Used C-Dory 22 or new Boston Whaler 190? Best for 1st boat?

Great information and learning more and more, thank you everyone! Right now, I would say I'm leaning 85% toward the C-Dory. I honestly don't care too much about getting somewhere super quick. If it means taking an extra hour, not the end of the world and lot of worse places to be then cruising on the beautiful ocean! Compared to going on my friend's sail boat and taking 7 hours to get to Catalina, it will still be very quick.

Plus for me personally, if I get wet on the BW or not quite as comfortable, I wouldn't care as much but I know my wife and kid probably wouldn't be as happy :)

In terms of a good surveyor, anyone recommended in the Dana Point area or somewhere in southern California? Even though there's a good chance I might end up getting one further away but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

For a typical four stroke, how many hours can they typically go before a rebuild on a well maintained engine?
 
I believe there have been reports in the Northwest of older carbureted Honda 90's having 8000 hours on them and still running. Don't quote me on that. I think it's safe to say a well cared for 4 stroke engine has to be good for a least 2 to 3 thousand hours.
 
Agree with Wil-C that on regularly used outboards (all brands) can get over 8000 hours, but these are use like Coast Guard, harbor patrol, commercial fishing, where the boat is run every day. It is easier on a motor in a marine environment to run it than to let it sit. Maintenance is the key!

As for speed: the vast majority of my many thousand trips to Catalina have been in a sailboat. One summer I kept my 45 foot sailboat at two harbors with the wife and kids aboard, and I commuted to Huntington Harbor where I lived--less than an hour in the morning (the 18 foot deep V, would run easily at 40 knots). The afternoon going back to Catalina was a different story--I had to go up inside the breakwaters, to near Point Fermin, and then cross--shorter distance, and better slant on the waves---took over 2 1/2 hours going back.

The C Dory should run fine in the 20+ knot category--loaded for a weekend at Catalina early in the AM going over. Coming home is not as much of a problem, but they do require some attention at the helm, going down waves. However, they will handle better than the Whaler in these conditions down wind/wave.

A walk around is a compromise boat. I owned a Grady White walk around--but "camping" in that boat was very limited--it could be done, but no where the comfort of the C Dory 22.

Get your wife aboard both boats and see what she says! That is the deciding factor!
 
That is the next step, taking a look at each one in person. Although just from the pics, I think she's already made up her mind on the C-Dory! She's not all that interested in roughing it.
 
I would look to get a sea trail on a C-Dory 22' cruiser. Check out a C-Brat gathering or find a C-Brat who is relatively close to you and get to know the boat a little in the water. Once that occurs you will be probably hooked for life. And it's not all that bad of a life. Folks who trailer these boats use them as campers on land and water.
D.D.
 
RCU":3aoooili said:
That is the next step, taking a look at each one in person. Although just from the pics, I think she's already made up her mind on the C-Dory! She's not all that interested in roughing it.
Click to expand...

If Momma ain't happy :arrow: nobody's happy :shock:

Something to consider SERIOUSLY :!: :!:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_162.highlight.jpg
 
hardee":38x4np7r said:
RCU":38x4np7r said:
That is the next step, taking a look at each one in person. Although just from the pics, I think she's already made up her mind on the C-Dory! She's not all that interested in roughing it.
Click to expand...

If Momma ain't happy :arrow: nobody's happy :shock:

Something to consider SERIOUSLY :!: :!:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_162.highlight.jpg
Click to expand...

Truth.
 
1 I do not believe anyone on this sight is going to recommend an open whaler over a C-Dory.

2. If I had seen that deal on Craig's list before buying my boat I'd drive down and get it from Seattle.

3. Unless terribally abusedthe hull is classic and bullet proof. Buy it repower it with a brand new motor. Install trim tabs, hydraulic steering and electronics. You will still be under your budget and you can get a few dollars for the old motor. You will have new warren teed power.

Or run it like it is. You will love it
 
I purchased my first boat which was the cd 22 cruiser. I got a cdory because of the c-brats forum. I have done most of my maintenance and trouble shooted most of my boat issues from this site. I agree with others that both new and used will have the same work and maintenance needed.
A budget of 30-40 thousand grand will certainly get you a nice used cdory.

I prefer the engine to be 90hp with a permatrim.

I got amazing gas mileage

Cabin is great for the wife and kids

A great all around boat

The flatter bottom causes more pounding then a v bottom. But better in fuel.

This is an awesome first boat.
 
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