Open Ocean Suitability

The camper canvas moves the center of lateral "effort" like a sail, aft. The center of lateral resistance remains about the same--it is way aft, because there is only a residual keel, and the main lateral (underwater resistance) is the outboards lower units. The camper canvas will allow the boat to lie more beam to wind. The way the camper canvas is attatached does make a difference. I prefer the "studs" over the botton snaps. The studs are less likely to be disrupted by a wave hitting the boat.

It is reasonably obvious that one has to compare similar sized boats. One cannot say that the 28 foot twin diesel heavy boat is comperable to a CD 22. This is why I used the terms "Sea Worthy", rather than suitable. The heavier sport fisher--even more so a 50 foot Post--would be more "Suitable" for the conditions off Bodega Bay--but the sportfisher is not at all comperable. Compare 22 to 23 foot boats: Grady White, Sea Swirl,Contender, Sea Fox, etc . I have run from Bodega to Tomales Bays in a 12 foot Inflatable in an average afternoon. Was the boat suitable?---not really. But I have a lot of experience in inflatables in sea conditons, so with a kicker, life jackets, sea anchor, radio etc--the inflatable was seaworthy enough for the conditions.

The other issue, that of the driver, is most critical. I always contend, that anyone who buys a C Dory needs to clearly understand the nature of these little boats. They have to be driven differently than the average "V" hull. If they are mis-used, there can be uncomfortable rides, potential damage to the boat (see my CD 25), and even a dangerous situation. I feel that the risk of a person buying these boats from a dealer who does not sell these boats as a primary line, and does not understand how they must be driven is that the buyer will have an unhappy boating experience (as did the owner of the CD 25 I pruchased). Some of the unique characteristics make the boats more seaworthy, but also can make the boats uncomfortable if used improperly.

As to Dogon Dory--take the time to read all of David Gerr's and John Gardner's Dory books during your long winter. You don't have to agree with me, but you need to make your decision based on facts and understanding of hulls. I look at the history and photos of modifications thru the many years (since the late 1700's) of dories, and look at the similarities. (bow lines, sheer, line, bottom profile, rocker, hull slant and curve, chine, etc.) You can also look at the differences--mainly the widening of the bottom and transom, to carry heavier and heavier engines, plus the small "V" foreward.) To me, the similarities win--apparently for Dogon, the differences win. But putting the "dory" name on the C Dory, is far from a marketing ploy, but is a part of the evolution of the dory, semi dory hull form. If you get a chance, spend a few hours rowing a Banks Dory (especially in rough water). If you have been reading my multiple threads carefully, you would know that I am very critical of the C Dory products--having owned a 22 and currently owning a 25 and TC 255. In fact many criticize me for being too critical. --Certainly no bias there! I certainly agree that if he is going into the open Alaskian waters a larger and different type of boat would be in order. On the other hand, so much larger and more "seaworthy" boats are lost each year in AK.

Come on down to Florida, and we will put you up and let you ride along any time you want! The last two weeks we have had a boating guest virtually every night--many had Tom Cat rides.

Absolutely correct that there are multiple types of Deep V hull forums. Even the same brands vary from model to model and sizes.

Regards,
 
Great thread, It's speaks volumes that a 22 CD can be compared to these much larger boats. My last boat was a 22 Sea Swirl Striper WA, 5.7 l I/O, great boat, could drink gas and handled medium water fine. I certainly think the 22 Angler will be a much more efficient boat for my needs in the SF Bay and region. And if I wanted more, the 24 Tom Cat would be an efficient answer. Gas isn't going down and is certainly part of the equation for me.

That these boats are even discussed in comparison to much heavier, bigger and thirstier boats says it all, IMHO. I love the KISS way of living.
 
Not For Hire":22f5x9a7 said:
Does camper canvas make the CD, CD 22 in particular, more seaworthy? Bob seems to imply that the canvas will keep the boat from shipping water and that seems like it must be correct to me. On the other hand what effect does it have on windage? Does the boat still turn and face downwind? I regularly rinse my roof off with green water when running but I don't have anyone in the cockpit to get wet, or at least no one I care about so the canvas hasn't been a priority.

So I throw this question into the mix, what effect does a camper canvas have on seaworthiness? What about an angled cockpit cover (with a clear window)?
Mark - I can't speak for the 22, but I always put my camper-back canvas up when I am in snotty conditions. I do it to keep the cockpit area dry and to keep the cabin area more comfortable. On my boat, the cabin is open in back.

Next time I am out, I will test it in windy conditions and see how the drift is with the engine up and down.

________
Dave dlt.gif
 
Well, it seems that dorys have an extensive history fishing off the Oregon coast. Try this page:

The Dory Page . The term "dory" here seems to be applied to power boats, such as the C-Dory line. I suggest that if you can fish off the Oregon Coast in a power dory, you can fish anywhere. No offense to Oregon, of course.

Boris
 
thataway":1v3o66sr said:
but with a good camper canvas over the cockpit of a C Dory, there is little reason to get any spray, let alone any water in the boats.

Amen on the camper back canvas. The time daughter, Jessica and I got caught out on water when we had the 16' C-Dory cruiser, in which she said to me...."Dad, I'm not sure but I think this is like the "perfect storm", I was certainly thankful that I had the camper back canvas deployed! I know it kept a lot of water out of the cockpit. One wave hit us on the starboard side and about 5 gallons of water managed to deluge in through the snapped side, when one snap came loose.
 
