C-Dory Factory Questions for the Group

We had a 99 cruiser with dacraguard interior . I think from a mfg standpoint molded interior would be easier to build and cheaper in the long run . we sold our cruiser in 08 and bought the cape cruiser with molded interior much ,much nicer .The molder interior looks like a finished boat not some amatuer boat builder .The cape cruiser can stand with any boat line Sea sport ,Parker ,Whaler etc and be recognized as a quality product not so with the dacraguard finish .This is just my humble opinion BTW I sell for a variety of boat builders at all the major boat shows on the East coast .
 
While I don't know if this is fact or not but it would seem to me that the molded interior would make for a lot stiffer quieter hull. Both my C-Dory's were molded and I had no trouble making interior mods (pics in album) actually I found it easier being able to tab in supports than screwing to the core. I do agree the wood interior looks better. Why not offer a model with no interrior?
I'd definately offer storage under the v-berth if removing floation isn't a problem.
 
Hello again,

Yes, I will post pictures of our simple interior later.

First, somehow, I believe that there is some happy medium between both ends of the interior design spectrum (moulded or wood).

Liking clean simple lines and not needing a extensive “control center” to operate our boat, dictated how we replaced the interior in our 22 Classic.

I notice that the previous owner of R-Dory was absolutely nuts over electronic nav aides, with strung wires and drilled holes everywhere (I’m sure the display/s were impressive but a total overkill).

Where we live and as a fair weather pleasure boater, obviously our needs are much different that the ocean going explorer/adventurer.

With this in mind, would/could the interior be planned (moulded) in such a way to accommodate various features, hide wires, efficiently mount nav aids with wood panels where ever to add the charm/warmth that most respond to.

Obviously designing this way could offer different levels of interiors to choose from at time of purchase and/or upgrades to be purchased later.
 
Dido starcrafttom and Adeline. Also not as professional looking but more inviting and comfortable looking. I have a 2002 CD-22 and have done lots of minor modifications to the interior which would not have happened with a molded interior because I don't want to mess with fiberglass.

Jay
 
I like the interior of the 23 Venture. I think it feels very finished, and warm with the teak accents that are in the boat.

There was talk at Fluid of someday making the various interior molded pieces of the 22 into a one piece liner like the 23 Venture to reduce production costs.

One feature is that I think the glassed in modules make the boat stronger- how much so, I don't know, and there are tons of older C-Dory's with stick built interiors running around, so I guess that isn't an issue.

We just listed a 2006 25 Cruiser, and I don't think the decraguard is holding up as well as the fiberglass equivilent in the newer boats in some areas (like the step into the cabin) but that could be easily fixed by going to a teak step instead.

Whatever you do, I think keeping the sliding dinete seat that can face either way is important.
 
Matt Gurnsey":1tpnb4no said:
Whatever you do, I think keeping the sliding dinete seat that can face either way is important.

Agreed, the foreward facing seat was a deal maker-breaker for us.
I like the easily modified Decraguard interior on our '05 22 Cruiser.
 
First, thanks for asking us what we think. You guys have an extremely valuable resource here in a VERY active owner's group. Even a cursory glance through a few photo albums will show that we've "been there, done that" with so many things. Where do you think the forward facing seat idea came from?

Tom said it very well, but I'll be a bit more blunt...I think molded interiors look (and sound) cheap and chinsey. I'll take the wood cabinets every time. They are so much easier for the average guy to modify and repair. Let's face it, most of us make modifications of one sort or another. Sure, not everyone makes huge changes, but it's nice to know that future projects are within reach of the average Joe with typical tools. I'd like to see the boats return to being built with the old comparison to the Jeep or VW. Most folks LIKE the utilitarian-type look of the CD. It's part of what appeals to many of us in the first place. If we wanted a dang Sea Ray, we'd have bought one! Most of us like the simplicity and ease of maintenance and care. There at the end of the last regime, I think the boats started to get away from that philosophy. A little teak trim is a nice touch, but I don't think that the typical CD owner is looking for a "fancy" boat. If someone wants molded stuff and headliners, well, there's always the Ventures, but I don't like them. Some folks do.

Some folks are going to like it, some not, some don't care. But I feel that for the typical CD buyer, the wood is better. We're a bunch of folks who like to tinker with stuff, for better or worse. The CD is very much a "niche" boat and not for everyone.

In fact, if we were looking to get a new CD I would not buy one with the molded interior. I'd rather buy an older one with the wood. I just can't imagine us ever parting with Foggy Dew, though.

Just my two cents...

Rick
 
I will speak only to the 22.
I prefer the decraguard interior. For all the reasons stated, warmer, more adaptable, better access, better customization, etc. I think the decragauard interior doesn't look as finished as the molded interior when the boat is brand new. But once it is adjusted and decorated and etc. by the owner it looks very good. That is why so many future owners are sold after viewing other owners' boats. The lived in boat looks more impressive, not less. My guess is that the majority of experienced owners prefer the older style interior.

