Hi all,
I'm new to the group and seeking input on the C-Dory (and other boats, if appropriate).
My wife and I both really like being on the water, and do a lot of crabbing, fishing, shrimping, etc. here on the Sound. We're looking to purchase soon. We also have two little ones (2 and 4), so having a spot for them is a consideration. The boat will likely be used 75% for fishing/crabbing/etc. and 25% for day cruises, picnics, possible short trips up towards the San Juans (?), and so forth. Having cover from sun/rain/cold is a must.
Our main limitations are that our garage is only 7' tall, and our vehicle maxes out at 3500# towing. Money is also always an object, but we could handle the 19' there, or perhaps a used 22'.
From all that I've seen and read, the 16' cruiser seems to fit all the criteria, but I was hoping others could chime in on their experiences, i.e. is the fishing area in the 16' cruiser just too small, is it too small for a mediocre weather day on the sound, etc.? Bear in mind that I'm currently in an 11' Zodiac, so used to working in very cramped quarters. Lessons in space management.
I would consider a mini-storage spot if not too expensive, or perhaps another solution that I don't know about yet? Slipping the boat would also be possible, but we'd prefer to be able to drag it around to different places when they're too far by boat. That darn $3.50 per gallon thing...
It also occurs to me that in most of my boating experiences, the smaller they are, the more they get used. Something about the simplicity of it.
Favorite dealers? Good used sources?
We've also considered the North River Seahawk 18.5', which obviously loses the berth and the extra-cool character of the C-Dory, in exchange for a huge working space. Any thoughts on that end also welcome.
Thanks in advance for any and all thoughts, opinions and advice. Hope to see you out there soon.
Ben McCafferty
I'm new to the group and seeking input on the C-Dory (and other boats, if appropriate).
My wife and I both really like being on the water, and do a lot of crabbing, fishing, shrimping, etc. here on the Sound. We're looking to purchase soon. We also have two little ones (2 and 4), so having a spot for them is a consideration. The boat will likely be used 75% for fishing/crabbing/etc. and 25% for day cruises, picnics, possible short trips up towards the San Juans (?), and so forth. Having cover from sun/rain/cold is a must.
Our main limitations are that our garage is only 7' tall, and our vehicle maxes out at 3500# towing. Money is also always an object, but we could handle the 19' there, or perhaps a used 22'.
From all that I've seen and read, the 16' cruiser seems to fit all the criteria, but I was hoping others could chime in on their experiences, i.e. is the fishing area in the 16' cruiser just too small, is it too small for a mediocre weather day on the sound, etc.? Bear in mind that I'm currently in an 11' Zodiac, so used to working in very cramped quarters. Lessons in space management.
I would consider a mini-storage spot if not too expensive, or perhaps another solution that I don't know about yet? Slipping the boat would also be possible, but we'd prefer to be able to drag it around to different places when they're too far by boat. That darn $3.50 per gallon thing...
It also occurs to me that in most of my boating experiences, the smaller they are, the more they get used. Something about the simplicity of it.
Favorite dealers? Good used sources?
We've also considered the North River Seahawk 18.5', which obviously loses the berth and the extra-cool character of the C-Dory, in exchange for a huge working space. Any thoughts on that end also welcome.
Thanks in advance for any and all thoughts, opinions and advice. Hope to see you out there soon.
Ben McCafferty