New high (low?) for C-Dorys?

J

johnr

New member
I noticed this weekend that someone posted a 1983 C-Dory, with a 2014 70 HP Yamaha, for sale for 35K. I don't think I've ever seen a C-Dory that old, even with a newer engine (it would almost have to be), listed for that kind of price. Seems crazy to me. A brand new Yamaha 70 hp can be had for 10K. So that means 25k just for the 40 year old, 22 foot boat itself.

I don't know what I would think if it sold for that. Happy that I already have a boat? Sad that even the very oldest of the C-Dory's are becoming unaffordable?
 
The best time to buy a C-Dory was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Love that old saying as it applies to C-Dory boats as well.
 
Just a couple of thoughts on the matter as I was in the market for a boat two years ago. First: All you have to do is look at the prices of all the other brands, they are all going up like gang busters which makes the Cdory not look so bad. The other aspect to that is that Cdorys hold their value for various reasons including being well made and being very practical and affordable to use and being a trailerable cruiser package. Second: The fact that Cdorys maintain their value is a good reason to choose this brand as an investment that will give a return at the point when you are not using your boat any longer.
I believe a lot of the reason for the price going up is inflation, but that's a whole other topic. I'll go with Gary's thinking, the best time to buy a Cdory was 20 years ago or now.
 
You know C-Dorys are worth something when random people walk up and ask if you're interested in selling yours and if you're not currently interested, please let them know when you are.
 
I understand that C-Dorys are desireable and that there is inflation, but this seems beyond the pale to me. A quick look at what's for sale, and has been for sale, on this site and one can find much better deals on much newer boats. For example:

"2003 C Dory 22 for sale asking $25K. Has 2020 LoadRite tandem axel trailer with breaks. New 2018 Honda BF-75 Hp Engine with new Tach and hour meter low hours. Trim tabs, cabin stove and heater, VHS radio. Custom rod holder. Dual batteries. Hull and cabin in good condition. Stored indoors."
 
johnr":3ecjagn2 said:
I understand that C-Dorys are desireable and that there is inflation, but this seems beyond the pale to me. A quick look at what's for sale, and has been for sale, on this site and one can find much better deals on much newer boats. For example:

"2003 C Dory 22 for sale asking $25K. Has 2020 LoadRite tandem axel trailer with breaks. New 2018 Honda BF-75 Hp Engine with new Tach and hour meter low hours. Trim tabs, cabin stove and heater, VHS radio. Custom rod holder. Dual batteries. Hull and cabin in good condition. Stored indoors."
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That seems incredibly low. Perhaps one of the best deals ever, but not the norm. I have also seen 16's in great condition selling in the low 20's..
 
Yes, interesting, but explainable. Usually we think of boats and cars depreciating, and land and houses appreciating over time. No one would question an increase if this was a house. The key seems to be supply-and-demand as well as how the quality of the boat holds up over time. Demand for these boats is high, supply is low, and if well-maintained these boats keep their high quality. A comparison was made with a price in 2011. Suppose that the boat is in truly excellent condition, maybe parked in a garage, little used, or lovingly maintained. Given that a 2022 dollar is worth $0.74 2011 dollars, a current $35K price is actually the same as $26K in 2011. Give us a few more years with current inflation rates, and I predict that the dollar cost of these boats will increase even more.
 
Well, I guess I'm the only one taken aback by the asking price. As a recent owner of a 1982 C-dory, I've watched the market carefully over the years and have never seen one of that vintage offered for near that price. Those boats have no gas tanks, no shore-power, no sink, no fridge, no stove, no water tank, and no plumbing. They are a fiberglass shell. You can't stand up right in them if you are over 5' 9" and the dinette does not convert into a bed. They are quirky and outdated. No matter how great C-Dory's are, I think there are much better deals to be had for that kind of money.
 
The boat you reference is in SoCal. Another 22 (in nice condition) was just listed for $65k...also in SoCal, which seems rather pricey compared to other recent offerings on this site. I think there's a premium/markup in some locations compared to other parts of the country. At least, since I've been watching, there have been some much better deals if you are willing to drive across the country. Of course, that great "deal" is not so great if it costs too much to get it moved.
 
