Based on what gets said, some think the main difference between that 22 and the 25 is... the enclosed head. That head, with hot and cold running water/shower is great (would you rent a motel room without a bathroom??), but the big difference between the two is: space. Yes, space for an enclosed head, but also space for more storage, a bigger berth, more galley counter space, more headroom, cockpit lounging space, but most importantly: elbow room. Really, you can pass by each other in the aisle. Think that isn't important? Block your wife from getting through a doorway some time and see how that works for you. :twisted:
When we went to the 2006 Seattle Boat Show to pick a C-Dory (these were "the good ol' days when C-Dory had one of every model they make on display), we went into a 22... I thought it was great. And then into the 25... my wife said, "This one." Even better.
We spent up to 6 months at a time cruising on that great boat - and the elbow room made it very workable.
Now that you have received several opinions about different head options, let me offer another: I am not a fan of typical marine heads, with pump-type plumbing where most use raw water to flush. It is that saltwater and the critters enclosed that starts stinkin' up those hoses. Those who think some kind of air-head is the best way to go... well, have you ever been in a modern pit type toilet? Yeah, in spite of all the hype, they stink. Air heads that I have been around definitely omit an odor (that's part of why they use a fan). And, you may not be going to a pump-out with one, but you are dumping your urine somewhere... because it doesn't stay in that air-head. Now, it may be in a marina toilet, or some just pour it overboard. Try that in a protected area like the Florida Keys... we'll take up a collection for your bail money.
Our choice: the Sealand RV/marine head. It is kinda like a giant porta-potty in that the tank is under the toilet. It uses a small amount of fresh water to flush with, so less opportunity for critters dying in and stinking up the hoses. Most marinas have pump-out stations. If you are off-shore or in an area where it is acceptable, you can use the macerator to pump overboard.
One more thought about this type of head: there is a reason that every RV of significant size uses this type of toilet... it works. Reliably. You put the RV stuff in it and you eliminate the odor.
OK, enough of that crappy talk. The 25 will require a bigger tow vehicle (ours weighed 8,700 pounds on the trailer). It will ride more comfortably than the 22 in similar conditions. It will use more fuel than the 22... because it is bigger and heavier. That "3 feet" will get you another foot of beam and over 30% more interior volume. 25s generally come with a fridge, a 30 amp electrical system, 110 outlets, hot and cold pressure water... and more space. Two built-in seats in the cockpit. We once had 7 people in our cockpit. Yes, good friends.
I never regretted the fact that we spent more $$ for a 25. It just worked for our cruising style.
And now for this commercial announcement: the gentleman who bought our 25 has it back on the market (look for Wild Blue). Look in the Grand Adventures section of this forum for "The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and Crew" to get an idea of how we used the boat. That boat is a champ. If I were looking to get a trailerable cruising boat, I would buy it back in a heartbeat.
There are other boats in that size, but none have the efficiency,economy, and functionality of the CD-25 at its price point.
