Where C-Dory fits in the scheme of things

[journey on]

Boat U. S had this article on their website: Best Trailer Boats For Your Money. A list of trailer boats up to $100, 000. All C-Brats should read it.

They covered open boats, pontoon boats and jet skis, 22 boats in all. Not only where there no C-Dorys, but there were no closed cabin boats at all.

I think that shows the market for C-Dorys is a niche market; certainly as seen by the mass marketers. And this article proves that there is a limited market for C-Dorys, something of which we should be all aware, buyer or seller. They don't sell enough to attract the attention of a national magazine, and there's not a plentiful supply of them when you're buying or sellting. And they missed the Ranger Tug 21 which would have fit right in. And that brand advertises in their magazine.

Boris

 

[Peter & Judy]

Having worked in the magazine industry in the past, I learned a few things about which items get mentioned in magazines and what travel locations get written up. Ever wonder why Mexico has so many travel articles written about it for example. Look at the ads. When you see the '10 best cameras of 2016 article' again look at the ads. C-Dory's are indeed a niche market boat and with a small production run, they advertise very little, so you will rarely see them in the magazines.

 

[MikeR]

That list was RIGGED! Haha, just kidding.

I for one am sure glad there are no C-Dories on that list. I think one of the many reasons most of us like our boats is because they are NOT mass produced and because they DON'T look like every other boat out there!

And considering how most of us use our boats, and the constituency of C-Brats (a lot of cruising and fishing couples and singles, many in retirement) it's really not surprising at all there are no C-Dories, Rangers, or other similar boats mentioned, since the vast majority of OTHER boaters out there want a boat that can accommodate their family of 4 plus their friend's family of 4 for a few hours of tubing and wake boarding on the lake. The list is simply reflective of how the majority of people prefer to spend their time on the water. That type of boating is definitely not for me, but I know a fair number of people (friends and co-workers) who do exactly that...believe it or not, they dream of someday getting that 27' party barge like we might dream of getting that Venture 23, CD 25, or TomCat!

On a side note, can you believe how UGLY some of those boats are?! Wow!

 

[JamesTXSD]

Ah, the right tool for the job. For the average American, the word "boat" brings to mind an image of 4 pretty young people in an open runabout, going 40 mph on glass smooth water... water skiing... pulling a colorful float behind... a picnic on a sandbar. Mention "boat" where we live, and people think: a flat bottom skimmer-type boat used for fishing (we are not over-populated with runabout boats) or 65' shrimp boats.

It took years for neighbors along our canal to stop asking "What'd ya catch?" as we'd come back in with one of our sailboats... they couldn't imagine having any kind of boat if you don't fish! When hearing that we'd go out cruising for months at a time with Wild Blue, we would often see dumbfounded stares... "Why?" Describe the places we've visited, the spectacular things we've seen, and we'd still get: "But, you don't fish?"

Those of us who appreciate a cabin boat and spend time on this forum understand what amazing boats C-Dorys are. We can easily be lulled into thinking because we fit in here, we fit in with the rest of the boating world.

Yeah, these boats are a niche. But, what an amazing tool for handling that niche! The person looking for a trailerable adventure cruising boat is going to seek out a boat to fill that niche. The odds of swaying the average potential boat buyer (who is thinking: skiing, tubing, bikinis, blasting stereos... and maybe fishing) to a C-Dory is pretty slim. Even though we know how versatile these boats are, they seem like an over-priced, too specific "tool" for their boating desires.

Boating publications have to go for the demographic that will purchase what their advertisers have to sell. Don't expect to see "C-Dory Life" on the news stands... which is also why this forum is SO popular and active among those who DO appreciate that niche.

We have begun considering what will be "the next boat"... looking for something small for day-tripping in our local water, sight-seeing, dolphin watching, and just being out on the water. No over-nighting or trailering to cruise. We considered a C-Dory 16 (because I drank the kool-aide :wink: ), but something like a pontoon or a deck-boat makes more sense for this use. Some dolphin watch operators here use pontoons. Fishing charter operators use boats here that can run across a foot of water (or less)... they remind me of a raft with a big ol' motor on a jackplate. But, it is the right tool for their use. It didn't make that magazine list, either. 8)

Not everyone has good taste, like C-Dory owners do. :wink:

 

[BrentB]

I am in agreement and add the same for auto related, guns, PC - computer, nerd stuff, camping, fishing ,cooking etc publications

LOL

enjoy the weekend!

