing, new motors, new equipment, trailer parts, you name it.

Best $$$ I've ever spent!!! But I'm not going to start over with a new boat to customize to my needs. Absolutely not necessary and I'd prefer to spend the time using the boat fishing and relaxing, not re-rigging another one. This one's all I'll ever need.

They can send my ashes to Davey Johnes Locker in it if they want too, I'd probably be more comfortable it it anyway! Would be a waste of a good reusable boat for someone, though. (Actually my son will inherit it, a family heirloom, so to speak.) Ha!!! Joe.
 
Stuberg, my point is that every boats have a sweet spot , and I am sure that the new Cape will have one too. I really like what I see in this new clone design, I don't see why C- Dory could not take advantage of this great designer and copy some of is ideas? They automobile industries does it . My advice to you, if you are in the market of buying a new boat, read about the products , engines, trailers,gadgets ect... do lots of home works , but do not buy something because somebody tell you it is the best. That goes for any toys that you buy, do your own research. Anybody that try to buy the best all the time are gone be disappointed soon or later, cause there always gone be something to out grow it . What ever boat you will decide to buy I am sure it is gone make you very happy. Good luck Gary SEARAM
 
Back
Top