what are the pro and cons of the cdory 25?

D

duff

New member
IM new to cbrats love the knowledge you folks have about your Cdorys Im am thinking about a cDOry 25 to cruise the inland passage. all thing considered how would you rate the cdory on 1. comfort of ride 2 comfort of cabin could two couples cruise father mother son and daughter in law for days at a time.3. how sea worthy say compared to 2600 seasport 4. economy what is the range with 150 Honda Will the diesal heater keep the wind shield clear in cold weather [alaska prince Rupert] Do you have any thoughts about single 150 honda and a 15 kicker or twin 90s thank for your comments
Duff
 
Hi- Lots of Brats have done that trip and will tell you about their experiences. I just want to put in a plug for the single plus kicker motor configuration. If you should lose all power, you will still be able to start and run with your kicker. That trumps all other pros and cons, in my opinion.
 
Helen & I just bought a 25' Cruiser "Betty Joe" in October, so we're still newbies to extended cruising. We have a Honda 150 main & a Honda 9.9 kicker. The main/kicker configuration is the only choice if you want a swim/step platform.

In my opinion, the main/kicker configuration is more than adequate for cruising. Both are tied into the electric system for charging the batteries & I like how quiet the kicker is when watching marine life at close quarters. The kicker can also be hand started if the electrics were to fail.

We chose the 25' Cruiser for the amenities: ample storage, a full head/shower, range & shore power.

Helen & Brian Idzik
2009 25' Cruiser "Betty Joe"
Juneau, AK
 
The C-Dory 25 is a great boat for cruising the Inside Passage, or for that matter, any passageway. See our web-side: Journey On's Travels. While we made the Inside passage in a 36' sailboat, I feel Journey On would have been a better boat for the trip.

If you're selecting a boat with the goal of cruising, here's a trade-off list.

1. Trailerable? If so, plan to tow ~10,000 lbs. whatever boat you buy. That takes a 350 V-8 and at least a 1/2 ton truck. I don't need 4-wheel, others do.

2. Deep Vee or dory bottom? The Inside Passage, as other trips Journey On has taken aren't offshore, and so we can enjoy the benefits of the flat dory bottom: low draft and the ability to cruise fast and comfortably with a 150 hp engine. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain and cheaper to use. If you want a deep vee, go see the Orca or Sea Sport boats.

3. Head or porta-potty? For Judy, that was a no brainer, the C-25 has a head. We've had boats with port-a-potties before and we're not going there again. There are different opinions.

4. Living quarters? Hopefully you'll take a couple of months making that trip. The C-25 has a V-berth for 2, a complete galley, and the Wallis stove can be used as a heater. We've had no problem with the Wallis using kerosene or Kleen Heat. Understand 25' is cramped for extended living. One can get an electric refridge. Get it, cold beer. Adequate storage for 3 mos.

5. Electrical system? A C-25 comes with both 110 VAC and 12 VDC. The aft lazerette has enough room for golph cart batteries, which allow one to anchor indefinatly.

6. Ability to go slow (7 knts) and fast (20 knts) in comfort and control. An attaboy for the dory hull.

7. Sturdy. Journey On isn't always treated well, but it's always held up. Decent quality in 2005 with a few manufacturing defects.

8. Has what it takes to be a comfortable long distance cruiser. Windshield wipers, anchor windlass, good cleats, easy to handle. Again, don't forget the heater.

9. Cheap, compare with the Ranger. Even with the options mentined above. Add $6000 for electronics, etc.

We're happy after 5 years. A 32' trawler has more room, but it's not trailerable. A deep vee is faster in the open ocean, but it takes more than 300 HP to drive them. Ranger has a diesel, but check the price.

Boris
 
Great info thanks if my regal were a hard top and had a place for a kicker i would keep it. regal is losing some market share by not having a 26 foot hard top.
 
are there certain years of the 25 that are better than others?
and what are the differance between the 25 cd and the 26 cd
 
We had five people on the 22 for three days in Princess Louisa, but some people slept in a tent. One member is doing the Great Loop in a 25 and has, at times, had five onboard. And El and Bill did the Inside Passage with four on their 22.

We have six people (and two Golden Retrievers) in our family and figured it made more sense to have a cabin in the San Juans and a runabout for day trips when the whole family is together. I think any boat in the 20-30 foot range would be tight with four people for the Inside Passage, but people have certainly done it.