Just as a quick comentary on the evolution of boats I came upon this photo of my grandfather and father, taken 100 years ago in Long Beach Harbor. Note that my grandfather is wearing a suit, and another photo in the series shows him adjusting his neck tie. Needless to say that this boat is not perticularly "seaworthy", but it was "suitable" for exploration of that area, in that era and as far as I can determine was the first family "yacht". The 30 foot "Ocean Wave" (a deep sea cutter) was purchased the next year.
CR_Austin_skiff_with_HCA_1907.sized.jpg
 
Bob, enjoyed the photo and the history connection of your family and dory boats leading to the present.

Your photo and Dogon Dan's each unigue and a pleasure to view.

Thanks to you both for sharing

Jay
 
Bob when I see photos like that the first thing that comes to mind is what to me was "The Golden Years of Boating." I'll be that boat was more seaworthy than we give it credit for with the skilled oarsmen of the period in control.
 
I had the opportunity to do a little tuna fishing off a head boat out of Belmar Marina, Belmar, NJ a few weeks back. I spotted a CD25 out about 25 miles. The conditions were great... sunshine and slow rolling waves. I did not get close enough to get a name or the size of the two engines, however, the two guys on the CD were having a blast.
They caught fish! The CD was drift fishing on the tail end of our chum slick.

Fun was had by all that day... even on our boat. The only person that did not catch a tuna on our boat was an old gentleman named Jethro. He drank beer from the time we left the dock untill we got back 24 hours later. The reason he did not catch anything... the ole boy did not have a hook on his line. No Kidding! Later guys!
 
Butch":21ysjjkf said:
I<stuff clipped>The only person that did not catch a tuna on our boat was an old gentleman named Jethro. He drank beer from the time we left the dock untill we got back 24 hours later. The reason he did not catch anything... the ole boy did not have a hook on his line. No Kidding! Later guys!

Sure - you guys with the hooks were taking the easy way out. Jethro, now he's a real sportsman who loves a challenge. :wink:
 
flapbreaker":q9x0p6el said:
James, Did that pump keep up with the lack of plug or was the boat no fully floated?


Not sure if it was keeping up, the way it was shooting water I believe that it probably was.

It was fully floating but still hooked to the trailer by the bow. when I saw the water shooting out the side I was kinda shocked, I thought for a few seconds, why is there water shooting out of my boat ! LOL

Then I realized , ut-oh and pulled her out.

They are great pumps, and when you compare them to pumps like RULE, the "BIG JOHNSON", makes them seem like a toy.

I do have a RULE 1100 in the little bump down under the sink area.
Would NEVER trust the RULE toy by itself. Thats just me though.


James
 
Does camper canvas make the CD, CD 22 in particular, more seaworthy?

I have been thinking about this camper canvas discussion and something has been concerning me. My 22 is brand new and I haven't any canvass yet so I am purely speculating. I can see the canvass keeping out spray in snotty weather. However it seems that the concern we would have in a storm is taking a breaking wave over the stern. In that case the weight of the water would crush the canvas. You would then have the problem of trying to bail the cockpit with a mess getting in your way. It would seem to me if I got caught in serious weather the last thing I would want is the canvass covering the cockpit. Again I am a cd 22 newbie but I am not a boating newbie. I have seen wheel houses taken off by breaking waves. Someone educate me. Am i missing something?

Regards
Jim D
 
dogon dory":a8ixup3x said:
ryder":a8ixup3x said:
...it seems that the concern we would have in a storm is taking a breaking wave over the stern. In that case the weight of the water would crush the canvas. You would then have the problem of trying to bail the cockpit with a mess getting in your way...

I think you're off in the realm (as I was earlier in this thread) of a purely theoretical discussion. I'd say the chance of surviving a sea big enough to crush/collapse the canvas are pretty slim. Plus if it's that rough and you take that much water in the cockpit, bailing is probably a moot point too because the next sea is going to finish swamping you.

I seem to be the one who always brings up the topic of water coming over the stern of a CD22. I guess because I had it happen to me. However, in my attempt to make people aware of the possibility, I may have a tendency to overstate the case. Taking water over the stern is primarily an issue when you're dead in the water. The issue is easily mitigated by having twins or a kicker and as a last line of defense, having a sea anchor on board and knowing how to use it.

From a practical standpoint, the canvas does keep water out of the cockpit from spray for example when you're running in a cross sea. I haven't experienced it but I'm confident with the side curtains down, they would deflect a substantial amount of water if a cross sea capped over the rail. In really bad weather it also improves the sense of well being of the crew which lends itself to clear thinking and therefore better decision making in an emergency.

On the downside, it does get in the way sometimes. From my own personal experience in the area where we boat, the benefits far outweight the negatives.

Very good analysis by Dan. Only place we differ is for us its been the negatives outweigh the benefits. I know in this we are in the minority and we are going to do some experimenting this coming summer to see if we can reverse it.

When we had a RIB on top it would get in the way of deployment also we do a lot of going to shore and liked the easy in and out over the side. In very shallow places would grab the waders (didn't need the chest highs) :lol: and with a rope attached to the bow bring the boat easily in or out of about any place including rivers, lakes and protected ocean areas. Now with the Mokai it would interfere with the way we tow and possibly mokai access. With so many others saying how great the canvasback is and us already having a complete set hope to see if we may be wrong in our assessment.

Rain has aways put more water into the cockpit areas than any sea conditions we have been in so far. Know its possible to get water over the motor well as has happened to Dan. We keep the ice chest secured there on top of extra fuel containers when cruising and it might help a bit. So far its been more a :?: of knowing its possible and doing what's needed to improve the odds on the possible not happening.

Dan you have also got me thinking about a sea anchor. Have never used one. Now plan on the purchase and the learning how to use it.

Jay
 
Back
Top