 

[NancyandBud]

While the C-Dory is less than perfect from the factory, as evidenced by the thousands of pictures on this forum of improvements, it has a well built hull with the right form to be an all around "Swiss Knife" of boats.

When we decided we no longer wished to put up and take down sailboats, we knew what we wanted. A boat that was aesthetically pleasing to look at, that could be modified to meet our needs, that had a strong on-line user support group, that could easily be pulled with our current pick up, that could either eat miles or stroll along at slower speeds.

Much credit (or blame) goes to Wild Blue. Hearing about their transition from sailing to power on the Trailer Sailor forum as well as reading Jim's blog, convinced me that a C-Dory would fit our requirements. Having had the privilege of going on bmcpiper's Big Blue confirmed my opinion. Then going to the Mississippi River gathering and meeting so many wonderful C-Brats, as well as getting a chance to spend some time on the river with Dr. Bob, was kind of icing on the cake.

Having owned Seaward sailboats, it never bothered me that we had a relatively rare boat or that others had never heard of the brand. I did appreciate the many compliments paid to us by boaters and non-boaters alike. C-Dory's get the same reaction.

 

[Pacificcoast101]

It took years for neighbors along our canal to stop asking "What'd ya catch?" as we'd come back in with one of our sailboats... they couldn't imagine having any kind of boat if you don't fish! When hearing that we'd go out cruising for months at a time with Wild Blue, we would often see dumbfounded stares... "Why?" Describe the places we've visited, the spectacular things we've seen, and we'd still get: "But, you don't fish?"

We still get that every weekend. Even though we've been going out diving and photographing marine life nearly every weekend for the past 25 years we are still asked how many lobsters we caught.

 

[rogerbum]

It took years for neighbors along our canal to stop asking "What'd ya catch?" as we'd come back in with one of our sailboats... they couldn't imagine having any kind of boat if you don't fish! When hearing that we'd go out cruising for months at a time with Wild Blue, we would often see dumbfounded stares... "Why?" Describe the places we've visited, the spectacular things we've seen, and we'd still get: "But, you don't fish?"

We still get that every weekend. Even though we've been going out diving and photographing marine life nearly every weekend for the past 25 years we are still asked how many lobsters we caught.

But you don't fish?!? :lol: I'm one of those people who can't imaging owning a boat and not fishing but for me, that's the primary reason for owning a boat. That, and getting the heck away from people. You don't fish? Unfathomable. :lol:

 

[hardee]

I think the primary thing that makes the C-Dory family of boats "the" niche boat is the hard top, enclosed cabin, and trailerable. The enclosed cabin is perfect for two boating climate extremes, the hot south and the cold north. That works to be able to AC or heat the boat to make it comfortable. Maybe it has to do with that most of us are past the waterskiing stage, and are more content to do water activities that are less "brutal" to our bodies.

When asked about fishing, I often respond with a comment about fishing for whales and bears....... with my camera. I really get some strange looks. It's OK, what I do on my boat is really my business. If I am safe and enjoying what I do, I'm happy.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[JamesTXSD]

Our conversations would go like this...

"What'd you catch?"

"Some rays."

"You caught some stingrays?"

"Um, no - we we got some sunshine."

"Oh, didn't catch any fish, huh? Maybe next time."

:wink:

Tough to do with no fishing gear on the boat. We did get stopped once by a Texas Fish & Game warden. He wanted to see our fishing licenses.

"We don't fish."

"Oh, really? What's the net for?"

"We have a cat."

"Ohhhhh..."

Fortunately, never had to use the net for Molly or Izzy. Works good for a hat-overboard situation, though. 8)

 

[ken35216]

I would think not many people buy a C-Dory as their first boat...

 

[localboy]

I would think not many people buy a C-Dory as their first boat...

It was ours. But boating in the PNW demands a cabin w/ heat. Had I still been in Hawai'i, a more "open" boat would have been fine.

 

[NancyandBud]

I would think not many people buy a C-Dory as their first boat...

