Will you help me build my boat?

T

thezebcokid

New member
Hello All,

I'm on boat #3, and am planning for boat #4 which will be a C-Dory. After reading many of the posts, I think I'm going to go for the 22' Classic Cruiser.

I'm an avid troller for Trout, Steelhead, and salmon. And, I enjoy pulling some pots for Dungeness Crab on the northern California coast (Bodega Bay).

I would like to build a boat, so I know how much this will cost me...in the beginning (of course). So, the question is, what is the best way to go about this? I called C-Dory, but they don't have any sort of showroom. That would have been great fun!

Anyway, this is likely the first post of several as I figure out what I want, what I don't need, and what I must have. I'm very excited to get pen to paper, money in the bank, and ultimately out on the water with a fantastic boat.

Thank you for your insights.

DG
 
By build I assume you mean 'choice of accessories or configuration'? It would help to hear any unique use goals in addition to fishing.

You want heat? Single or twin engine? 2nd helm station? Rocket launcher up top? etc.

What a fun part of the process! Good luck with your research.
 
Matt_Unique,

Thank you for the follow up. I will do the best I can with what I know, but I think some of your questions are perhaps answers after I provide more information. So here I go....

As I said, I am an avid fisherman. I'm only interested in trolling. No bait dunking for this guy. Then there is crabbing. Love that too!

I like to take my boat to different bodies of water around California and Oregon. This includes places like Eagle Lake, Lake Shasta, Lake McCloud, Diamond Lake, Upper Klammath, Lake Berryessa, Lake Sonoma, and the California Delta. My wife and I would like to sleep on the boat during some of our excursions. These overnight trips will be up to 3 days. No more, I'm sure.

I think a single main motor would be good, but I will want a kicker to allow for the aforementioned trolling (speeds between 1 mph and 5 mph).

A second helm station seems nice, but I believe space is already limited on the deck of the Cruiser, so if there's a way to drive the kicker from a tiller handle, that would be fine. I'm totally open to the best way to handle this issue. I suppose the main point is that I don't want to be inside the pilot house when the rods are going off. I want to be there to set the hook.

I think heat is good. I think operable windows in the pilot house is good. I think a fish box is good. If the fish box can double as a livewell that would be great. Not for bait, but a place to put the crabs.

I will take the boat in the ocean, although I don't imagine getting too far from shore. Just the bays.

I currently don't do a lot of anchoring, but I also am unable to sleep on my current boat. Perhaps when one owns this type of craft, anchoring becomes more important, and how that (the anchor) is handled changes.

I don't plan on any elaborate cooking. Just want to heat some soup and chill out.

Rocket launchers or some way to manage rods and reels is a good thing.

There's a start. I hope this can get the ball rolling.
 
Do you want to buy a fiberglass boat completely built, or do you want to build the boat from scratch? If you want to build the boat from scratch-such as Plywood, there is a very similar series of boat, called the Tolman Skiffs: http://www.alaska.net/~tolmanskiffs/
There are a number of semi dory type of boats as well as the C Dory which is a modified semi dory. The early C Dories are flat bottomed prior to 1987 and are more of a true semi dory.

To my knowledge there is no offering of the C Dory as a Kit where you would complete the boat your self currently.

If you want to buy a C Dory, there are many used for sale. Go to the Home page, and look down in the lower right corner. There are several C Dory owners who live in your area. They might be happy to show you their boat. Occasionally you will find a 22 cruiser in the $12,000 to $18,000 range, but that is a boat which is unusual and may need a lot of work. Good boats start in the $22,000, on up and in the $30,000 you can get a very good well equiped boat, on up to well over $50,000 for a new boat. There is a 2001, with twin 40's (which would probably troll down in the 1 to 5 mph range well, located in Napa, asking price of #28,500 and the owner has expressed his desire to sell recently.

