Canadians buying C-Dorys...

R

Ron Bennie

New member
This will prove how naive I am...oh well, here goes. We (wife and self) are seriously looking for some figures regarding the complete packaging of a new 22 or 25 in Canadian funds. The question is...are there any Canadian C-Dory owners on this site who purchased their boat from a US dealer or from the C-Dory factory or must one negotiate only through a Canadian dealer? There appears to be 2 Canadian dealers. One unfortunately does not have a website functioning and the other in Port Alberni doesn't appear to stock many new boats. Either these boats are too pricey for the Canadian market or they just can't keep them in stock, I'm not sure...I haven't contacted either only because I hate approaching dealers unless I'm really a player with a cheque in hand. Watching the action on this site, it seems at least for the west coast, E.Q. Harbor Service outfits a lot of new boats and keeps new boats in stock. I like that they have a great reputation and thorough understanding when it comes to outfitting a C-Dory. Maybe our Canadian dealers are just as good?

Anyway, boating fever is consuming my brain and during the last of my tirades my wife said "Oh, let's just do it!!" It reminded me of Patti Anderson's line "let's just see what the deal is" and we all know what happened next.

I'm also wondering about this because it concerns me how big the waiting list is for a new boat. At least some dealers may have unsold boats that are on preorder. How long is the delivery time now for a 22 or 25? If you stuck a deal today how long would the wait be for either boat?

I'm thinking that the C-Dory 25 when all is said and done, would come out at around $100,000 Can. including GST and the 22 somewhere around $60,000 Can. A second hand boat sure appeals to me considering those numbers. Yet when you consider vacation property though and the type of use we have planned for the boat for hopefully decades to come, it seems reasonable (or I'm just crazy).

Okay I've put the question out there...time to get out.

Happy boating to all...

Ron B.
 
No Ron, you're not crazy - just C-dory addicted like the rest of us.

"Hi, I'm Casey ... and I'm a C-Dory addict...blah, blah, blah..."

You are correct about Les and Kathy at EQ Marine. Great folks, and Extremely knowledgeable when it comes to C-Dory stuff. I can't comment on the dealership at Port Aberni, but can say (with confidence), EQ is first rate. Sounds like you already knew that.

C-Dory's, built as they are, are reasonably forthright when it comes to rigging. They are largely open for wire runs, etc. What, in my opinion is the challenge, is the rather incredible amount of stuff many of us ask our dealers to install. Installation of radios, radar, autopilot, windlass, shorepower, trim tabs, battery monitors, hydraulic steering, radar arches, etc on a boat is not novel; but putting all this stuff on a 22 foot boat will challenge the rigger! My personal opinion is - that's where EQ Les shines.

Les is a bit of a frustrated inventor. He seems at-his-best when someone comes to him (check in hand preferably...) with a request that is just a little off-center. Give him a challenge. Challenge him to be a bit of an R&D shop, with requirements that are a little off-the-wall. Make him think about an installation; better yet, make him wake-up in the middle of the night with the "Ah Hah!, I've GOT it..." solution! He'll love it. Do that...and you might even see him smile (I did earlier this year; almost gave me a heart attack). Other dealerships can certainly do a credible job of rigging a boat, but EQ seems to thrive on challenge (but they also pay the rent with "normal" jobs). I am thinking of asking Les how to convert our boat over to nuclear power - talk about extending the range! ...heh, heh, heh. That'll give him something to ponder for a while.

As to your thoughts about buying and the exchange rate. I'm not expert on that subject but my hunch is you will find it easier to get your bids in USD, then pull-out your trusty calculator and make the conversion. Probably be a good idea to do that while sitting down.

One thought RE GST. Is there a different tax scheme for used items? I realize that C-Dory's are expensive, and even the used market will knock our socks off, but if you found the right boat - could you save any GST money by buying used? Just a thought.

Anyway, good luck; and you'll be all right. There are a lot of really nice folks here in the C-Dory asylum.

Casey
C-Dory Naknek
 
Ron;
I have purchased a Cdory from the States and although it was used and a private deal, you still pay GST and PST on the boat at the border. You also pay the PST on the trailer when you register it. If the Cdory dealer I am thinking you are talking about is in Langley BC, then don't hold your breath for a lot of answers. The Cdory is not their main boat line. I was in there many times before I bought, and wasn't to impressed with their interest level. If you watch this forum long enough I'm sure you will find a good used boat that will suit your needs. Plus half the fun is rigging it out the way you want it after you get it home. Yes, the exchange sucks, but you will be happy in the end. Good luck and happy hunting
Jimbo
 
Hi Ron: As per previous e-mail, I purchased a 16 cruiser from Port Boathouse in Port Alberni in April. They weren't much help with the lousy weather out there, but they were really good to deal with and they know what they're doing. Ask for Bob Cole. (250-724-5754)
 
Hey Doug:

I really hope you're enjoying that C-Dory 16. I happened to find an article about Bob Cole in a Canadian boating magazine and it painted a very flattering portrait of this fine family business and how they've earned the good reputation they enjoy.

I will be playing around on a 16 as well this summer. My father has hit a rough patch with his health these last few years, and has decided to hand over his boat to me. Times being what they are, I've taken him up on the offer, even though it's not a C-Dory. He bought the boat nearly 30 years ago and we have great memories associated with it. I will still be addicted to this site and have my sights set on a C-dory in the future. I'll be watching out for your little ship around Alberta. I probably just have to look for a crowd surrounding a boat and that'll be you.

Happy C-Dorying Canadian style...

Ron
 
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