launching and retrieving larger than 22 cruiser

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daveinthekeys

New member
I have sold my C-Dory 22 Cruiser a 7 years ago. But for eight years of ownership often launched and retrieved the boat by myself. It was easy.

Now, at 67 yrs old and seemingly in good condition, I am considering which C-Dory to purchase this time.

I again will be on my own for most of the launch and retrieval.

I assume a 22 Cruiser is still ok.

I assume a 23 Venture is probably ok.

I am wondering about a 25 Cruiser.

I have an adequate truck (RAM 1500 4 x 4 with Hemi V8)

Are people generally ok loading and unloading the C-Dory 25 on their own?
 
I would have to say go for the 22 cruiser. Does everything well.
A fully loaded 25 would be heavy for a 1500 even if its within its tow rating( twice the weight of a 22 cruiser ) and more of a handful to deal with on and off the trailer. The advertised weight of the 25 is roughly half of what a fully loaded 25 actually is, around 10,000 lbs.
 
FWIW,

We went from a 22 Cruiser to a diesel I/O powered 26 footer that weighed upwards of 10,000 lb on the water. For 10+ years I towed launched and retrieved by myself. It had to be done carefully, planning ahead, not being in a hurry, and minimizing risk, but always went well.
 
The C-Dory 25 loaded with fuel/water/cruising stuff weighs ~7400 lbs. Dry (no fuel/water/provisions), ~6300 lbs. The steel trailer weighs ~2000 lbs. You can translate that into your own trucks capacity. Hauled and launched Journey On for 15 years, haven't lost it yet.

I've hauled a C-Dory 25 with a 1/2 ton Chevvie with a V8 and auto with EOH brakes. So any similar 1/2 ton can haul it.

As far as launching it, we always launch next to a dock, so that no one has to be in the boat when launched or climb over the bow. That said, to keep the truck/boat from sliding down the ramp, Judy stands on the brakes when launching, thus using all 4 truck brakes and the trailer brakes. Worked so far, even on the sketchy ramps we've seen. To eliminate the need for a second person, make a wedge to jam the brake pedal down when launching.

Boris

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We travel with considerably heavier boat than Boris. We are in the 8,000 lb range, but have two chest refer/freezers, more batteries, inverter, dinghy, food and gear for. a month etc.

I towed with a Yukon XL--(1/2 ton with heavy duty tow package). Transmission over heated on the grapevine. on I 5. Cooled it down synthetic fluid changed, No problem.

We towed our first 2003 C Dory with a Ford Excursion 3/4 Ton, 7.3L diesel--better. Now have a 2019 F 250 with full tow package 4 x4 etc 6.7L diesel huge difference than with Yukon it replaced. Yukon would do it...but I feel safer with the larger truck and diesel. (also has compression/transmission retard system, as well as E/H brakes on the trailer.

No problem for us to launch. 2 years ago there were 3 22's and our 25 all hauled out at the same time. Our 25 appeared to be much easier to get out. It all depends on how you have the trailer setup.

I also towed our first 25 with a 30' RV, and launched solo at the Sequim JW Marina ramp (Steep, slippery and narrow,

I am currently 84 years old. Some days I feel it--other not, but do have significant arthritis, back and heart disease. Boating is important in our lives. If you can no longer launch, there are always plenty of places who will launch the boat for you.

Boat handling is about the same. I have always said larger boats to a point. (and we dual. handed a 62 footer for many thousands of miles) were easier because of their stability and mass.

Go for it. You will not regret.
 
I’m towing with a Ford F150 with the 5.0l V8. Works fine. I upgraded to a 25 from my 22 this year. Both on aluminum trailers the 22 weighed 5100 lbs, the 25 weighs in at 7700 lbs. I do a lot of soloing and don’t find the 25 any harder to launch and load than the 22. The only difference is I have to use a ladder on the trailered 25 instead of just jumping up using the fenders like I did on the trailered 22 because of the height of the 25. Colbyl
 
I have a 26 venture that i launch by myself all the time no problems. I also tow the boat with a 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4. never had any problems towing, even at 70 mph. Fully loaded for a two week cruse and 100 gallons of fuel. Brakes on the trailer are a must. JUST TAKE YOUR TIME.
 
In Florida no problem with the 1/2 tons. There are two ways the 3/4 tons shine--one is the weight--in the 1/2 ton I put in air bags--no significant "sag" with the 3/4 ton. The other is towing in the mountains. Especially "Western Grades". But there are some significant grades in some of the Eastern Moutains also--just usually not as long as Western.
 
In Florida no problem with the 1/2 tons
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Nor have I experienced any problems towing either a 22 or 25 across the Continental Divide with my half ton F150! (Or a 22 behind a Toyota Highlander, for that matter. :) ) But I had electric brakes on the 22, and EOH disc on the 25. That is until I lost a caliper somewhere in the Rockies. Half ton still did a good job, even going down hills. Just used engine braking and judicial use of brakes. :o ! Colby
 
Thank you for the replies. I would be happy to get a bigger truck. Though it seems like my current one is somewhat able for the short trips. Good brakes are more important than anything else. Thanks for that reminder.

I don't always solo. But want that option.

I also have a boat lift. The trailer idea is for special trips launching from Penny Camp State Park in Key Largo or Flamingo in Everglades National Park. Both have docks and are an hour or two away from me in Marathon.

The idea of using a ladder to climb aboard when on the trailer is the worst news I have heard so far regarding the C-Dory 25. But I do own a ladder.

Thank you again.
 
We have climbed aboard from the modified swim step ladder. At home we use a 6' folding ladder. When on the "Road" we use a "collapsing" ladder. Some folks have either a folding ladder or built in ladder on the bow trailer. Also some have a ladder from the foredeck. Lots of options. We use the boat when on the road as a "Boater Home" In RV parks, Cracker Barrel, WalMart, Home Depot etc. parking lots. We just pull the ladder up at night.

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If you're not sure of what to do, no matter what the job (big v small, heavy v
light, tall v shrimpy, somewhere in between, etc, etc), the answer is simple.

Match your knowledge, experience and confidence to the job.

'Words' from others really are not that helpful.

Aye.
Grandpa used to say, "You are as strong as you want to be."
 
"Match your knowledge, experience and confidence to the job.

'Words' from others really are not that helpful."
Click to expand...


My Dad always said, “If you are too smart to learn from other peoples experience, you are probably going to have to repeat their learning process, and not everyone does everything exactly right the first time around. Be prepared for a bumpy learning process.”

Words from others -- kind of like the reason some of us, (dare I say most), are here.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

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Dave, I would really consider going back to the 22. It is ideal for single handing, (I have been doing mine singlehand for 12 years) and it is still easy, and the perfect fit for a weekend or a month on board.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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