There are also dealers in the San Francisco area: Boat and Motor Mart
333 Kennedy Street
Oakland, CA 94606
US
Tel: 510-437-1444
 
In my humble opinion, the Wallas stove makes a lousy anchor, and an even worse stove. It's run by a computer board, and if it breaks, I'm helpless, and I have to send it back to the factory. I replaced my Wallas with an Origo Alcohol stove for cooking and a Coleman SportCat propane heater for heating, and I'm much happier.

The wash-down pump is another item I wasted my money on. The switch to turn it on is in the perfect location so that anyone not familiar with my boat leans on it and unknowingly turns it on when putting on a stern starboard mooring line. Twice now I've forgotten to fully drain the pump during winterizing, and in spring had a cracked pump housing to deal with. Once in the spring some guests new to the boat were alarmed that water was over the cockpit floorboards. It turned out they'd accidentally turned on the wash-down pump, the pump housing was cracked, and the pump was busy filling up the cockpit through the crack.

If I think of any other "watch-out!" items, I'll make another post.
 
Thataway,

Does that mean that I couldn't go into the dealer you mentioned with a desired boat and place an order? In other words, I must get a stock cruiser and make the modifications afterward?

If that is the case, how much should I expect to pay for a new 22 Classic Cruiser? I'll the start tallying the add ons such as a kicker, rocket launcher (thank you Matt), and other recommended changes, additions, deletions.
 
Hi zebcokid, and welcome. My first reel was a Zebco 202 :D

I'm a little bit confused by your posts, and it sounds like maybe others are too. So, maybe you could help us to help you.

You say you want to "build a boat." That usually seems to mean starting with raw materials and sawing/gluing/etc. But maybe you mean it more like going to a dealer and "building" a car? i.e. ordering what you want? I've talked to people who "built a house," wherein I know they never had a saw or hammer in their hands, so I know it can be a figure of speech :D

So first question is: Are you looking at ordering or buying a new C-dory? Or building a boat from scratch?

Second place I'm confused is that you say "22 Classic Cruiser." Just FYI, the "classic" 22 was made prior to 1987, and has a slightly different hull shape (flatter bottom), and more of an angler-style cabin (short cabin; longer cockpit). 1987 and newer boats of 22' length come in two basic flavors:

1) Cruiser
This has more cabin and less cockpit. V-berth, then main cabin with helm, galley and dinette in the cabin (there were some variations on this, but they are few and far between).

2) Angler
This is the same hull as the Cruiser, but has less cabin and more cockpit. Same V-berth, same helm, but less galley and dinette (layouts vary but dimensions of cabin remain the same).

I think the difference in the cabin/cockpit split is 2' that either goes to one or the other.

Once we understand what you are going for we can give you better feedback.

Again, welcome!

Sunbeam
 
Sunbeam,

Thank you for the request for clarification. My apologies.

Yes, I am looking at ordering or buying a new C-dory. I come from the aluminum fishing boat world of HewesCraft, Boulton, North River, where a buyer has an opportunity to specify some details when the boat is fabricated. That is building to me! As much as I want to be good at swinging hammers and laying glass, I'm not. One of my few regrets in life.


On the second point, I am interested in a 22' Cruiser. I figure the extra 2' of space is more useful on the inside than the outside.

Sorry about all the confusion.
 
Well look on the bright side: You'll be skipping right to the fun part of "building" a new boat, which is the little tweaks and customizations (vs. the long slog of building). Sometimes it's a plus not to be "good" at that :D

I have never bought a new C-Dory, but from what I have gleaned it can go a few different ways.

1) You buy them through a dealer, of which several good ones participate here. I think they may keep some "in stock," but I believe others are built on order. So you may be able to do either.

2) These boats are "rigged" to a certain extent at the dealer, not by the builder. So no matter whether you do a bespoke order (and then take delivery at a dealer) or buy one that is already in stock at a dealer, you do get a chance to customize to a certain extent. I think this is variable, but those who have been through the process can probably help more. What I mean is, there might be a boat sitting in stock at a dealer that still doesn't have an engine, electronics, trim tabs, etc. So those things could still be specified by you. Or you could add things such as a washdown pump, windlass, etc. On the other hand, things like the trim color will be set already.

