This topic can fit in many different threads, but I wanted to start one of its own. I contacted the Factory regarding input about their question regarding interiors. I gave them my opinion, and their response was ... well I will let you read the details:
Me to them:
Scott:
I have owned a 22 CD Cruiser, purchased new, in 2004, wood interior. I have done some minor cutomizing on the interior that a molded fiberglass interior would not have allowed. I have never seen "in person" the molded fiberglass so I can not accurately reply to your question. I am quite satisfied with the wood interior and if you chose to go that route, I do not believe it would be perceived as a step back. It seems that the quality of your construction is well known and I am sure it would be a quality install. Most of the C-Dory owners like to customize their interiors and the fiberglass interior became a challenge for some, a roadblock to others.
Also, the cockpit of my 22' has the removable floorboards - not a molded floor. I like this better because I can remove and clean under them.
I do have a few suggestions if you are willing to listen:
1. Rub Rail - find some better way to apply/install the rub rail. The rivits that are used loosen up and pop out and repair is nearly impossible, since some of the rivits are inaccessable. I know some Brats are drilling out the rivits and bolting the rail down. I am not an expert, but is this the "proper" way to install the rub rail. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, figure some way of installing the rub rail properly.
2. Port Holes - I have seen some Brats put port hole/windows in their forward berth area, with screens. Offer this as an option. Looks great and increases air circulation. I would install now, but I am too much of a chicken to cut into my boat with such a drastic mod.
3. Bomar Hatch - install it/offer it as an option with a screen. I installed one on mine - used the original Bomar Hatch and with some L brackets, was able to have a screen installed. Looks pretty good, but if it was installed at the factory, would be a bit nicer.
4. Hand Rail For Swim Step - if someone buys a factory swim step, have a stainless hand rail for easy up into the boat. Add an additonal rung on the ladder - 3 step instead of two.
5. Ice Box - I KNOW everyone hates that ice box, but if it was a more efficient box, it would be worth keeping. I added a layer of reflectex (sp) barrier (you know, the foil stuff with bubbles) and it did help and I do use the icebox. If you could find/contract with an icebox manufacturer to custom a box for the 22 -(more appropriate for a box then a 12v Fridge) - maybe Yeti - this would be a welcomed option. It would free us up from having to buy and carry an extra cooler in the already small cockpit area. And those of us who still have the old ice box could buy one of these "new" ones from you.
I know that this is more than you want to hear, but it gave me the opportunity to "meet" with you and thank you for saving the C-Dory line. The general opinion of the Brats seems to have high hopes for the next generation of C-Dories, hopefully the best built yet.
I know that many of the C-Dory owners with time left on their warranties are disappointed and some angry that you all are not transferring the warranty. They are looking at it from a customer's perspective, thinking they were deceived and you guys are the bad guys.
I do not hold that opinion - business is business and if the C-Dory line would have ceased to exist if you HAD to take on warranty issues, then let the warranty issue go. It is better to continue the C-Dory line with a quality manufacturer. If any owner has a warranty problem, their dealer is the place to go to start. I have only heard of 1 or 2 major issues and they were resolved.
Sorry for the long winded email. I wish you all success with C-Dory boats and will support you all any way that I can.
I am full of .... ideas and other stuff. If you don't mind, I will offer a suggestion now and then. But hey, these boats are pretty nearly perfect as they are. These little suggestions will just make owning one a little more comfortable.
Good luck and I wish you all real success.
The Factory Response
John,
Thank you for your input, and I hope that you have had a good evening. Sea Sports longevity in the marketplace can be attributed to three things, first is good employees, second is good product, and third is idea generation from owners. As a builder, the biggest pitfall you can have is if you THINK that you have all the ideas or concerns covered, this is NEVER the case. I have been building for Sea Sport for 21 years now, and we feel that we build the strongest boat in the marketplace, but this did not come about by my actions or the actions of our employees alone, it was input and concerns raised by our loyal customer base that provided the platform to grow and survive the fickle marine marketplace. We are taking this same approach with C-Dory, and that is why Jeff and I were and are, happy to see and get to know the C-Brats and your website. It is a valuable tool for us as we begin the process of rebuilding the C-Dory product line and for you as it allows you direct access to us in a very non-judgmental platform.
Now I will discuss your questions in order asked:
1) Rivets are not how I do rubrails, yes C-Dory did but that will not be continued. I prefer either Screws or thru-bolting as the proper method and this is what we do on all products that we build.
2) Port holes in the forward berth are a good idea from the simple standpoint of air circulation. This is an option that we will offer to any and all C-dory’s.
3) I agree, I do the hatch screens on all the other products that we build; I do not know why C-Dory did not do the same. I will be doing the hatch with screens.
4) Again I agree, once I have used up the (2) rung ladders we will be switching to the (3) rung. Handles can be ordered at time of purchase as an option.
5) I have not seen the Icebox yet, but thanks for the input, and I will research the install or maybe a different product.
I hope that these answers and comments give you some insight into who we are as a builder, and I appreciate your warranty comments. Feel free to send me at anytime your further comments or ideas and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Scott Boysen
I then asked if it was ok to post these communications publicly on this site. Their response:
Share away John, we have no secrets, to us the more that owners get to understand us and our mentality towards our products the better off we all are. Thanks again for your initial input and please don’t hesitate to send me any further questions or comments.
Now me, to you all.
I am very excited about the future of the C-Dory line/name and their commitment to the improvement and quality of the product. I know we have heard promises before, but SeaSport has a track record.