The Wallas doesn't do a very good job of defrosting the windshield. Search around, there have been several threads on how to keep the windows from fogging. We keep a window cracked open and use a paper towel to wipe the windows when necessary.

The pros and cons of the dory hull have been discussed extensively in other threads. To summarize, the dory hull will be much more comfortable at slow speeds than a deep V, but you'll need to slow down in chop. I think a C-Dory is just as seaworthy as any of the deep V hulls in its' size range, but don't expect to charge through chop. You are rewarded with lower costs all around. If you must go fast, consider a TomCat, SeaSport, Orca, Parker, etc...

I talked with two couples on a chartered NT37 a few summers ago. They had a month charter and were doing the Inside Passage, then handing it off to another charterer for the return trip. They considered purchasing a C-Dory, but thought they'd be more comfortable in the NT for the trip. But once you spend the money on a charter it's gone, whereas if you purchase a C-Dory (or other boat) you can recover a significant portion of your investment when you sell.

Good luck with your decision, there are certainly a lot of options.
 
Hi Duff and welcome aboard.

Plenty of folks have cruised with 4 on board. Our personal feeling is that any of the C-Dorys are a 2-person cruising vessel. Certainly, you can stuff more than that in there... it all depends on your comfort level. At some point, you run out of storage space, not to mention personal space. The dinette comfortably seats 2-3 in the 25. If you are small people, you could squeeze 4. For long travel days, there is comfortable seating for 3 (one at the helm, two at the dinette). Can you put extra chairs around and fit more in? Yep, but then plan to move chairs and other stuff around for every meal, each evening before turning in, and each morning when getting up.

That's not a criticism of these boats - we absolutely LOVE our C-Dory 25. It has taken us on scads of great trips in the 3 1/2 years she has been a part of the family. We have spent up to 5 months at a time onboard... two adults (average size) and a cat.

Others have told you about folks who routinely travel with more than two aboard. Could you do a 3 month trip in a Volkswagen bus, sleeping 4 in there, eating in there, and taking care of your personal sanitation needs in there? If so, the CD-25 will fit you wonderfully.

The dinette can be made into a berth for one adult... two if you make some width modifications to it. Are you willing to take down and set up the berth every day? Does everyone have the same sleeping habits? Anyone need to make a trip to the pottie in the middle of the night? Comfortable making bathroom noises in front of each other? (OK, maybe I'm getting WAY too personal here, but these are things that must be considered before shoving off with 4 people in a small boat... some can do it, most can't.)

The boat can handle the trip. It is reasonably comfortable (could use some seating upgrades, if stock), and more than capable... and able to do the trip pretty economical... for a boat.

Over the years, we've seen folks give up their dream of cruising because of some of the things I've mentioned above. Only the 4 of you can decide if it works for you. My wife and I really enjoy cruising with our C-Dory... our adult daughter would be miserable if she had to spend more than a few hours on the boat (ANY boat). It's more about the personalities involved that if the boat CAN do it.

Spend the weekend with the 4 of you in your bathroom (that would be a close equivalence to a couple days in the boat, holed up somewhere with nasty weather)... would everyone survive? If yes, buy the boat and go cruising. If no, adjust the plans accordingly (have the kids fly up to meet you... or get their own boat... or wave at you from the dock as you leave. :wink: ).

Good luck with your decisions. This forum is a great place to see how people are using their boats.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
good stuff most of the time would be me and the wife seattle to bellacoola pick up two go to rupert back to bella bella drop off two pick up other daughter and her huband for trip home. in the regal lots of time down in the cabin with port holes. it 29 x8.6 but the tent gets soaked after a while drip drip. and heaven forbid if a rouge wave came over so im thinking being able to see out and have a heard top might be worth giving up the two queen beds. gold trim and corean counter tops what do you think?
 
Duff,
The 26' Venture is a composite core compared to a balsa core with the 25. The 26' Venture is heavier because of the composite core and it has an insulated interior which makes it less prone to condensation sweating etc. The down side is it makes it harder to customize. Some like the utilitarian look of the 25. I think the 26 has a little more of a v bottom at least in the forward section of the bottom. Because of the extra weight and a bit more of a v on the bow it might be a little less likely to pound. Neither one is go fast boat. The insulation does make for a quieter boat. Both boats will get the job done. The extras that come standard with a 26 do come at a cost. The 26 costs more, weighs more, rides marginally better and comes with more standard features. Plenty of used 25's around fully equipped. Look at both before you buy. Good luck on the hunt.
D.D.
 
duff":1veoy73w said:
good stuff most of the time would be me and the wife seattle to bellacoola pick up two go to rupert back to bella bella drop off two pick up other daughter and her huband for trip home. in the regal lots of time down in the cabin with port holes. it 29 x8.6 but the tent gets soaked after a while drip drip. and heaven forbid if a rouge wave came over so im thinking being able to see out and have a heard top might be worth giving up the two queen beds. gold trim and corean counter tops what do you think?
Click to expand...

