Would you buy agin or go another way ?
- Thread starter CFISHN
- Start date
CFISHN":1qzl2anf said:
Hi and welcome,
In my experience, the gang here has a lot of experience and knowledge and enjoys helping people out :thup But could you give us a bit more to go on? Otherwise, it seems like me going to a real estate forum and asking if I should get an urban condo or a Montana ranch. Well, they're both good, but without me telling them more, how could they really say?
Sunbeam
Edited to add: on your other question - I would do the same thing over again, but then I don't know anything now about C-Dory that I didn't know before I purchased mine (mostly thanks to this forum's archives).
Having owned and enjoyed 3 C-Dories, I have to say I wouldn't buy another. I've already picked out my next boat: a Stabicraft 2050 supercab. I want to tip our balance of boat maintenance/boat usage more in the favor of usage, and I hate fiberglass maintenance. In fact, most of the challenges I've had with our C-Dories have been related to fiberglass issues of one sort or another. Our use is almost exclusively fishing and commuting across choppy water, neither of which are strong points for the C-Dory. That being said, the C-Dory remains one of my favorite fiberglass boats, and they do have beautiful lines, more aesthetically pleasing than the Stabicraft I'll admit. If YOUR use includes overnighting, gunkholing, etc., then the C-Dory might be a great choice. The information on this site is invaluable regardless of which boat you own. Best, Mike.
I've had 2 new c dory's a 19 and a 22. I would not hesitate to buy another one. Not sure how to improve on a 22 for us though. , we tow it anywhere we want to go. The 22 is a liveaboard for us, and we've been on the road and water now this trip since late October last year. The 22 does everything we ask, comfy home, rugged sea keeping ability and simplicity of systems. We do not have to work on the boat as we cruise, fixing it all the time. . We go for lunch or a walk. Our style of cruising has us in the shallows a lot as we look for wildlife in marshes and near the beach. If we get real shallow, the outboard comes up and we pole or paddle thru. Not many cruisers can do that. We also cross Georgia strait or Queen Charlotte strait without a worry. The new boats are being exceptionally well built by Triton. We have had zero issues since new. Welcome aboard. George
potter water
New member
I'm on my 12th boat, and my first c-dory. I've owned glass and aluminum boats, fishing boats, sail boats, and cruisers. In the power boat class, and with my kind of boating, it is without a doubt the best compromise I've been able to find considering roominess and trailerability, sea worthiness and safety. My typical conditions of use are large inland lakes and rivers across the country. I only have myself and my wife along 99% of the time. We are reasonably small people, she at 5 feet tall and me a 5 feet nine inches. Neither of us are fat, but we are pleasantly plump. She, as small as she is, can handle all duties associated with our C-dory 22 were I accidentally disabled. It is a simple boat with simple systems, yet sophisticated enough to do all of the amazing and hair raising trips you can read bout here on the Brats.
If I had 100 plus thousand for a boat, I'd probably be looking at one of the 25 foot and larger all aluminum boats that are similarly laid out to the C-dory 22's and 25's. But for the 50 grand I have in my boat, I couldn't ask for a better total compromise for my use at my age and abilities.
So, the bottom line is yes, I'd by another one in a heart beat.
If I had 100 plus thousand for a boat, I'd probably be looking at one of the 25 foot and larger all aluminum boats that are similarly laid out to the C-dory 22's and 25's. But for the 50 grand I have in my boat, I couldn't ask for a better total compromise for my use at my age and abilities.
So, the bottom line is yes, I'd by another one in a heart beat.
A lot depends on what you want to do with your boat. I happen to have a smaller cat for fishing and general around the bay use--and may buy a larger cat (also CC ) for that and further out into the ocean--the reason is a better ride in chop.
However, there are few boats if any, which come close to the trailer ability, economy to run and construction of the C Dory--and even less which hold their value as well as the C Dory.
As you see from my sig: I have owned a 22, a 25 and Tom Cat--then gone back to the 22. The first 22 and 25 were second boats just kept out West for cruising in that area.
We find the 22 the best compromise of interior use of space and function, along with easy trailerabilty, so we went back to it.
However, there are few boats if any, which come close to the trailer ability, economy to run and construction of the C Dory--and even less which hold their value as well as the C Dory.
As you see from my sig: I have owned a 22, a 25 and Tom Cat--then gone back to the 22. The first 22 and 25 were second boats just kept out West for cruising in that area.
We find the 22 the best compromise of interior use of space and function, along with easy trailerabilty, so we went back to it.
T.R. Bauer
New member
While the CD 22 is by no means the perfect boat, it fits a lot peoples' needs just perfectly. It really is an amazing boat for the money.
