Looks like we're going for it!

C

chimoii

New member
We've been juggling the idea of a very different style of boat for a while. The first thought was a Ranger tug (I actually got the hat from the sister board!) and then the C-Dory. Took a ride on a 22 last week and was impressed. A big difference from the last boats (Boston Whaler) but we're looking at something to potter in rather than a fishing machine and the idea of a longer season with the cabin appeals. Now down to a choice between a CD 22 and a 23 Venture.

Watch this space!
 
Make sure you ride both boats in similar conditions . The 23 will handle the chop a lot better and give about the same economy .I've had both boats the c-22 and cape cruiser 23 the 23 will give you a little more cockpit space that's why we were interested .the c-22 cruiser will be about 700-800 lb lighter so that might be a consideratio when towing 3700lb vs 4500lb .Anyway good luck in your decision .If you were down here in fl you could try both of them. Jim on Jennykatz
 
Thanks Jim,

We are inclined toward the Venture. Need deeper pockets partly because of the twin 60's instead of twin 40's but like the idea of the extra weight. We won't be trailering so that's not an issue. Hope to take a Venture out later this week.
 
We made the switch from a 20 foot Whaler to a 22 cruiser last year and love the C-Dory. It's great to have a pilothouse in the PNW, and even though we can't cruise at 30-35 knots, being warm, dry, and comfortable more than makes up for it. The only time we use the Whaler now is if we have more people and gear than will fit on the C-Dory or if some people are cruising in the C-Dory and others need to get to the cabin.
 
I own a 22 c-d and have riding in the 23 venture and for a list of reasons would pick the venture over the C-dory. If you are going to fish I would get the venture. Just a little more room and more usable space in the back. You can put the batterys in the storage box in the back wall and not in the laz's like mine are. This gives you a lot more room for gear and you can use one side for bait or crab as it can be filled with water.
 
I have just started looking, and the same decision comes up. I was at Mater Marine 2 weeks ago doing a quick comparison (it was lightly snowing at the time) When I asked the sales person what I was looking at, he was not too thrilled to go outside and look. He kept the umbrella over himself and did not offer anything to my wife and I. Guess he really was not that interested in selling a boat. Will have to do a better comparison with a different dealer. We currently have an 18' Striper with a deep V.
 
Don and Brenda":1mhv9ntl said:
I have just started looking, and the same decision comes up. I was at Mater Marine 2 weeks ago doing a quick comparison (it was lightly snowing at the time) When I asked the sales person what I was looking at, he was not too thrilled to go outside and look. He kept the umbrella over himself and did not offer anything to my wife and I. Guess he really was not that interested in selling a boat. Will have to do a better comparison with a different dealer. We currently have an 18' Striper with a deep V.
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Sounds like Matt at Kitsap Marina is your guy. Good luck in your search. It's too bad Master Marine didn't show more interest in selling the boat. I would love to hear the other side. We've used Master Marine for servicing our Suzuki 90 and they always did a good job. Hmmm...
 
Peter

Glad to hear abou the good service, especially since this is the closest dealer to us. Could be because it was at lunch hour and obviously bad weather, but it did make it nice for me since the 2 models were right next to each other. Will have to get a second look next time I am up that way. By the way how do you like the Suzuki 90 as compared to the Honda or Yamaha?
 
I can't compare to the Hondas or Yamahas since I've never owned either of them but I really like the Suzuki 90. Very reliable, robust and smooth. It starts quickly every time. Love the fuel injection! Suzuki came out with new engines this year, I believe they are 80-90-100hp and are much lighter than our 90.

I know it's been said many times on this site that all the new fuel injected 4-strokes are very good and you can't go wrong with any of the motors out there. The E-tec, which has updated 2-stroke technology is also reported to be very good and much lighter than the 4-strokes.

Peter
 
Buying a C-Dory is not like buying a anything else... Once you know what you want...contact one of the guys you see on this list... that is what I will do if I ever need a new C-Dory... those are the real fine dealers....

When Roger's Fishtails was totaled...it was Catalina Yacht Sales that went the extra mile for him...they never made a dime on Roger, but sure gave him service...amazing service !

And look at all the folks that depend on Wefings...they sure made my life alot easier when I was in Florida...Mark is one fine friend.

And how about all the help Les has been to all of us... what a great dealer... fair, honest and a fine friend...

You won't have problems with the boat that any one of them could not easily manage long distance... after all the warrantee is paid by the company, not the person selling the boat.

Times are getting tough, we need to remimber our friends....

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Don and Brenda-Like you we had an 18 foot Striper and then got a 22 foot C-Dory Cruiser. We really did like the Seaswirl and trailered it from coast to coast. It was a lot of boat for the money. It does not, however, compare favorably, in my opinion, with the C-Dory. First, the Striper had a 115 engine vs. a 75 on our C-Dory. Another big difference I remember was (or is) the thickness of the fiberglass. On the striper the sun would shine right through the glass (and that carpeting on the "walls")into the cutty. On the C-Dory there is no carpeting on the walls and the sun doesn't shine through. (Of course out here there is no sun) Also, as I recall, the cleats on the Striper were half the size of those on the C-Dory 22 and the 16 as well. Sometimes I do miss standing at the helm, open to the sky, and flying across the water. You can't do that in a 22 foot C-Dory cruiser.
 
