Looking at a C-Dory

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wiphilly

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I am in the process of selling my current center console boat and looking to replace it with a C-Dory. I am debating between a 19' angler and 16' cruiser. I have looked at a couple of 16' cruisers, but finding a 19' seems to be much more difficult to find. Any comments on one vs the other I am leaning toward a 16 as I find they are more readily available and mor ein line with my pocketbook, but feel the 19 would be a better long term purchase. I am looking for daily trips around the Pamilco/Neuse River basin with occational trips across the sound or near shore. 90% or more of the time it is just two adults and a child that are in the boat. However, we do occationally, like to take another couple with for a sunset trip around the area. I will fish, but very little.

Also am curious if anyone near Eastern North Carolina would be willing to let me see their 19' Angler?

I have looked at the 22' cruiser and angler; but feel it would be more than my neighborhood boat ramp could handle as it is a narrow creek that feeds into the Pamlico; and I would really like to be able to use that landing versus trailering down the road most days.

Thank You.
 
I used to live down that way. This time of year, I really miss the warm weather.....

If you are considering a 19, I have found that a 22 really isn't much bigger at the ramp. I take mine to many small lakes with crummy ramps and it is managable enough. Sometimes I get some pretty dirty looks from the guys in the 12 foot cartoppers....oh well...

Basically, I am having a hard time envisioning a dock/ramp where a 19 would work, but the 22 would be too big. It is your dollar of course, but you may want to reconsider as the extra 3 feet of boat is nice to have.
 
If dealing with a 22 at that ramp is too difficult, it would probably be the same for a 19. That said, you probably, with some experience, could handle either of them there. The 19 is simply a shortened 22. I had a 22 and my friend has a 19, and frankly,except for the lack of dinette and galley on the 19, I can't tell the difference. The 16 footer is a whole different boat. Whatever you end up with, you're gonna love it.
 
Marty, I suppose the 19 owners will come down on me, but I think there are a few things a propective 19 buyer ought to know. The 19 is not just a "shortened" 22. First, there is that balance thing. The 22 Cruiser, 22 Angler and the 16 Angler are all well balanced (have proper weight distribution), that is, the bow is at a proper angle without the need for trim tabs. The 19, like the 16 Cruiser is not well balanced, it is too stern heavy and the bow rides too high unless you have trim tabs. This is kind of an "Emperor has no clothes" kind of thing, people seem reluctant to say it but most everyone knows it is true. Second, it is not just the lack of a dinette - it is the whole space thing. If you put some kind of rear bulkhead on the 19 Angler, and you pretty much have to if you want to keep warm, there is virtually NO elbow room. Just ask Ruth and Joe - you have to get along VERY well to be able to spend any extended time in that space!

dotnmarty":3bbp1nyy said:
If dealing with a 22 at that ramp is too difficult, it would probably be the same for a 19. That said, you probably, with some experience, could handle either of them there. The 19 is simply a shortened 22. I had a 22 and my friend has a 19, and frankly,except for the lack of dinette and galley on the 19, I can't tell the difference. The 16 footer is a whole different boat. Whatever you end up with, you're gonna love it.
Click to expand...
 
Pat-You are of course, correct
 
Thank you everyone for your comments.

T.R. Bauer - As a matter of fact, we moved here a couple of years ago. used to live in upper Wisconsin and since being here find we spend more and more time on the water, especially since you can go anywhere.

Datnmarty and Pat - Thank You for your insight and the comments on the trim tabs was another question I had outstanding. To answer one question, even though I am looking at the 19', I am even a little hesitant that I will be able to get it in at my home ramp. The problem is the ramp is a bit shallow for the creek and by the time you get enough water under the boat your trailer is beyond the "end of boat ramp' sign. This is not a big issue as there is still another 6' of gravel but it gets eroded away by the currents and storms. However, there is one person that puts a 24' wellcraft in. The down side is he really tears up the gravel around the boat ramp every time he uses it eroding the ramp quicker. I do not want to be that guy. :) Right now with my 17' I can only put it in about 50% of the time comfortably. I am usually putting the boat in alone as well.

Thank You everyone again. I will take a closer look at my options... the 22 would be a nice size and have all the room I am looking for and there are more of them available. With everything said, there is a ramp about 15 mintues away and it is very nice that I could use. Just have to plan a bit more.
 
There is always a lot of information on c-brats.com for any question/s, sometimes too much for new folks trying to find their way.

Everyone is well intended and want to help.

I/we have had a 22 Classic, a 16 Angler and now have a 19’ Angler.

They each have been distinctly different boats and we loved each one for what they were/are.

Our wants, needs and experienced have also changed along the way also.

I believe that you can do all the research you want to, ask all/any questions, listen to all the wisdom, but buy any of them and you just can’t go wrong.

Just take your time, try to get a test ride in each along the way, follow your judgment and Just get started, your first CD may not be your last.

Regards,

Ron Fisher
 
If your current 17' boat is a deep V shaped hull, you may actually need more water or have to back in further to launch than a 22' C-Dory. The slope of the ramp is another factor. I have found that I can get my 25' C-Dory into places where I was concerned about launching a 17' catboat with a short keel.

What does your current boat draft, and how far above the ground is your waterline at the stern while on the trailer?

An enclosed cabin is great when you have a child aboard. 4 adults for a sunset cruise? Yep, the 22 is a very versatile boat.

Good luck with your search. This forum is a great place to learn more from the comfort of your living room.
 
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