Hi, New to C-Brats here. I have my eye on a '94 C-Dory 16 for sale, but I have a few questions to help decide if it's right for my family. First, the price is $21,000. I know they hold their value, but it seems like the average sales price for a 16' is more like $15-$17. This was a one owner boat, used on a lake only, stored inside, has a 2002 40 hp Johnson with 130 hrs. It's been on the market for 3 months, so that makes me think the price is a little high? Was recently reduced from $25K. Second question is the size. My wife and I want to use this primarily for trips from Bellingham WA to the San Juans. We are not big people (both 5'7") and we would also bring our two small kids (5 and 3). It seems like it would be snug, but doable. The berth up forward would help a lot for the kids, and I like that the back deck is deep in the hull so there's no chance of them falling out! The third question is suitability for the Salish sea waters. I've never owned a boat, but I have several years of experience in the san Juans while I was a Coastie, but in a 25' aluminum safe boat and a 45' aluminum Jet boat. Pretty big difference between that and the tiny 16'. We're planning to only go out on nice days, when there's no rough water forecast, but I know things can change quickly. We might also use the boat for a trip down to the south sound (gig harbor area) once or twice a year in the summer to visit family. I like the light weight and small size of the boat for towing and storage because we don't have a lot of space, and I don't want to have to buy a bigger vehicle. The great fuel economy is huge right now, and I also love the enclosed cabin for comfort of the family. To me, this seems like a great option for us, and we could always upgrade to a 22' in a few years when the kids get bigger. Looking for some feedback from some people with 16' experience. Thanks!
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Thinking of buying a 16' Cruiser: a few questions
- Thread starter jake4578
- Start date
Hi
I have a 16 cruiser. I would think the boat for your purposes as a day boat would be OK. I am on the other coast and use it for that. Go out with between 2 and 4 adults on a regular basis. 8 knots if it is rough and 22 on plane if it is calm.
You can look at my picture album as I put a bench in the stern for more seating.
If you plan on overnights I think it is too small for 2 adults and 2 kids to stay on the boat. Maybe take it to a beach with a tent would be OK.
I also think the price sounds high.
I am not selling mine but the one you are looking at is 10 years older than mine, and the motor is 20 years old. I would think mine with a 50 hour 2019 50 horse Yamaha might be worth what they are asking.
I have a 16 cruiser. I would think the boat for your purposes as a day boat would be OK. I am on the other coast and use it for that. Go out with between 2 and 4 adults on a regular basis. 8 knots if it is rough and 22 on plane if it is calm.
You can look at my picture album as I put a bench in the stern for more seating.
If you plan on overnights I think it is too small for 2 adults and 2 kids to stay on the boat. Maybe take it to a beach with a tent would be OK.
I also think the price sounds high.
I am not selling mine but the one you are looking at is 10 years older than mine, and the motor is 20 years old. I would think mine with a 50 hour 2019 50 horse Yamaha might be worth what they are asking.
T.R. Bauer
New member
Boats stored inside usually show and look almost brand new, so maybe the price is justified, but I think it's still on the steep side of things. But honestly, the boat is probably too small for what you want to do with it anyway. I've been on 16s before and they are tiny...really tiny. I think everyone would be far happier in a 22 (in just about every way) when Bellingham Bay kicks up with the chop.
Hi,
Welcome to c-brats! My family (me, wife, 8yo) got our first boat a little over a year ago, initially looking at a 16 and ending up with a 22 Angler.
I'd say the 16 would be too small for a family of 4, including little kids. We probably over pack being used to car camping than backpacking, but it feels like our 22 is pretty full when we go tent camping at Blake Island or other South Sound state parks.
My boat's at the Des Moines Marina, so if you're planning a trip down south I'd be happy to show you the size of a 22 (Angler).
- tom
Welcome to c-brats! My family (me, wife, 8yo) got our first boat a little over a year ago, initially looking at a 16 and ending up with a 22 Angler.
I'd say the 16 would be too small for a family of 4, including little kids. We probably over pack being used to car camping than backpacking, but it feels like our 22 is pretty full when we go tent camping at Blake Island or other South Sound state parks.
My boat's at the Des Moines Marina, so if you're planning a trip down south I'd be happy to show you the size of a 22 (Angler).
- tom
I would suggest holding out for a 19' or 22' C-Dory. More 22's have been built and there are typically one or 2 for sale on the Seattle Craigslist. My wife and I owned a Toland 18-8 when our sons were young. My wife affectionately referred to our boat as "the clown car" when all 4 of us were aboard!