We are leaning toward the Venture and have found a new 23 down south for $75,000 with twin 50 Yamahas. That seems steep but there seems to be a distinct lack of used. Is this a good price? Is this boat so new in production that we will be looking at teething problems compared to the Cruiser?

Many thanks for the great input
 
OK, my apologies, I now used the 'search' feature better. Mea Culpa.

Came up with some interesting stuff on running before waves. It reminded me of one (hope you don't mind me sharing) day in the Chespeake. We were heading north out of Annapolis in 3-4 ft chop in a 23 Boston Whaler Conquest. The wind was out of the south and I thought I had her running great at about 30 - 35 mph depending on up or down the waves, working the throttle. I felt like a real sea dog. Pride comes before a fall. :?

Right in the area where the chart advises, "Warning: 12 ft waves seen in this area" we found one. I don't know exactly how big it was but like mental slow motion I watched the bow pulpit and anchor go in the wave. I then realised that the bow rail was going in as well and not near the crest! The wave swept over the foredeck and up the windshield. I don't think the canvas/eisenglass between windshield and hardtop slowed it much. It just ripped the slides (no simple poppers on this boat) straight out of the hard top and dumped in to the cockpit. I looked aft to see about 2 ft of water in the boat. She wallowed on the back of the next wave and I (automatically) gave her some gas. Fortunately the self-bailing (4 scuppers) worked very fast. I flicked on the pump to the (6 ft of empty space :cry: ) fish box in the deck and the crew opened the hatch. All the water was gone in a couple of minutes and neither bilge pump came on.

I do NOT expect to be doing this with a C-Dory. I am also a much more careful chart reader!

Hope you didn't mind the story.
 
Seattle Boat Show price on 23 Venture was $69,995 with single 115, so $75,000 with twin 50's sounds about right, depending on options.

Bruce at Master Marine knows the product well, so ask for him there. If I can be of help, let me know.
 
chimoii":e785zfo4 said:
Hope you didn't mind the story.
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Not at all!! I did almost the same thing on a CD 22, except I was running WITH the waves up the Ches Bay... No water in the cockpit but the first mate (a retired Navy RADM) suffered a compound ankle fracture. Not sure whether Mrs. Admiral has ever forgiven either of us...

Charlie
 
Before I signed any contract I sure would call around to other dealers to see what they had in stock...you might not find a 23 but I sure know you can get a serious discount on a 22 right now.... it would be worth the time.... I also would make sure any motor I bought had fuel injection... I have twin 40 Yamaha motors and hate the carbs.... motors with fuel injection not only run much better... but have fewer problems....
I heard Catalina Yacht sales... has a new 25 for a fantastic price....

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Also...Make sure that the trailer you get is a twin axle with disk brakes...If it were me buying a new boat.... I think I would buy mine from Wefings...in Florida...so I would have an excuse to go back for another trip.... plus he has the neatest aluminum trailers...really nice

Joel
SEA3PO
 
$75k sounds high for a 23. Last year we got a new 22 with tax and electronics installed for under $60k (no trailer though). I'd imagine you could do better now.

I don't know if that $75k price is a ready to cruise boat or not, but remember you need anchors, lines, fenders, electronics, charts...it all adds up quickly. For $75k I'd be looking at a used 25...
 
Keep in mind the 23 Venture has had numerous upgrades over the 22. Equally equipped, price difference between the two is about $10,000 for a boat / motor / trailer package.

The Ventures Comes standard with Refer, 110 System, Pressure Water with Insta Hot Water Heater (not even available on the 22), Interior Grab rails, Trim Tabs and Raw Water Washdown.

Even with all that added to a 22 (except the hot water) there is a $10,000 price difference. Part of that is the larger trailer (tandem axle 4600# capacity versus 3700# single) and larger motor (90 on the 22, 115 on the 23).

The 23 also has pantagraphic wipers, tilt wheel, electric fuel gauge, dual battery set up with Blue Seas Battery Isolater / Combiner switch, Window Valances with rope lights, headliner, upholstered hullsides, additional teak accents, upgrade "pop up" cabinet latches, drawers with teak faces, full fiberglass liner for interior cabinets and deck, large V-Berth storage hatch forward, larger bow rail, large cockpit steps with storage and drains, and probably some things I've forgotten to mention.

I just bring this up because the 22 and 23 are very different boats marketed differently.

For $75k, there is a new 25C with single 150 Suzuki and King Trailer that is loaded that is available. A lot more boat than the 22, and a really good buy (around $20-25k under what we would want for a 2009 equipped like this one).
 
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