Hi Duff,

We voted with our dollars - the 25 works for us. That decision was after lengthy research to find the best trailerable powercruiser for our needs. The C-Dory certainly isn't about Corian® countertops, gold trim, and two queen beds. But, it IS a tough little boat that will take you where you want to go, safely and in the protected comfort of the cabin. We were sailors for years, so we understand the "down in the cabin" part... one of the BEST features of the C-Dory is a great view from anywhere in the cabin. Your guests will not likely be as comfortable as on your Regal... well, at least not while in bed.

For years, we traveled in motorhomes. I had a lighted sign that scrolled the message: Drinks 8, Feeds 4, Sleeps 2. They had Corian® countertops, gold trim, and a Select Comfort mattress. 40 feet. And they were designed for a couple, too. You can make it work for short periods with more than 2, but you have to be realistic about what the design of any conveyance is about. When my lovely wife stepped into the cabin of the C-Dory, I held my breath... I waited for her to say that it was too spartan. Instead, she said, "This should be easy to keep clean - and look at the view out the windows!" Marrying her 37 years ago was the best move I ever made.

We have spent nights in shallow coves that your Regal would be looking at from the outside. Trailered coast to coast, and used the boat in an RV fashion along the way. I can't imagine a more versatile boat in its size range... as long as one understands what the boat was designed to do.

I see in another thread that you are considering a SunDowner Tug. Certainly more comfort, room, and luxury compared to the C-Dory. More expense, more upkeep, and the biggest drawback: not trailerable. If you are not concerned about trailering to distant waters, then you have more considerations. If trailering figures into your cruising style, the CD-25 is a great couple's boat.

When on land, I really enjoy motorcycling. It's big fun with my sweetie snuggled
in behind me. Don't think we'd be taking our daughter and son-in-law on the bike, either. :mrgreen: I'm a big believer in the right tool for the job (or the right vessel for the usage). If sleeping/eating/showering/lounging for 4 is high on your priority list, I think there are bigger boats that will do that better than the CD-25. Just because it's the right boat for us, it doesn't mean that I'd recommend it for everyone.

Good luck with your decisions.

Jim B.
 
THanks that what im hearing from every one my regal is trailerable to took it down the 20% grade at bellacoola so every seems to have the same Idea keep it trailerable and take the kids when you can and for the price they could afford there own. we also take the regal to flathead lake in Mt couldn,t do that with the tug.
Please the comments coming it really help to find out what other are doing.
Duff
 
Duff-

Have you considered having the top of the present boat redone with an extra high quality doubly reinforced frame of oversize stainless tubes, heavier Sunbrella fabric, perhaps an inner headliner, plenty of windows, total enclosure, etc?

Might be cheaper and easier than changing boats???

Just a thought!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
You might want to look at our postings of this summer on our C Dory 25 "Frequent Sea" in SE Alaska. We had spent 4 years (about 6 months each year) cruising the inland passage, and had no qualms returning in the C Dory 25. The year before we had gone from Sequim to the Broughtons--another month plus trip.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t= ... equent+sea

However, I would not want to cruise with 4 people, except immediate family--and by that I mean perhaps one son or daughter and grand children. There are only bunks for 3 people--unless someone sleeps in the cockpit or on the floor (which I did for many years when I was young).

The weight towing is about 7500 lbs, and I feel that a 3/4 ton diesel is the best rig for the area you will be cruising--and I would consider putting electric over hyraulic brakes on the trailer, because of the grades.

We only sat out two days in slightly over a month peroid due to weather--I suspose we could have traveled, but some 80 footers were not traveling on those days also. One day, in open water, we did let a fishing purse seiner break the waves as we followed in his wake....