Best to all and thank for letting me share.
John
Swee Pea
Me to them:
Scott:
I have owned a 22 CD Cruiser, purchased new, in 2004, wood interior. I have done some minor cutomizing on the interior that a molded fiberglass interior would not have allowed. I have never seen "in person" the molded fiberglass so I can not accurately reply to your question. I am quite satisfied with the wood interior and if you chose to go that route, I do not believe it would be perceived as a step back. It seems that the quality of your construction is well known and I am sure it would be a quality install. Most of the C-Dory owners like to customize their interiors and the fiberglass interior became a challenge for some, a roadblock to others.
Also, the cockpit of my 22' has the removable floorboards - not a molded floor. I like this better because I can remove and clean under them.
I do have a few suggestions if you are willing to listen:
1. Rub Rail - find some better way to apply/install the rub rail. The rivits that are used loosen up and pop out and repair is nearly impossible, since some of the rivits are inaccessable. I know some Brats are drilling out the rivits and bolting the rail down. I am not an expert, but is this the "proper" way to install the rub rail. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, figure some way of installing the rub rail properly.
2. Port Holes - I have seen some Brats put port hole/windows in their forward berth area, with screens. Offer this as an option. Looks great and increases air circulation. I would install now, but I am too much of a chicken to cut into my boat with such a drastic mod.
3. Bomar Hatch - install it/offer it as an option with a screen. I installed one on mine - used the original Bomar Hatch and with some L brackets, was able to have a screen installed. Looks pretty good, but if it was installed at the factory, would be a bit nicer.
4. Hand Rail For Swim Step - if someone buys a factory swim step, have a stainless hand rail for easy up into the boat. Add an additonal rung on the ladder - 3 step instead of two.
5. Ice Box - I KNOW everyone hates that ice box, but if it was a more efficient box, it would be worth keeping. I added a layer of reflectex (sp) barrier (you know, the foil stuff with bubbles) and it did help and I do use the icebox. If you could find/contract with an icebox manufacturer to custom a box for the 22 -(more appropriate for a box then a 12v Fridge) - maybe Yeti - this would be a welcomed option. It would free us up from having to buy and carry an extra cooler in the already small cockpit area. And those of us who still have the old ice box could buy one of these "new" ones from you.
I know that this is more than you want to hear, but it gave me the opportunity to "meet" with you and thank you for saving the C-Dory line. The general opinion of the Brats seems to have high hopes for the next generation of C-Dories, hopefully the best built yet.
I know that many of the C-Dory owners with time left on their warranties are disappointed and some angry that you all are not transferring the warranty. They are looking at it from a customer's perspective, thinking they were deceived and you guys are the bad guys.
I do not hold that opinion - business is business and if the C-Dory line would have ceased to exist if you HAD to take on warranty issues, then let the warranty issue go. It is better to continue the C-Dory line with a quality manufacturer. If any owner has a warranty problem, their dealer is the place to go to start. I have only heard of 1 or 2 major issues and they were resolved.
Sorry for the long winded email. I wish you all success with C-Dory boats and will support you all any way that I can.
I am full of .... ideas and other stuff. If you don't mind, I will offer a suggestion now and then. But hey, these boats are pretty nearly perfect as they are. These little suggestions will just make owning one a little more comfortable.
Good luck and I wish you all real success.
The Factory Response
John,
Thank you for your input, and I hope that you have had a good evening. Sea Sports longevity in the marketplace can be attributed to three things, first is good employees, second is good product, and third is idea generation from owners. As a builder, the biggest pitfall you can have is if you THINK that you have all the ideas or concerns covered, this is NEVER the case. I have been building for Sea Sport for 21 years now, and we feel that we build the strongest boat in the marketplace, but this did not come about by my actions or the actions of our employees alone, it was input and concerns raised by our loyal customer base that provided the platform to grow and survive the fickle marine marketplace. We are taking this same approach with C-Dory, and that is why Jeff and I were and are, happy to see and get to know the C-Brats and your website. It is a valuable tool for us as we begin the process of rebuilding the C-Dory product line and for you as it allows you direct access to us in a very non-judgmental platform.
Now I will discuss your questions in order asked:
1) Rivets are not how I do rubrails, yes C-Dory did but that will not be continued. I prefer either Screws or thru-bolting as the proper method and this is what we do on all products that we build.
2) Port holes in the forward berth are a good idea from the simple standpoint of air circulation. This is an option that we will offer to any and all C-dory’s.
3) I agree, I do the hatch screens on all the other products that we build; I do not know why C-Dory did not do the same. I will be doing the hatch with screens.
4) Again I agree, once I have used up the (2) rung ladders we will be switching to the (3) rung. Handles can be ordered at time of purchase as an option.
5) I have not seen the Icebox yet, but thanks for the input, and I will research the install or maybe a different product.
I hope that these answers and comments give you some insight into who we are as a builder, and I appreciate your warranty comments. Feel free to send me at anytime your further comments or ideas and have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Scott Boysen
I then asked if it was ok to post these communications publicly on this site. Their response:
Share away John, we have no secrets, to us the more that owners get to understand us and our mentality towards our products the better off we all are. Thanks again for your initial input and please don’t hesitate to send me any further questions or comments.
Now me, to you all.
I am very excited about the future of the C-Dory line/name and their commitment to the improvement and quality of the product. I know we have heard promises before, but SeaSport has a track record.
Best to all and thank for letting me share.
John
Swee Pea
for a fridge anytime.