New member wanting to upgrade to C-Dory

M

markshoreline

New member
Hi,
I currently have an Arima Sea Ranger 19 which is the best boat I've ever owned in terms of utility, performance and economy- 5+ mpg with a Yamaha 100. However, my wife wants a boat with a table. My primary use is fishing, but we like to picnic and boat camp, too.
I've read that the larger C-Dorys handle rough water well, tow easily and have excellent fuel economy also, as well as having a table, of course. I'm thinking about the 22 foot boats but would be interested in advice from the experts who already own them. Does the 22 Cruiser have enough deck space to fish? If you troll do you run back and forth from the downriggers to the cabin to steer? Would the fisherman model provide too many disadvantages if we were camping?
I probably have other questions but can't think of them now. I would like the ability to trailer, but have a slip at Edmonds where I keep my boat because it is so easy to use.
I'm would like to know if there are any great boats that will be available in the near term- I'd purchase first and sell my boat later since I have a trailer for it and could drop the C-Dory in my slip. Can you also give me a suggested price range for these boats? Are there any potential problem areas I should be aware of?
I really appreciate your advice!
Thank you.
 
For the record, I'm not a fisherman. But the Cruiser version seems more along the lines of what your wife wants: dinette, sink, refer, enclosed cabin, heat etc. I've seen some Cruisers w/ secondary control stations in the cockpit specifically for fishing; no need to run back & forth into the cabin. May be the best of both worlds for you.

We have a 25 but if you'd like a ride let me know. I'd be more than willing to take you and your wife out. I currenlty work in Shoreline, so I patrol your neighborhood, plus I like your first name. :lol: :wink:
 
markshoreline

Welcome to the C-Brats. There are 2 basic versions of the 22, a Cruiser and an Angler. Difference is the size and contents of the cabin. the Cruiser cabin is about 2-3 feet longer, and includes inside, a galley sink, a table, and usually a Wallas cooktop/cabin heater combo, and a water tank.under the aft seat at the dinette. The 25 comes in one version, (more room) and with a head/shower combo, and fridge, and shore power usually. The 25 is not just 3 feet longer, but proportionately larger too, and that includes heavier requiring more power to carry along the increased accommodations.

Welcome to the site. It used to be that in a couple of evenings you could read everything here about the C-Dory's. You still can, but it will take more like months than days. Good source for everything C-Dory, so help your self, and enjoy. On the home page, click on Forums, top left side of the page, and read to your hearts content. You are not the first Arima owner to come here, and I'm sure won't be the last. It's a great place, great folks and excellent information.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
We're primarily fishermen, and have the 22 cruiser because we wanted the extra cabin space. It works for us. Before we moved here, we spent just about every weekend on the boat, and for 2 people it is comfy for overnighting. There's a reason this is CD's most popular model...its strength is its versatility. It fishes well with 2 people, 3 max. We steer from the helm while trolling. There are tons of fishermen here and I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions. As for seawortiness, it's way tougher than I am!

Don't overlook the 25, it's a great boat if your slip will fit and still easy to trailer. It's a bit more expensive to run, usually powered by 130-150hp but still very economical to run compared to most boats that size.

I'm sure you'll have no problems finding a demo ride in your area.

Welcome!
Rick
 
Mark, saw a response to most of your questions except one. Do you have to run back and forth to the wheel to steer while trolling? Many boats have hydraulic steering which can be fitted easily (comparatively) with a wireless autopilot. I have done it on a 22 and a TC255 myself. It's a great device but don't forget to look where you're going! For the record, I'm not a fisherman either but if cows swam in our waters, I'd be one (or a hunter).

Charlie
 
Three other answers to the trolling question--some boats have kickers and tiller steer from the cockpit. Some have an auto pilot on the kicker, and some have an outside steering station on the aft bulkhead of the cabin.
 
Thanks for the very informative responses.

In no particular order:

My slip will accept 32 feet of whatever sticks out front to whatever sticks out back, so would a 25 work there? I have a lot of room for error with my 19 : ) There is a C-Dory I believe is a 25 on my dock that I have admired and my wife, upon seeing it said, "let's get one".

I get the cow comment and enjoy an excellent steak, myself!

Rigby, aren't you in Pensacola? I graduated from UWF in 74 but have lived in Seattle since 75. So you fish in the gulf? King mackeral? Do you cruise the intercoastal?

Thanks for the note about hydraulic steering and adding a station, makes sense.

Can anyone direct me to a layout of the Cruiser and Angler? If the Angler has a table I like the added cockpit space for fishing.