Take a look on Craigslist in the same area for 20-25 foot boats with an outboard and a locking cabin door. You will very few out there. I agree the price is high especially if it has a single axle, basic electronics and is not in mint condition but if the opposite is true, great well maintained dual axle trailer, electronics with radar and you want a locking cabin boat it might look ok.
 
Just remember, recreational dollars spent is not "real money".

You deserve to get what you want since you've earned it.

Everyone else has one, so I can too.

The Trust Fund is paying for it so it doesn't really cost me anything.

Certain things are necessary in order to relax properly.

Getting what I want makes others think I am successful.

Getting what I want makes me feel important.

The guy who lives longest and has the most toys, wins.

And on and on ad nauseam.

Aye.
Grandma used to say, "Most live in illusion."
 
I saw that post as well. I try to make a habit of never commenting on another’s asking price. If I am not interested, I move on. If they can get the asking price, good for them. If they can’t, they will likely adjust the price to where they can sell it. It will self adjust. My opinion doesn’t matter unless I am in on the sale….just a thought…
 
kaelc":c1lzfap1 said:
Take a look on Craigslist in the same area for 20-25 foot boats with an outboard and a locking cabin door. You will very few out there. I agree the price is high especially if it has a single axle, basic electronics and is not in mint condition but if the opposite is true, great well maintained dual axle trailer, electronics with radar and you want a locking cabin boat it might look ok.
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Yes - I know the asking price may seem high, but C-Hawk is a well maintained boat with all digital electronics, brand new tandem axle trailer, full canvas much more.
It is available to show and I will take any serious buyer for a ride.

Thank you
 
I'm sorry if my post came across as critical. What I really meant was that C-Dory's for sale in SoCal are in short supply. For a potential buyer who's been watching the market for 6 months, that adds a certain value to a local boat compared to say, one in Canada or on the East Coast.
Additionally, I agree with the earlier poster that each boat is worth what the buyer will pay...and if you're looking for a boat in excellent condition, with a new trailer, good electronics, dual motors!, full canvas, etc., then a boat that might "seem" more expensive is probably worth every penny in today's market.
Ask anyone who's ever "restored" a boat if they would do it again (myself included) and the answer is...NO, I want a boat that someone else poured hours of sweat and dollars into and is now letting go of their baby!
 
C-Hawk":4k57fn57 said:
kaelc":4k57fn57 said:
Take a look on Craigslist in the same area for 20-25 foot boats with an outboard and a locking cabin door. You will very few out there. I agree the price is high especially if it has a single axle, basic electronics and is not in mint condition but if the opposite is true, great well maintained dual axle trailer, electronics with radar and you want a locking cabin boat it might look ok.
Click to expand...

Yes - I know the asking price may seem high, but C-Hawk is a well maintained boat with all digital electronics, brand new tandem axle trailer, full canvas much more.
It is available to show and I will take any serious buyer for a ride.

Thank you
Click to expand...

The boat mentioned in the OP is not not the C-Hawk.
 
If we are going to be fair, stuff has just really gone up - our toys have too. Sellers want 18K for a 15 year old SUV with 200k on the odometer. Don't even look at how much they want for a new suburban or expedition. Houses? Ha! You know as well I as do they have increased dramatically. And pretty much everything else has just gone up, up, and up. Salaries have too....who knows they might even catch up to our new reality....eventually...maybe. The point is, which is probably painfully obvious, $20k five years ago buys way less than $20k dollars today.
 
Wood Zeppelin":36vsc3xt said:
Are they actually going up in value?

And if so, will that continue in a recession? (I don't think so).
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Wishful thinking. The operative question is what would a comparable new C-Dory cost? And recession or not, the price of new C-Dorys is NOT coming DOWN since manuafacturing costs just keep going UP. That drives the value of used C-Dorys UP.
 
Well I bought Byrdman's 85 Angler that he poured his heart, love, sweat and money into because of the history. But I really don't know what it's worth, or what I could sell it for. I would have to find someone like me and Byrdman?
 
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