What to look for in a used CD???

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Tallman

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Well I have been looking, researching, dreaming, and drooling of adding a C-Dory to our family. I have been following the C-Brats site for awhile now, gleaming as much information as I can about these wonderful boats. I recently joined the site in hopes of one day contributing to the C-Dory community.

I'm now looking more seriously at finding the perfect used CD...My question for everyone is when looking at used CD's, what are some things I should look for? Are there areas that are prone to leaks, rot, cracks, etc.? I'm new to boating, and I hope a CD will be my 1st and last boat (the Marinaut looks great too!). Any help would be much appreciated...I literally only have a few hours behind the wheel of a boat, so I'm excited about my future adventures!
 
Hello, welcome to the forum. I agree that a C-Dory would make a good last boat.
I 'spose deciding what repairs, if any, you are willing and able to tackle would help decide which used boats to consider.
I found a 22' Cruiser that seemed perfect. It was well kept and it had every electrical and navigation system I would ever need. But when I saw the amaturish nightmare of a wiring job done to it the deal was off.
For someone that was willing to rewire every system it may have been the right boat.
 
Your best bet is to go back and review a number of the other query's about problems, and what the solutions have been. Frankly the problems are relitatively few. If you are new to boating a good marine surveyor might be a good investment. (Not all marine surveyors are equal, and do not use a surveyor recommended by a broker.).

The "leaks" are about various windows and hatches, which may have not been properly bedded as in any boat. Balsa core can have rot, if water gets into it, but in general Balsa has a less than perfect rap because of some boats which were not properly built--for the C Dory lineup, the amount of glass inside and outside of the core has been sufficient in the past. Any cored deck or hull should have all holes properly sealed with epoxy--but this is not done at the factory in any boat. It is rare that problems appear.

There have been leaks along the rub rail, the brass bow rub strake.

"stress cracks" are often due to thick gel coat in areas with a sharp radius and rarely are a structural problem--with some exceptions--such as the transom, splash well interface in some 2002 to 2005 C Dory 25's.

All in all the C Dories have far less problems than other brands, and hold their value better.

As for a first and last boat--you be indeed a very rare person if you achieved that in one boat. Most of us on the forum have owned multiple boats in our lives.

The "perfect boat"--not sure it exists. But perhaps in the eye of the beholder.
 
After reading the 'Aloha' thread one could say making sure the boat still has a cabin is important...
 
After reading the 'Aloha' thread one could say making sure the boat still has a cabin is important...
Click to expand...

For some, Floating works, for others, everything else must work too. Some folks want to find in in their county, some travel across the country. For the rest of us, there is a somewhere in-between, based on what we are willing to do, pay someone else to do, or do without.

For us, it was deciding what we were going to use the boat for, what equipment it had, and where we could find it.

Good luck with your search, and welcome to the C-Brats site.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Thanks to all for the replies...Bob, I'll go back and look at some of the other discussions now that I have more specific issues to look at. As to the 1st and last boat...I meant that a C-Dory would be my only boat...that's not to say I wouldn't mind upgrading from a 19' to 22' to 25 and so on. :D
 
So another question...What kind of maintenance or typical repairs should I ask about or look for?
 
Josh-

This is something we used to do for prospective members of our sailing fleet that were new to sailing or at least to small boat racing:

Get an owner of the type of boat you want to buy to go with you to help evaluate the condition of the boat and trailer, and how appropriate the pricing is.

This gives you an expert to advise you who has a background not only in his or her boat, but one who has also read about many of the possible issues, problems, and their remedies.

Hopefully, there's a C-Brat in your area or in the area where you're considering buying a boat that can help you.

I'd think most of us here would be very happy to assist a prospective C-Dory owner take a look at a boat for you!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Tallman":3942t7yk said:
Thanks to all for the replies...Bob, I'll go back and look at some of the other discussions now that I have more specific issues to look at. As to the 1st and last boat...I meant that a C-Dory would be my only boat...that's not to say I wouldn't mind upgrading from a 19' to 22' to 25 and so on. :D
Click to expand...

Those are very famous last words! This coming from someone who now has TWO C-Dorys and TWO sailboats... Have fun as you look!

Charlie
 
As for maintance, you want to look mainly at the engine/engines. Check the records for frequency of oil change. Some of the latest outboards do allow a read out of data, such as rev limiting, over heating etc.

You can tell if the boat has been kept clean and waxed, and the conditon of the systems is fairly evident. Heads, water pumps, lights etc are items which have to be replaced on a routine maintaince basis as they break or wear out.

Generally a boat used mostly in fresh water will age better than a boat used in salt water--and better in cool areas than in tropical areas. But a lot depends on the type of storage, and general maintance. For example many of us who boat in salt water, keep out boats on lifts and wash them down with fresh water after each use. But I don't have a problem with a boat kept in salt water which has been well maintaned.
 
Before purchasing any boat.

We recently purchased a 19’ CD that looked perfect.

Between obstructions such as tandem wheels, wheel fenders, trailer rollers and guides etc. there was unseen damage that actually could not be seen until I physically crawled under the boat and saw the damage up close and face on.

The reason I’m commenting is just because some could easily assume that there is no damage if not seen from the squat down view from the side, out side of the boat (viewing at the same angle as the bottom surface angle).

From experience, I suggest that a little time on a floor creeper inspecting the bottom for damage (up close) can save big bucks.

We just spent over two thousand dollars on known damage which was reflected in the final purchase price.

Regards,

Ron Fisher
 
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