But since I've always lusted after a C-Dory and soon may have the financial means to become an owner I've joined up!
I've been a lurker for some time, mostly looking at the 'For Sale' forum, but browsing occasionally this Chat one as well.
I'm interested in input from the collective knowledge base that is c-brats. I'm a salmon/steelhead/bottomfish/halibut fisherman - tho w/out my own salt boat I frequent the estuaries (a 15' runabout) and I bum rides with ifish.net friends.
I'm no stranger to the salt, having spent many hours on the blue including a stint as a deckhand on a commercial salmon troller. So comfort and knowledge, respect for the big blue is there.
So where am I going with this you ask? Well, I struggle with what model I should start with. The 16' are inexpensive and that's appealing. But the 19' sure looks like a better big water/more people boat. Clearly the Angler vs the Cruiser. Is the 16' big water capable? Even moderate water capable? Say Bouy 10, can I feel safe there in a 16 (maybe more important, would my wife feel safe ;-)? I'd guess that 26 miles off Garibaldi to Halibut Hill I'd really want that 19' (maybe the 22'!!) but on a perfect day would the 16' - with lots of spare gas, be capable? How about off-shore reefs for bottom fish? How 'bout chasing salmon just over the bar? Or would I always wish I'd stepped up to the 19'?
If you have comments I'd appreciate 'em. If you're willing to offer an open-seat on your 'dory (generous contributions of course) to get a first-hand looksee that too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Mark (Salem, OR)
I've been a lurker for some time, mostly looking at the 'For Sale' forum, but browsing occasionally this Chat one as well.
I'm interested in input from the collective knowledge base that is c-brats. I'm a salmon/steelhead/bottomfish/halibut fisherman - tho w/out my own salt boat I frequent the estuaries (a 15' runabout) and I bum rides with ifish.net friends.
I'm no stranger to the salt, having spent many hours on the blue including a stint as a deckhand on a commercial salmon troller. So comfort and knowledge, respect for the big blue is there.
So where am I going with this you ask? Well, I struggle with what model I should start with. The 16' are inexpensive and that's appealing. But the 19' sure looks like a better big water/more people boat. Clearly the Angler vs the Cruiser. Is the 16' big water capable? Even moderate water capable? Say Bouy 10, can I feel safe there in a 16 (maybe more important, would my wife feel safe ;-)? I'd guess that 26 miles off Garibaldi to Halibut Hill I'd really want that 19' (maybe the 22'!!) but on a perfect day would the 16' - with lots of spare gas, be capable? How about off-shore reefs for bottom fish? How 'bout chasing salmon just over the bar? Or would I always wish I'd stepped up to the 19'?
If you have comments I'd appreciate 'em. If you're willing to offer an open-seat on your 'dory (generous contributions of course) to get a first-hand looksee that too would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Mark (Salem, OR)