I also prefer the older cockpit hulls without built in flooring. I like the added depth, the ability to customize with flooring or drideck or carpet or mats, the no hidden compartments or spaces. This may not be the majority view, don't know.

Regards,
Mark
 
On the topic of the cockpit floor in the 22 Cruiser- I think removing this feature would be a huge step backwards in design and function.

I would also caution against making long option lists on these boats, as that will only raise production costs, and discourage dealers from stocking the product.
 
Matt, I agree with you on the floors. My boat did not have a raised floor to state with and I like it a lot but after adding a floor i would never go back. it is by far the second best thing i have had done to the boat. the first was building a decent fish box.

as for options, I was not thinking for the factor having a long list of add ons, the list of options on the current sea sports is extensive, but rather as the factory adds standard items, doors, hatches that they make these new items available to the public for purchase so we can preform our own upgrades.
 
Scott,

Thanks for checking in here. Sounds like you are keeping your finger on the pulse of the C-Dory, and I can assure you that is appreciated by every C-Brat active here, ( Might be stepping out on a limb here but I think it's a safe one and probably no poll needed.)

We have an 05 with the decraguard interior which had several beautiful modifications done prior to our purchase. Drawers under the helm seat, over the water tank, and racks under the galley counter as well as above, (all teak), done by a cabinet maker. Done with wood and looks warm and nautical. We like it that way.

I have been on other boats with the glass (Plastic, drop-in) interiors and they look cookie cutter stamped. They may have some structural advantages, if designed that way, however as mention earlier, there are a ton of C-Dorys running around that have held together pretty well without that component.

On our 22 Cruiser, I like the "no floor" style, but then I don't fish so the cockpit washdown is done after we take the boat out not while we are out fishing. It may be a worth while option to keep.

The reference has been made to the jeep or VW comparison and (here's a poll idea) I would bet that most C-Dory owners have owned on or more of the "utility" vehicles before SUV were found in every suburban driveway. Maybe it is a common thread that we like "utility". I like to be able to wipe a spill up with a towel, or wipe some moisture off the wall, and not have to worry that the liner is stained or that there is a moisture behind something somewhere. There are some interior photos in our album, under "New to Us" on the first page.

Like some of the others here, I have looked at the Sea Sport boats and they are very nice. I have talked to many very satisfied owners of Sea Sports and they have reason to be proud, as do you. Change is (even though we resist) inevitable, and change for better is always optimal. I want to say thanks for picking up the C-Dory line, and look forward to building a strong relationship, to go along with a strong NW tradition. The C-Dory will be unique program. You folks are experts in manufacturing, and There are some experts on this side of the site that can and will be great resources. Again, thanks for considering us a resource, and I hope this is helpful.

Best regards,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I also think that having a raised cockpit floor to eliminate standing in water all the time, is the best feature I had on my Snoopy-C. Keeping my feet out of the water is a priority for me. For those that feel that the "security" of having higher gunnels is important, railing on the gunnels could add to the secure feeling. I too feel that having high gunnels, or other means to stop me from going overboard, is important. Ron
 
Matt Gurnsey":16ps7ief said:
I would also caution against making long option lists on these boats, as that will only raise production costs, and discourage dealers from stocking the product.

This is an interesting comment. How many boats does the average C-Dory dealer stock anyway? And isn't having too much stock and too few customers the current challenge for dealers?

I remember when I bought my first car. I went to the dealer who had a floor model. Then you sat down with the salesman and placed an order with all the options you wanted. Negotiated a price, signed a contract, and the car was built for you. Come to think of it, this was sorta the way I bought my C- dory from Cutter Marine. The only difference was that most of the options could be installed by the dealer (Cutter); swim step, shore power etc.

As a car customer, I liked the ability to pick and choose the options and have them factory installed. Thought this allowed the factory to have ultimate quality control over the finished product plus I had a vehicle totally customized for me. I also thought from a dealer's perspective, this was a beneficial arraignment as well. It wasn't necessary to keep a large inventory, just order one and get a delivery date. No worry about major inventory/expense woes. Now I realize that the customer with the need it now motive couldn't wait, so they either bought the floor model, bought from limited stock on hand, or searched for a dealer who had what they wanted or bought another brand. The buyer might even be enticed to buy a nice used model off the dealer's lot. Dealers were savy enough to see what was ordered most, and inventoried based on that and sales projections. Other options could be dealer installed.

I would think in the case of the C-Dory market, the build to order model might work. As a customer, a little longer build time for a longer option list would make the wait worthwhile. And the dealer doesn't have to shell out as much money on inventory. Just color option could delay purchase anyway. I had to have a green accent on my boat, so Cutter had to order one to be built. Of course, the factory must be able to support this type of sales model by being able to supply/produce efficiently and within a reasonable amount of time without significant price increases (except for increased costs for the additional options you choose). We will see if the new ownership can or is willing to go in this direction. In this slow buying market, it might be the way to go.

I know that I have not factored in all possibilities, especially from the dealer's perspective. But I would not turn a deaf ear to the possibility of an increased option list.