I'm not familiar with the current west coast dealers, but I know one is Sportcraft in Oregon. Matt from Wefings participates very actively here on the forum and gets rave reviews - he's in the Florida panhandle, so not nearby you, unless perhaps you may be heading east for some reason, or happen to click with him and decide to make a trip out of it :) OTOH, local has advantages too.
 
We have a 22 Cruiser with twin engines and just cruise with it. If I were in the OP's shoes I'd buy a 22 Angler with a main and kicker. The longer Angler cockpit would give plenty room for the second steering station, coolers, rod holders, crab davit and pots.
Good primary fuel filters are a must with modern fuel and engines, the ones on the engine just don't have enough capacity to handle the crud that will come through.
An arch tall enough to slide an inflatable dingy under is helpful. You can mount antennas, the radar dome, fishing poles and more on it.
The Wallas stove is finiky if it doesn't get fed enough voltage. It requires clean terminals and fresh batteries, or lacking that, the motor running to start. I believe they make a single burner unit that should fit the Angler.
Consider a good bimini and comfortable folding chairs too. By extending your season and adding comfort it will pay for itself in short order.
As far as electronics there are many good choices. Don't forget a hard mounted VHF.
Two batteries with a combine switch and an automatic charging relay are desirable. Some dealers will install a second battery without the switch and relay. Don't settle for that.
 
Slap together mock ups of the Angler's and Cruiser's cockpits, arrange your gear in them and see if the Cruiser's cockpit will suffice.
The larger cabin sure is nice. While underway gear accumulates in steerage (the V-birth), being able to arrange the Cruiser's port side furniture into a birth to take a daytime nap on is a plus.
 
I keep dreaming about my "24 Cruiser" (Angler cockpit plus Cruiser cabin), but until then... yeah... one has to decide. Luckily they are both great boats :thup

Even though I don't fish and pretty much only "cruise," I considered an Angler just for that big cockpit. My thought was to then add a good camperback and spent a lot of time "hanging out" in the cockpit-as-living room (with comfortable chairs). I did end up with a cruiser though. The cabin is nice! (Now you can see why I want the "24" though - best of both :D)
 
Sunbeam":18r87cza said:
... Second place I'm confused is that you say "22 Classic Cruiser." Just FYI, the "classic" 22 was made prior to 1987, and has a slightly different hull shape (flatter bottom), and more of an angler-style cabin (short cabin; longer cockpit). 1987 and newer boats of 22' length come in two basic flavors:

1) Cruiser
<snip>

2) Angler
<snip>

...
Click to expand...
Hey there, Sunbeam. I hope all is well with your electrical system these days.

Just for clarification, I'd like to point out that if a prospective buyer was perusing the C-Dory factory website, they would find (under the heading 'Boats') that C-Dory has - in their infinite wisdom - chosen to classify their current lineup into three categories: Classic Series, Venture Series, and TomCat Series. And the boat that we C-Brats refer to simply as a 22-foot Cruiser is listed on that page as a 22' Classic Cruiser.

However, as you've stated above, C-Brats have historically referred to the pre-'87 versions as 'classic' C-Dory's.

So, yeah... there could certainly be some confusion when that same prospective buyer pops in here and asks about buying a new 22' Classic Cruiser. Of course, it would probably help if the factory ran all their marketing material past the 'Brats before publishing... but, don't think that's gonna happen. :mrgreen:
 
