I am new to the group and looking for a 16 cruiser

Those who have 16's love them but I don't think too many couples spend nights aboard them, some do as a singlehand trip. Pat and Patty Anderson have done so and they may chime in here. The C-Dory website (www.c-dory.com) gives the specs of all the models and lists the Vee berth area of the 16 cruiser as 6' from bow to bulkhead. Outside beam is 6'6". My wife and I have a 22 cruiser and have spent as long as five weeks aboard her with little difficulty. A 19 might be better for you though they are harder to find because there are fewer of them around. Check the C-Dorys for sale by owner on the brats home page (lower right side) that is usually the most productive location for used boats. Naturally our preference is the 22 cruiser, it is easily trailerable, has amenities like a galley, I'm 6'2" and Patti and I have plenty of room in the Vee berth, plus it is a closed cabin with (usually) heat. Good luck finding what you want.
 
I think you would be very cramped in a 16, especially coming from a beautiful trawler as you own currently. The Angler, which is noted on Craig's list has a minimal platform forward--about 4 feet long--the Cruiser is larger, but still there are other logistic problems. We have seen people on 16 cruisers cruising the inland passage, so it can be done....but not comfortable for me--and I am about 188# 6' 2".
 
We had a 16 and it was a great little boat. Wonderful for crabbing and fishing when the conditions were right. However we never thought about spending nights on board (and I am a small guy). The v-berth is tight and without a bulkhead in the PNW the evenings are so cool to make sleeping difficult. I'd recommend a bigger c-dory if you plan on spending any significant amount of time on board. It can be done but it would be very tight.
 
My girlfriend and I spend the night on the boat all the time. I have also spent up to 4 days underway with my 13 year old son. It is fine if:
You are small (< 5'9")
You are agile
You don't mind a porta potti OR
Getting up in the middle of the night to run to the marina head OR
You don't mind hopping in the water at anchor
You don't intend to really cook on the boat
You have a small propane stove for coffee
You view it as camping on the water

For what it is worth, full size sheets fit the V-berth perfectly.
It is all in what you are looking for, but it is very doable.
 
avitucci":3kpvo3qd said:
We are downsizing, this is our previous boat:

http://www.dixdesign.com/echo38.htm

I am wondering,...just how comfortable the v berth is? we plan on one or two nights at a time. Any input from those guys who wear XXL? (but not too tall).
Click to expand...

After looking at your trawler, the thought of "down sizing" to a 16 seems pretty extreme. That is going to no galley, no heat, one seat each, no storage. Something like going from a motor coach to bicycle camping. It might work for you, but are you sure the finer half is going to be OK with roughing it for overnights. (I may get crosswise herewith several friends who have 16's but no offense meant). They are pretty cramped for 2 for overnighting. Admitted, I have not had a 16 C-Dory, but I have spent up to a week at a time on a Montgomery 15, and it is like backpack sailing, compared to the 22 Cruiser.

"If Momma's not happy, nobody is" so I'd find a 16 somewhere and go for a ride with her and the owner. Check out the spaces and the ride. And take along a cooler, 2 sleeping bags, a couple of daypacks, a deck chair or 2, and whatever else you feel you "have to have" on board.

Best of luck. Enjoy, time together and time on the water.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Something I can give first hand advice on:

Others are pretty much spot on here. My first cdory was a 16-angler. I consider myself fairly minimalist, and I managed to enjoy a summer of camping on mine, but over-all I'd report that the 16 is just too small for comfort--especially with two people. The cruiser model will help a little, but not enough IMHO. If you're going cdory, the 22 is really the way to go.

I hope this helps.

BDN
 
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