Pocket Cruiser Magazine Article

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El and Bill

New member
The March/April Pocket Cruiser Magazine has an article with some info on trailerable boats including some by C-Dory. We were told about it by a friend in Texas and another in OR, but don't know where the magazine is available. Perhaps some of you might be interested in looking at it.
 
I think Jim is correct. Power Cruising magazine, April 2008. The article is titled, "Pocket Cruisers, Full-Featured, Trailerable Boats Can Expand Your Horizons." It starts on page 60.

The article covers the Ranger Tug 25 and the CD25 along with a bunch of other boats (Caledon 27, Sea Sport Aluetian, Osprey 2600, Skagit Orca 27 XLC, Rosborough 246, Acadia 25, etc.).

Not too much depth on each boat since they cover about 10 different boats, but a pretty good article none-the-less.
 
Doryman":2deqflzz said:
Also how about a link to this Harbercraft? When I go to their web page I only see boats up to 20' or so.

Warren
Click to expand...

While the site is limited to listing about 22 foot models, they must have made some larger or custom boats before:

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1858083/0

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004- ... r-90984091

Also, the brand names can be deceptive, as can be the spelling (Harbercraft/Harborcraft)

"Hi guys, just like anything, everyone has their favorite boat brand. I have an '01 Jetcraft inboard jet....the original Jetcraft. It's a great boat overall-heavy alum. welded boat, but it's completely different than the Jetcraft models today. They now have what is called the "preflex hull." One of its advertised advantages is that it's stronger and therefore needs less structural crossmembers etc. This still has yet to be proven. Most all of the other heavy guage welded boat makers still use the old style of construction and design ie North River. The new Jetcrafts are really Harborcraft boats, but using the Jetcraft name as a selling point. Don't get me wrong, Harborcraft boats are great boats, too. To get to my point, always do your research before buying a boat. THEY ARE A LOT OF MONEY! The owner of the old Jetcraft sold out to Harborcraft and now has started a new company called Rogue Jets. Guess what kind of warranty I have now??!!"

Source: High End Aluminum Boats


NOTE: The "Preflex Hull" is a Harbercraft and Jetcraft feature:

"Harbercraft and Jetcraft: What’s the difference?
Aside from the brand name, both Harbercraft and Jetcraft boats feature the Pre-Flex ® hull design, and heavy-gauge aluminum construction that’s welded, never riveted."

Source: Alaska Boat Show


Joe. :teeth :thup
 
If you click on the Kingfisher button at the bottom of Harbercraft's home page, it will take you to the big boats in their ocean series.

Regards to all,
Greg
 
Warren,

Here is a direct link to the site: http://kingfisherboats.net/index.html

To my model specifically: http://kingfisherboats.net/our_boats_2825.html

The name difference:

Harbercraft - started by the Harber family building boats in Canada. Bought Jetcraft in the U.S. In the U.S. they are called Jetcraft and in Canada called Harbercraft...I think, although my boat has Harbercraft in huge letters on each side it is listed as a Jetcraft on the dealer's website.

Chris, to answer your question:

Here is my reply to Dave Church who asked the same question in a PM:

Quote:
I mentioned that my boat had issues with the tabbing cracking (in an earlier message) and the factory fixed it. While it was there I had them address all issues that were known on C-Brats - the leaky bilge access doors, the fresh water pump sitting in bilge water and the biggest thing...having screws into the balsa core. They fixed it all and the dealer detailed the boat. I thought to myself that I'm either going to keep this boat for years to come OR this would be the time to trade it in for something bigger for my growing family. While at the Seattle boat show I got too good a deal on the Harbercraft from Lake Union Sea Ray (the same dealer I bought my C-Dory) to pass up. They gave me a great trade in and I jumped.

Now I can keep the boat in dry storage and save some money on bottom paint and haul outs.

I still think C-Dorys are great boats. You won't see my talking badly about them. Never have. I do have some concerns about the company as Starcraft Tom recently mentioned the company going from 65 to 25 employees, but that news came out after I had already made my deal with LUSR.

I hope I've answered your question.
 
That looks like a great boat, Sarge. With that 9.5' beam, I assume you won't be trailer it? Nice capacities on fresh water and holding tank. It should work nicely for your family.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Our good friends have the 2650 Kingfisher which they don't seem to offer anymore. It has the 9.6' beam and they trailer it. We have gone to Lake Powell and last Sept. to the San Juans.