Does the mate have to sit backwards or can they look forward?

Can the 25 be pulled with a V6 4Runner? I've already had to upgrade vehicles because of a larger boat and would prefer not having to negotiate that one with the wife again.

Local boy, we'd be interested in a short cruise if that would work for you. That's a very generous offer and we'd be happy to cover expenses. My wife's schedule would necessitate weekends though I can do most days. Please PM me to exchange contact info.

Thanks
Mark
 
Question: "Can the 25 be pulled with a V6 4Runner?"

Best Answer: No, you should have a 3/4 ton truck or the equivalent vehicle or better, except for around the block and parking lot maneuvering, where a smaller vehicle (1/2 ton equivalent) is OK.

Sorry for the blunt answer!

Joe :teeth :thup
 
Regarding the 25: it is about 28' +/- overall, so you would be good with that slip. It weighs about a ton more than the 22; I don't think your V6 4Runner would be up to towing it. We tow ours with a 3/4 ton diesel pickup. Weight all-up on the trailer runs 8,700 pounds on our boat. Plenty of room in the cockpit (about a foot more beam than the 22). Uses more fuel (physics applies) than the 22, but is still economical for a boat that size. Lots more room inside, including the enclosed head and shower. Hot & cold pressure water. Etc.

Roger (Sensei), from Northern Washington has an older style 25 for sale at a very attractive price: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=16227

If you want to see layouts on the 22 Angler vs Cruiser, check the factory website: http://www.c-dory.com/boats/

Hope that helps.
 
Weight matters and settles the 22 vs. 25 question which is outstanding! No problem with blunt, I get that easily. Just not the subtle stuff....

Looks like the angler does NOT have a table, so that would be a no go.

Arimas were updated with an improved lapstrake design in about '91 which knocks down lots of spray. Is there some major improvement in the evolution of C-Dorys that would make a certain year or later more desirable?

Thanks again,
mark
 
The 22 hull was changed in model year 1987. Prior to that design change, the bottom was flat all the way to the bow instead of the bit of V in the front 1/3 or so after the change. The transom is also different...the newer hull can accept twins if desired. They're both great boats in their own way.

I was stationed in Alabama from 06-10 before being transferred to Port Angeles. We put in at Pensacola and fished the gulf whenever we could...which was never enough due to the price of gas and a 200 mile tow from Montgomery. We are not cruisers, we love to fish.


Rick
 
PM sent....

From reading the last few postings I'd suggest checking out a 22 Cruiser. Sounds like you get to fish w/ it and your wife will like the RV-like accomodations.
 
With regard to towing with the 4 runner, it might pull the boat on the flat but it lacks the mass to haul it up the ramp. Go for the truck.
 
Thought I would share my input on the 22 Cruiser with regards to towing and fishing. We have had our 2005 22 Cruiser with twin Honda 50's for seven years and it has 1000 plus hours of fishing time on the meters. We run two downriggers and troll with one motor .The deck is adequate for two while I run the boat and find the fish. 80% of our fishing is done fishing Canada out of Neah Bay and also out of Westport. We also fish the early halibut seasons in the straits also. Three can be a crowd on the deck but manageable. They are incredibly seaworthy boats and beyond economical to run. We were burning never more than 17-20 gallons a day fishing 20 miles off Westport this summer. I have towed the boat with a 4 cyl.Tacoma4x4, a 6cyl. 2WD Tundra and currently a 4WD 8cyl. Tundra. The 4cyl. was fine for local to the launch and back but lacked the power up hills. All in all it has been a reliable fish catching machine for our family. That said we never have utilized the cruising amenities and have purchased a pre owned Osprey 24 that will increase our deck space and allow us to bring our three dogs and additional two legged friends along on our adventures. The dory has served us well and I am still coming to terms on the prospect of parting with it. Hope this helps.
Paul
 
We have an older(1983) angler that has a table so someone can sit in either direction. I tow it with a Toyota 4 Runner to the north end of Vancouver Island each summer with no problem. You may not be as comfortable with the older models of the Angler that have the table, but they would be less expensive to buy.
 
I have an angler. To me deck space is precious.
There is a factory table. Passengers face front or back
I have ordered an auto pilot that works on cable steering
I usually run two down riggers.
Your selection may be tempered by your wife's needs. If she is happy so shall you be too.
I do not require cooking it takes up so much space. The BBQ covers this and that is on deck mounted to a pole holder. I have a propane heater. It arrived yesterday and should fit under the gunal outside to pump heat into the cabin
Have fun
Chris
 
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