Headroom standing

H

hump5776

New member
I am new to the C Dory scene. I am not an owner but seriously considering a 22, although I have never been onboard one.
Although I have never been aboard a C Dory they seem to attract my attention with their functional value. I have never been in an enclosed boat so I am not sure that it is for me. I am wondering if one can stand up and drive or is there not enough headroom. I am just not sure that I could get used not standing and having the wind in my face, it seems like it would feel like you are indoors or in a car rather than in a boat?? I would appreciate any feedback...
Thanks, Bill
 
In a standard C-22 in smooth water, the maximum operator height limit is 6'2.25" tall if you still have hair on top. 6'3 if you suffer from Male Pattern Baldness. C-Dory makes a "Tall Top" version that gives 3" more headroom inside and is highly recommended for tall folk.

Don
 
Well I know you dont live in Alaska :D
An enclosed cabin up here is definately a blessing.
If you live where it rains at all you'll like having the hard top.

Shaun
 
Bill:

If you're in the South, it's got good and bad points, if you're going with the wind (at the speed of the wind) it can get uncomfortable -- mainly this comes into play if you're trolling on a downwind leg. Otherwise, just stand in the center and steer with the wind in your face like normal and relish that you won't come in looking like cooked lobster (unless you want to). So far it's worked out great -- dry in the pop-up storms we get down here and definately a feeling of security you don't get in the open boats. The taller top option keeps the heat further away from you and that's a real blessing down here. I note the taller top was probably harder to heat though in winter (keep the heat down low) which I cured by blocking the area off with cardboard (just taped a sheet up there) and kept the heat lower in the cabin (28 degrees).

Good luck!
 
Hump.
My wife and I have always had enclosed helms. We boat on the Ches. Bay in the summer and Fla. in the winter. The enclosed house actually is cooler in the real hot weather than a bridge with a canvas top. I think the cored FG is a good insulater. With the opening front window on the CD-22 we will get plenty of air. Our last boat was a Rosborough RF-246 and it did not have the front window. The pilot house doors worked OK for air.
When we sea trailed the dory the front window worked very well for just the right amount of cooling.

We just ordered our 22 with a 90HP Honda from Cutter in Middle River.

Fred and Pat Messerly
 
Where do you live? I'd bet a lot of people would be willing to give you a ride on their C-dory so you can see how you like it and how the headroom works for you.

Also, if you really need the wind in you face, you can either open the front window (as other have suggested) or stick your head out a side window (works for my dog :D ) . But most of the time, you'll like to roof overhead.

Roger on the SeaDNA
 
That is the one thing I miss the most - standing up with 360 deg. viewing. It is a trade off. Warm & dry. All of my foul weather gear rarely gets used anymore! Four layers for AK boating, only three in the PNW. Now it is shorts year round in the C-Dory.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I live in Michigan around the detroit area and boat the river, lake erie and lake huron in the U.P., I am attracted to the c-dory22 because the trailerability to my favorite spots 350 miles away in the upper peninsula and the fuel economy and the function of the boat. My only concern was that I cannot stand up and drive and I hear mixed feelings about the ride in a chop although it seems many members hear seem to boat in areas that can be very rough and my last concern is that I mentioned earlier is that it will feel like I am in a building and not out on the water. One last question: do you have good view while standing in the cabin or do you have to crouch to see forward while driving or just standing anywhere while underway??
Thanks everybody.
 
hump5776":11xafyes said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. I live in Michigan around the detroit area and boat the river, lake erie and lake huron in the U.P., I am attracted to the c-dory22 because the trailerability to my favorite spots 350 miles away in the upper peninsula and the fuel economy and the function of the boat. My only concern was that I cannot stand up and drive and I hear mixed feelings about the ride in a chop although it seems many members hear seem to boat in areas that can be very rough and my last concern is that I mentioned earlier is that it will feel like I am in a building and not out on the water. One last question: do you have good view while standing in the cabin or do you have to crouch to see forward while driving or just standing anywhere while underway??
Thanks everybody.
Click to expand...

1) Hopefully some generous C-brat in the Detroit area will give you a ride. Anyone???
2) You can drive while standing - I do it regularly, I stand in the center and steer with my right hand. I do this mostly in rough water as it allows my legs to act as springs and the factory seat is not the greatest when things are a bit bouncy. Also I just like to stand sometimes. The only downside is that I'm about 2' from the throttle so this driving position is not for use at high speed, in traffic or in waters with lots of floating junk and limited visibility.
3) Visibility out of the boat is good in all directions while seated or standing - a bit better while seated as depending on your height, you may need to lean over a little to see under the brim or electronics shelf while standing.
4) The best thing about the cabin is that it will extend your boating season by 1-3 months on either end of the year. With the cabin and the wallas, the only reason to not go boating is that the water is no longer liquid.

Roger on the SeaDNA
 
Of course another option is to have a rear helm set up on the back of the cabin like Snoopy-C has done. Then you can have photos taken of you like this...
ron2.sized.jpg
 
Hump,

We take delivery of a 22 with Honda 90 and a 8 horse kicker from Cutter in a few weeks and live in Norton, OH, right outside Akron. We could meet you in the western basin of Lake Erie this summer and give you a ride on Valkyrie. Stay in touch.

Nick and Marcia
Valkyrie
 
Hump

I have the 22 ft with with the tall top and I am 6'3" and I can stand up with no problem. I run from Port Huron, MI to Marine City all the time from April to November in all type of weather (you know Michigan and the weather) so the cabin is the only way to go. On the St. Clair river or Lake St. Clair with a South wind trim tabs are a must (lots of chop and rolling waves). I also have pulled the boat to Northern Michigan and again no problem.

If you can get to Port Huron, Marine City or Lake St Clair I will be more than happy the take you for a spin or if you have any other questions let know.

Larry K
 
Back
Top