With a boat that wide there are a few things to watch out for. You have to be careful about getting into tight areas when in town. Also you need to be careful about passing trucks or wide loads and make sure you are not passing when there is a bridge or construction coming up. You are also supposed to have permits. They have not had any problems and they tow with a 3/4 ton chevy truck. It just takes a little more care.

Steve
 
seabran":3r3alggk said:
You are also supposed to have permits. They have not had any problems and they tow with a 3/4 ton chevy truck. It just takes a little more care.

Steve
Click to expand...

You'd best not get stopped without a permit. In most states, they'll take you off the road and give you a very hefty fine! :shock:

Charlie
 
Jim,

No, I won't be trailering it. I didn't buy the trailer. I didn't trailer the C-Dory either. I don't have a vehicle big enough and I didn't want the added expense. For that reason, having a 9'6" beam isn't that big a deal for me.

Yes, I'm limited in where I can use the boat, but since I'm mostly using it in my backyard (the Puget Sound) I did the numbers of having the boat serviced at the marina versus at the dealer, the cost to store the trailer since I don't have the ability to store it at my home, and the cost of buying and maintaining yet another vehicle and I'm okay with my decision.

I thought about attending the Neah Bay, WA, CBGT that Rogerbum is hosting and I figure it would cost me about $400 just to boat from Edmonds to Neah Bay in gas. That's a lot of money, but that might be one truck payment if I bought a vehicle.

I envy you boating in the Gulf one minute and then up here in the Sound the next, but alas life is full of decisions...some we make, some life makes for us. Accepting those decisions is the key to happiness.

Since I won't be boating in the Gulf anytime soon, please give me a holler next time you're up here. I look forward to meeting the 3 of you in person. And anyone else who may be reading this :-)

Take care,
 
Sarge,
I looks like you made a good, well thought through decision. Congrats.

What's your space in dry storage? I want to take a peek. Plus I'll look out for you on B dock. Still working on the docking thing. Still have a ways to go before I'm confortable single-handing. My best results have been backing into the channel past the slip (since I'm near the end of the dock), and pulling forward into the slip. The docking wheel is a lifesaver. If I only had one on both sides...

Regards,
 
If I ever buy a boat too large to self-trailer (which I may well do someday) I have plans to also buy a smaller trailerable -- perhaps the new boat coming from Dave and Ben.

Warren
 
Hi Sarge,

Sounds to me like you made the choice that works best for you. We all have to go through that "what do I really want?" and "How will we really use the boat?" Living where you do, with endless opportunities for where to go on the water, makes a good case for a larger boat. If our circumstances change, I could absolutely see having a bigger boat. A few years ago, trailering wasn't that big of a deal for us - now, it suits our plans.

We will get back to the PNW sometime, and it would be a pleasure to get to meet you face-to-face.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I picked up the Power Cruising Magazine today at the local Books a Million.

There are either several mistakes, or there are some changes. The article states that the CD 25 has a diagnal foreward berth rather than the traditional "V" berth. Have I missed something New? I have seen a 2008 boat and it had a "V" berth. I wonder if the author (the editor) had confused with the Venture 29.

The second mistake was about the brand of engine in the Ranger Tug. The 75 was listed as a Westerbeke, instead of the Yanmar I have seen in the boats in the past--and of course now the Cummins engines.

I would not have purchased the magazine, except of the article on the "pocket Cruisers". There was an article on diesel/electric power on boats.
 
Bob,

I noticed the comment about the berth on the CD25 being diagonal, which didn't seem right to me. Glad you brought it up.

BTW, I bought the magazine for the exact same reason...plus, I was at the airport and I wanted something to read on my flight.
 
Thanks Bill & El. Also some coverages in the Soundings Magazine on a bevy of cruisiers. Will go buy the Book-a-Million and pick up a copy.

Sarge.... Man, enjoyed our time in Seattle again this year. Come on down any time you want and we will take a run to our Gulf. A few of us C-Brats make a run or two each year down.. About a 10 hour run now that I am up in the Heartland of our River Systems...but, I still get a little salty air need now and then. Next time you are in the airports man, take a look at that direct flight from Seattle to Nashville. Come on down.

Happy Easter All.

Byrdman
 
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