Hi there,
I was an Arima 17 owner, and now have a CD 22. We considered both the Arima 21 and 22, but decided that the CDory 22 would do more of what we wanted (cruise and fish) at less price, with lower power needs, and more of a community of fellow boat nuts.
It sounds like you've nearly made up your mind on a CDory, so here is what I would put on it, and what additional decisions you'll need to make.
I would start with power... Many of us are now going with bigger main engines with a small kicker. Usually a 90-115 HP main, and an 8 or 9.9 HP kicker. This seems to be a good setup for fishing as well as cruising. If your focus is going to be primarily cruising, you might consider a set of twins in the 40 - 50 HP range. You can also fish these, but you may not be able to troll down as slow. I'll let the folks with twins chime in.
I recommend at least two batteries. One for starting, and another for the house. I have a group 24 start and group 27 for the house, on a manual switch, rather than an electronic switch. Make sure that the dealer locates your batteries so you can get at them. Mine were originally both in the starboard lazarette, and I had to move them to make access easier, as well as do a better job balancing the boat.
I would also have either (and probably both) trim tabs or Permatrim. The help significantly with trimming the boat to run in rougher/choppy water.
I would have a very good sonar/fishfinder/gps system, with some kind of a backup. I use a Raymarine C80 (sonar/gps/radar) as my primary, and a Humminbird 757 sonar/gps as a backup. I recommend a good fixed VHF, and possibly two or maybe a handheld.
I have a Wallas on board Constant Craving, and I like it, but many of the CBrats have had issues with theirs. You might consider a small Force 10 heater and another type of stove/heater.
A number of folks have anchor winches, but we have not sprung for that one yet.
We do not have a washdown pump, and I don't miss it. I really don't want any through hull fittings, and besides, they go gunny sack often.
If you get an older boat where the bilge is in the bridge deck into the cabin, consider a second bilge pump. I carry a manual, but I would like to upgrade either to a Whale Gusher style pump, or have a second electric.
If you keep the boat in the water a lot, I would have a barrier coat applied, followed by bottom paint. If you intend to trailer a lot, consider a double axle trailer, as they ride smoother (harder to handle in tight situations) and they give you backup safety in the event of a blow out.
I would also recommend a fixed boarding ladder as well as interior grab handles. If you go for an unexpected swim, it makes things easier to get back on. The grab handles are good protection from bumps on the noggin when you're moving around in chop. They also make handy clothes lines.
OK, enough rambling, and that looks like more than 2 cents worth...
Kind Regards,
Steve
