C-Dory Dealers

G

GoNavy83

New member
If I am reading the C-Dory website correctly, the two closest dealers from my home in NJ are in NC, and NH. Does that sound correct?

I'm waiting on information I requested from the NC dealer. I don't know how much of the electronics will be done at the factory and how much by the dealer; fathometer, VHF radio, etc.

I've owned four new boats in the past and never had to travel more than 30 miles to the dealer. This will be new to me if I decide on the C-Dory.


Sam
 
Welcome--I am not sure how active the N H dealer is currently. The N C dealer is very active. Many of us install our own electronics. I would recommend that the dealer to the electronics install if you don't do it. That way you will get what you want. Also go to a boat show and see what is "new" in electronics--there are many new changes this spring--and I would go with the latest technology available. Garmin, RayMarine and Navico all have a number of new products, either out--or coming out i the next month or so.
 
There aren't a lot of C-Dory dealers around. The closest one to me is Oakland, Ca, 600 miles away. I believe this isn't uncommon for small boat builders.

That said, once we got Journey On squared away, we have never needed a C-dory dealer. The parts that have failed are standard boat accessory parts, such as the water pump, head, even the windows. I deal with those over the internet. The basic boat, which is uniquely C-Dory, has needed no factory/dealer support. Which, BTW, is a good thing since the factory has changed, as have some of the dealers in the last 9 years.

If you do select a C-Dory, and I hope you do since they're good boats, plan to have a week or 2 shake down cruise near the dealer and let him fix the (minor) problems. Apparently the present builder is turning out a very good product.

Boris
 
When we bought our boat, the nearest C-Dory dealer was over 1,100 miles away. These days, there are fewer dealers. My take on this is it is tough being a C-Dory dealer. Unlike some boat manufacturers, if a dealer wants to have a C-Dory on display, they have to buy the boat - no factory floorplanning. Then, what are the odds that the boat you order and pay for will be the boat a customer wants (size, color, options)? How many people are willing to order a boat without actually seeing one at the dealer? Should the dealer rig the boat with a motor(s) and electronics?

In our business we had a saying: people won't buy what they can't see. Yeah, a double negative... but, when we ordered our boat, the factory had one of every model on display at the Seattle Boat Show. I understand those days are history... however, that makes it tougher for the customer, the dealer, and the factory. It certainly isn't a typical buying experience.

That said, welcome aboard, Sam! These are unique boats; they are worth the the hunt to find a dealer you can work with.

Good luck with the process.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I am an active C Dory dealer . Factories want to build boats , dealers can better serve you installing electronics if they are tuned into the C Dory lifestyle . The new boat purchase process should as much a sales process as a counseling session especially if you need good advice . Sometimes that involves lots of questions via e mails and phone calls, progress photos and certainly a measure of trust .
We just got a Tomcat into our rigging shop on that basis and Northwest Marine industries did a fantastic job and we will bring it to completion .
Marc
 
Marc, that's a great comment, and you're absolutely right. Thanks for pointing that out, it's a view that we, as C-Dory owners, often miss. We need to be reminded of the dealers that actively sell and promote C-Dorys, as you do.

Boris
 
The C-Dory Dealer in North Carolina is Mobile East Marine. We bought our 22 and our 25 from them. They also sponsor C-Brat get together at oriental N. C. Both times Carrie did the paper work and really helped with finding financing for both. Mobile East is located in alliance N. C. on highway 55 east. Their phone # is252 745 5615. They do have a web site also WWW. Mobile East Marine.com:thup
 
Marc is on the west coast! Of Florida, We want him moving to our side of the state.
GO Navy
It is about a 300 mile drive for me to get to Marcs at Wefings. Marc is a big help and a nice guy. I trailered our boat the 300 miles back home then trailered it up to Beach Haven NJ for vacation and back again.
 
Ahh the glamorous life of a C Dory dealer ! Carrie in N.C and I have had many long discussions regarding the boat business and C Dory , I guess the bottom line is there are not enough C Dorys sold new at this point to open another location .It is generally not a boat purchased on impulse . My goal is to make it worth the trip to come to us and I'm sure Carrie and Gene feel the same .
There is an old saying in the boat business , "how do you make a million dollars in the boat business ? Start with 2 and get out when you have 1 left " .

The business of selling C Dorys is finally improving and NWMI are building great boats that inspire confidence . But you rarely see a "worn out" C Dory . So we need to come up with reasons [other than the "new boat smell"] for folks to purchase new .

Ill start another thread asking that question and see what you all come up with . I will share it with NWMI ,although they will no doubt see it here .

This is a place I enjoy , and that is a big part of why I hang out here !
Marc
 
Hey Marc,

We appreciate that you spend time here. Your input is thoughtful and helpful. AND we are glad you are a C-Dory Dealer. Thank you.

Looking forward to many more posts from the "other west coast"

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

JC_Lately_SleepyC_Flat_Blue_070.thumb.jpg 3_Bellingham_Line_of_C_D_s_2009_917.thumb.jpg
 

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