Yes, you could buld a good bimini and camper back for your regal (I owned a somewhat similar Rinker 270 (actully closer to 30)--with a full camper back, but it still lacked the convience of the C Dory 25 or Tom Cat. Also the C Dory 25 uses far less fuel.

Comfort of ride--there is lots written about the semi dory, which will pound if driven into heavy chop. Permatrims and trim tabs will help this by putting the bow down going into waves.

My personal feeling is that the C Dory 25 is probably just as seaworthy as the Sea Sport 26--somewhat different hull forms, but both will do fine in AK.

Range, we had the Honda 130--the 150 is a better engine. We averaged about 3 miles a gallon for the entire 1200 miles. But at 17 knots our cruising speed, we had about a 220 mile safe range, with our 2.3 to 2.5 miles per gallon. Dropping to true displacement speeds, which we did on one very long run, will significantly increase the range to 300 miles.

Windshield--the Wallas will heat the boat. You need chamois and fans to keep the windshield clear. We never really had a problem with that aspect of cruising.

We perfer a single because of the weight--and 150 is adequate HP (175 Suzuki would be my ideal choice at the same weight, and a bit more speed when necessary). We had only the dinghy motor of a 2.5 hp Suzuki 4 stroke as a kicker. It would push the boat at 3 knots in calm water--and is adequate for most purposes. We own a 15 hp Honda, and did not take it except on a couple of offshore trips in S. Calif.

Good luck in your hunt.
 
You may want to look at the ranger tug in the 25 or the 29. both have seperate cabins so no one has to sleep on the table. more money but more room and much closer in trim level to your current boat. if I was planning to travel that far with 4 it would not be in a cdory at all. which is why i got one. like Jim said. drink 6 eats 4 sleeps2 if she stops snoring. :embarrased
 
I'm kind of curious. What size is your Rinker? Why would you want to replace it?

The 260 Cruiser seems as if it would go up the Inside passage, and I've seen several of that type do it.

What about the Rinker would keep you from taking it up to Alaska?

Boris
 
great info thanks
there are two new 25s in california at dealer cost 78000 for one 76000 for the other used ones for o8 are a little less of course they have more electronics i saw 05 for low sixties the newones have twin 90 there is a new 08 in Ny city single 140 suzuki for 67000 any idea on which is the better way to go.
and are you concerned about the no warranties for cd any more? will parts be available down the road that sort of thing,
 
my regal is a great boat J.D power rates it the best express cruiser up to 32 feet for the past 8 years very sea worthy in May we crossed from port hardy to river inlet in two meter seas 15 to 20 knot winds did fine. but i would really like a hard top fully enclosed with glass. the other problem you can't mount a kicker off the back I called regal they said not to do it so that leaves with my inflatable and 6 horse motor as secondary power if i had a problem. i'm just not real comfortable with that plus you cant see out from the cabin when at anchor. open to ideas duff
 
Let me second the comment about looking at the R-25... I spent considerable time looking at C-Dory's and searching for the right one... I wound up buying an almost new R-25 for only a few dollars more than a new Venture 26... It is comfortable and nicely finished.. I will be adding canvas over the cockpit, and a radar, but other than that the boat is finished...
There are lots of choices out there, you just have to be patient and keep looking (took me 2 years) and when the right boat comes along you will immediately know it...
 
We've had our 25 <1 yr but here's my input.

ADVANTAGES:
Relatively fuel effecient vs comparable sized boats
Enclosed head
Enclosed cabin WITH heat
Two can travel very comfortably on extended trips. Three would also be OK. Four adults and a child would be TIGHT imo.
Trailerable, which expands the areas visited
Can move along at >25 knots w/ a 150 Suzuki four stoke
A 9.9 kicker is sufficient
Simple, sturdy boat w/ a nice "salty" look (I can't tell you how many people have complimented the boat, even while it's on the trailer)

DISADVANTAGES:
Can be "poundy" in chop (we just slow down and enjoy the ride)
Can be difficult to maneuver at slow speeds in windy conditions (the cabin acts like a sail and the flat bottom doensn't help)
The bilge hatches don't seal so the bilge is CONSTANTLY wet
Foam used could be of better quality
Windows do tend to fog in winter (see fan suggestion above)

I've had issues w/ bilge pumps, a water pump that died and a few water leaks that were easily fixed. You'll also need to have curtains made and tracks installed.

With all that said the boat suits our needs perfectly. We cruise, overnight on the hook & in marinas, occasionally crab but don't fish.
 
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