As I started this response, "it is interesting." My real hope is that the new owners of C-Dory and their dealers alike survive and prosper. This obviously benefits us, the end users. From the recent posts of the new ownership, because of the current great network of dealers, and the support of owners though this great site, the future looks bright.

John
Swee Pea
 
Scott
Just to add my 2 cents. I LIKE C-Dorys, all C-Dorys. I like my 07 22', my buddies 89 16'. And maybe in a couple of years when Kathy and I retire we will upgrade to a 25'. I like the new interior, and I like the old. I like the modifications people have done to their boats. And am in general very impressed with the work. But other than adding a kicker, electrics and a couple of down riggers I have not felt a need to change a darn thing. After 3 years of ownership it still makes me smile just walking past it in the driveway. Please just keep making a quality boat. Thanks for letting me go on record.

Chuck
Bootleg Hooch
 
C-Otter":2vi4sv4w said:
Swee Pea: By a dealer ordering a boat, one at a time,the cross country shipping cost would be out of sight. C-Otter

Probably. But shipping might be split among east coast dealers on a multiple dealer "shipping order", or could be added to a stock order for the dealer. Midwest dealers could get in on the truck headed east, Yada, yada, yada. I remember seeing the picture of a pickup truck hauling several C-Dories at once. I know that there isn't a really large network of C-Dory dealers, but it may be an option. Also, realize that all of us east coasties, when we bought our boats, paid shipping. It was factored in the purchase price. TINSTAAFL.

I know that RV dealers ship units across country. One of the costs to factor in. Northstar, the manufacturer of my truck camper, ships to dealers in Europe. Where there is a will, there's a way. I suppose custom ordering would be an option, delivery TBD by delivery of other boats to dealers directly or indirectly tag teamed with other dealer's orders. Or a customer would be willing to accept FOB terms.

Don't know. Just thinking out loud.

John
Swee Pea
 
Scott,
Thanks for the 'open door'.

CD25........

Like Sweet Pea, I ordered my 2005 CD25, Sea Angel, from Cutter and had several options, like the Wallas, A/C and wiring for twin OBs setup, to name a few.

It has about the same interior setup as Sweet Pea's with enough teak trim to raise it above the utilitary level of a work boat; but, with an air of class.

There are numerous predelivery pixs of the 2005 CD25, Sea Angel, in its album. Many mods installed have grown out of wants and needs, fed by this wonderful group.

Sea Angel was power rigged locally due to the distance I would have to travel for service, etc. to Baltimore, MD from VA. Beach, VA. The setup that CUTTER did supply was FIRST CLASS!

In looking at the 2005 verses the 2006 and newer, I prefer the suttle difference for cruising. Mainly the holding tank size. It is much larger, about 20 gal. verses 9 gal., for those extended weekends with a small family.

On the DC Power panel:
A. I would like to have seen a 3-way switch for the bildge pumps, rather than ON-OFF.
B. Wiper switches with a spring loaded-MOM. ON-OFF-ON position for wiper control.
C. Reverse the location of the water pump and horn switches as the top two switches and the horn switch to be spring loaded.

Again, Scott, thanks for the opened door. I'm sure this will pay dividends in the long run. The priceless joy I have with my CD25 as it recharges my batteries, is almost like the pride of showing one's grandchildren pictures to anyone who will stand still.

Art
 
I would like to thank you all for your valuable feedback, and a special thanks to those who sent me pictures. This type of interaction goes a long ways in helping me determine a course of action during the manufacturing process. Frankly speaking, I dislike the molded interior due simply to the fact that it does not allow me to create a distinct look and feel for each individual boat. With that said I will keep as an open idea arrangement at this time, as I am not sold in one particular direction.

Now I have another question, how long has the hull been used as the floor for the interior, always? This specific feature has bothered me from the get go and I would like to hear your feedback on this.

In regards to option lists, I prefer to build as much as possible at the factory level, as I agree that it makes for a more enjoyable buying experience. However confusion does happen with too many options, and our dealers are VERY competent at installation of options. I would say right now we are going to keep things as is, but know that you can, when buying a C-dory, ask for any option and it will be discussed between myself and the dealer and a course of action will be determined immediately on who should do the installation.

We have just completed our First 25' Cruiser for Port Boathouse, which brings our total to (5) new C-Dory's built and delivered. The more we build the more ideas I am starting to consider so stay tuned and I will do my best to update as I progress.

Thanks again to all and keep the ideas flowing.

Sincerely,

Scott Boysen
 
Hello Scott, as far as I know all of the 16', 22' and 25' C-dorys have been built with the bottom used as the cabin floor. Other than a little more noise it has not been a problem. I know for myself, with our 22' Crusier with the standard cabin top height, it would not be as comfortable with any loss in height. I am about 6' 3 '' so it would be a problem for me, but not for shorter people. Thanks for the update on boats built so far. Will their be any new C-dorys at the SBS? If so which models do you plan to have on display?
 
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