Hi DG. Your nearest dealer could be Boat and Motor mart in Oakland Ca. Go to c dory.com and click on dealers then click classic 22 cruiser. The dealers on file will show up. Start by getting in contact with them. What I did on my 2011 cd22 was to contact the dealer here, tick off the items I wanted on my boat and placed the order. The 22 Angler has a smaller cabin and bigger cockpit for fishing than the 22 cruiser You can customize equipment but likely not interior layout. Things like engine choices, electronics, trailer, radar arch more set up for fishing over cruising etc. are all doable at time of order. once all satisfactory from your dealer you write a check!! Easy process. Great boats. You may be lucky with your dealer having a boat in stock. Our BC dealer usually keeps a 22 in stock. You won't find a bunch in stock. These are not big volume boats, they all get built to order so you're on the right track. Not sure what the US market goes for new but in BC you'll write a check for $75,000 plus electronics. This gets the boat, motor and trailer and taxes paid. One can go used in all markets for less. Lots of great used boats in 40-50K. Good hunting. George
 
You can order a boat with most of the "options" you want. It may cost a bit more to have the factory put them on the boat, than for what you can put them on for. Any one of the dealers can order the boat with the options you want. At times there have been "factory price lists" but currently I don't see one on the web site.

I would stick with a dealer near you--and in your case that would seem to be Oakland. The reason is for any warranty work ,and for working out the details of the build--that is putting in the accessories you want.

For example, if you want a second steering station, that should be done at the factory--it is just easier for them to run the cables, and do the proper connections. There are a selection of radar arches and rocket launchers which may be available.

Personally I prefer to have the canvas work done locally, because you will get a better custom fit.

The dealer will put on the motor, you want. I would first look at some boats before thinking about a trolling motor with a tiller. There are some options, including a separate auto pilot, or tie in with the main auto pilot. There is also coupled to the cockpit steering station if you so desire.

If you are serious about several days (and I think after you use the boat it will be more than several days--we spent over 60 days on our 22 summer before last--about 35 in a row). The 22 cruiser is better with a full dinette and galley. As for items like the Wallas stove--again better from the factory. You hear a few complaints. I have owned 4 of them. So far not a single problem. Keeping the voltage up. Burning the right fuel, and starting on high, stopping on high, to help keep the burner clean. No other package offers both a good stove and heater in the small space.

Go visit the dealer and see what they tell you about price. A new boat is not going to be cheap. But it will be what you want.
 
AK Angler":g4lvd60d said:
Just for clarification, I'd like to point out that if a prospective buyer was perusing the C-Dory factory website, they would find (under the heading 'Boats') that C-Dory has - in their infinite wisdom - chosen to classify their current lineup into three categories: Classic Series, Venture Series, and TomCat Series. And the boat that we C-Brats refer to simply as a 22-foot Cruiser is listed on that page as a 22' Classic Cruiser.
Click to expand...

Aha! Thanks for mentioning that. No wonder thezebcokid called it a Classic Cruiser. I guess we now have, in chronological order, Classics; Anglers and Cruisers; and now Classic Cruisers. And maybe Classic Anglers too!

I have had my boat in storage since just after I put in the new ACR and made the electrical changes in the lazarette. As far as I know I solved the mystery problem, but time will tell for sure. When I am reunited with the boat I'm going to order some Blue Sea goodies and do a general "clean up" of the behind-the-helm wiring. The drawing you made is sure nice to have :thup
 
If you are looking to mostly fish I would suggest the following items.
1) downrigger- I like the cannons most of all and they are worth the money. Don't skip on this item.
2)auto pilot- get it it makes fishing alone so much better and saves the room that a second station would take up.
3) good fish finder
4) wash down pump. I just put one in this last summer and wish I had done it sooner.
5) fish cleaning / rigging table. I have one it needs to be bigger. mount on a rail at the stern.
6)rod holder up hi so your rods are out of the way when not in use.
7) kicker motor tied to the main. that way you can use the auto pilot on the kicker.

Sell thats my short list of what you need for a proper fishing boat
 
Get the Angler without the bulkhead. Get a drop curtain. Since you love fishing the extra cockpit space you will love. I have a 19 Angler and fish the same waters as you. Alot out of Lawsons Landing. These boats don't need heat in our area but that is me. You can get a small stove installed and sounds like you won't need a sink. The sleeping area is the same in each (19'-22', Angler or Cruiser).

Good luck!!
 
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