I think you are correct for the most part. The owners we have spoken with have had other boats before either "moving up" or "moving down" to a C-Dory.

 

[hardee]

I would think not many people buy a C-Dory as their first boat...

Interesting thought.

My boat was purchased new, and set up by Jim, who was getting ready to buy his last boat, "retire and fish his way to Alaska." The impressive part of the story to me is that this was his 34th boat over his lifetime. He lived in norther California and boated on the Delta, the coast and the lakes. I give him credit for "knowing a thing or two since he'd done a thing or two", and I just have to think he got most of it right. (We disagreed on the importance of having good VHF capability, so I added some there.)

Unfortunately for Jim, it was his last boat, and for me, my first power boat. I think I got it right with his boat.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[ken35216]

I would think not many people buy a C-Dory as their first boat...

I think you are correct for the most part. The owners we have spoken with have had other boats before either "moving up" or "moving down" to a C-Dory.

I would think more people buy a C-Dory as their last boat.

 

[NancyandBud]

Nice story Harvey. I've always enjoyed hearing from previous owners about their experiences on the boat we buy used (as most of ours have been).

What surprises me most is so many low, or relatively low for the age, hours on many C-Dory's. Our 2001 has 400 hours, approx 26 hours per year.

But I know many others here have accumulated a lot of hours traveling thousands of miles on the water.

It's all good.

:lol:

My sig line has a kernel of truth that Marc told me and I thought it was very appropriate for Nancy and me.

 

[ssobol]

One reason for the low hours is that a C-Dory is easy to trailer. You don't have to travel long distances on its own bottom to get somewhere new.

While we go many places each year, we only put about 40 hours a year on the motor because we can tow the boat most of the way to where ever we are going.

For instance, two places we often boat are about 200 miles apart by water. With a large boat I'd be forced to cruise the boat that distance each time I wanted to go from one place to the other (maybe 10-15 hours running time). With my C-Dory it is about an hour's drive each way (and no wear on the boat motor).

FWIW, I think that having a boat that is easily movable is a lot better than being tied to a particular place (e.g. slip based). You can boat in a wide variety of places.

 

[NancyandBud]

We agree. We have towed sailboats all over the US and parts of Canada. Started in 1998 with a Seaward 25 and have had a few boats since then. Our most recent trip was towing a Compac 23 Pilot House back from Pender Harbour, BC to Southern Illinois.

 

[Foggy]

I'm not so sure it is wise to get your pants in a bunch (read 'be offended',
'disappointed' or even 'reactive') when someone, or others, disagree with you.
And I realize most comments about the BoatUS article are simply remarks.

Others may not have the same taste as you do.

Some time ago, I became aware of those who craved "bigger, faster, better, more"
and, when disagreements arose, the need to be "right" - all functions of ego
- a self-limiting trait.

IMHO if you regard your C-Dory as much as members on this site seem to,
Bravo. Enjoy! It's really your opinion and should not matter to anyone else,
as other's opinions shouldn't matter to you.

Aye.

Grandma and Grandpa didn't speak French but understood "Viva la difference!"

 

[Hunkydory]

I would think not many people buy a C-Dory as their first boat...

I think you are correct for the most part. The owners we have spoken with have had other boats before either "moving up" or "moving down" to a C-Dory.

I would think more people buy a C-Dory as their last boat.

Our CD22 is our first boat larger than a canoe or small RIB & it will likely be our last. For many years, when on travels in water areas, where the marina docks could be walked, walking them & talking to the boat owners was a favorite thing for us to do. Only the boats, that looked like they could be used to see places, we couldn't any other way & do so for extended time periods, really captured our interest, but with zero knowledge of boat cruising & boats in general & a more mountain area living & doing lifestyle with very limited finances for a boat cruising endeavor, any future boating idea was really just a fun day dream. Then in 2003 at 55 years old & back problems limiting my remote mountain endeavors, yet still having a desire to explore the wild places with Jo-Lee's company, we decided it was now or never, if we really wanted to change our boating dream to reality. I think it's availability & our choice in choosing the CD22, has been the single most important link to us making the dreams become reality without creating some horrible nightmares in the process. Yes, it's a niche boat & a perfect fit for us.

Jay