We looked at a number of boats before we settled on our 22 cruiser several years ago, aluminum, other fiberglass, etc. We are not fishers but often cruise, sometime for weeks at a time. In our climate aluminum seemed too cold and, for us, noisy. Other fiberglass boat seemed either poorly constructed or way out of our price range. Deep Vee boats had some advantages but operating costs were significantly more than for the C-Dory. We have been very happy with the 22 and would buy another C-Dory. The Only other boat on our radar is the ranger tug.
My boat was purchased and set up as the last of series (35) boats over a lifetime, by a man who fished primarily, and cruised some, with the goal of fishing his way to Alaska. It was the "retirement final" boat, and after having owned 34 boat previously, he knew what he was looking for. Unfortunately, I never got to speak with him about this boat (CD 22 Cruiser) or his preferences. I do know that he did a pretty good job of setting it up for his intended purpose. I also know that it was his first C-Dory, and I also know he could have afforded any kind or size he wanted. I think that says a bunch about a C-Dory as first choice for last boat.
Jim's Dorie was my first power boat, and I have considered it an investment, for my sanity and for retirement, as well as for the years before that. It is economical to operate, comfortable to single hand, easy to tow and easy on the eyes. It is capable in a seaway, dry in the rain, warm in the cold, and with the twin outboards incredibly maneuverable. I like the carefree shell maintenance of aluminum, and even like the looks, but I love the feel of the silk smooth, finely polished regal colored fiberglass. Jim did a good job... I'll take it to Alaska for him.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Jim's Dorie was my first power boat, and I have considered it an investment, for my sanity and for retirement, as well as for the years before that. It is economical to operate, comfortable to single hand, easy to tow and easy on the eyes. It is capable in a seaway, dry in the rain, warm in the cold, and with the twin outboards incredibly maneuverable. I like the carefree shell maintenance of aluminum, and even like the looks, but I love the feel of the silk smooth, finely polished regal colored fiberglass. Jim did a good job... I'll take it to Alaska for him.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
A
Anonymous
Guest
Definitely would buy again. Every time I look at other boats they turn out to be more of a compromise on more issues. They say every boat is a compromise, but my 22 is about as good as it gets. I would like a 25 for space, hot water shower, but I wonder if I would use it as much as the 22.
My next boat will likely be a C-Dory.
My next boat will likely be a C-Dory.
I have had several Glas-Ply boats of varieing sizes and one aluminum boat before I bought the Sensei.I have had her for about 18 years now and will never rid of her.I also had a 25 for a year or two and finally traded down to a 22 cruiser. so now I have the best of both worlds, my angler for fishing and the cruiser for everything else.
I dream about a Rossborough but then I would have the same problems as when I had the 25. not a big enough tow rig to suit me. I should have bought a 2500 instead of the 1500 GMC. that is another story....lol....
I dream about a Rossborough but then I would have the same problems as when I had the 25. not a big enough tow rig to suit me. I should have bought a 2500 instead of the 1500 GMC. that is another story....lol....
We have cruised our 25 plenty, and it has been a good match for our traveling style. No thoughts of trading her off at this time. "Would I buy a C-Dory today, knowing what I know now?" Absolutely.
"The Classic Cruiser or the Venture?" Yes. The boats are more alike than they are different. If one appeals to you more than the other, that is reason enough.
The only reason I would trade boats would be if we were done trailering... then, I might consider a bigger boat to keep in one place, or a much smaller day-sailor. From our perspective, the trailer is the best accessory for these boats. With the proper tow vehicle, the 25 is easy to launch and retrieve; we have spent up to 6 months at a time onboard. Not many boats in this size, weight, and price range that could be comfortable for that time period.
Good luck with your search.
Jim B.
"The Classic Cruiser or the Venture?" Yes. The boats are more alike than they are different. If one appeals to you more than the other, that is reason enough.
The only reason I would trade boats would be if we were done trailering... then, I might consider a bigger boat to keep in one place, or a much smaller day-sailor. From our perspective, the trailer is the best accessory for these boats. With the proper tow vehicle, the 25 is easy to launch and retrieve; we have spent up to 6 months at a time onboard. Not many boats in this size, weight, and price range that could be comfortable for that time period.
Good luck with your search.
Jim B.
I have a 22 cruiser inland NC,but I was curious about the venture as well and tested it before deciding and it's a smoother rough water ride,but harder to find usually.Talk to the dealer in Alliance nc,good folks and local knowledge is invaluable IMHO. I know how conditions can change in that area ,and that's just too much for a simple answer.
We fished off the Oregon coast, and cruised big lakes and from the San Juans to Glacier Bay in our CD 22. When I retired, we decided to go for something more in the direction of the Ocean Roamer, which didn't exist yet. Wound up with a heavy deep-v diesel powered 26-footer - kinda max size reasonably towable with the Ram Cummins pickup we bought for it. Even 15 years ago, it was quite an investment.
It has a number of creature comforts, like a fridge, head and shower, lots of heat and hot water supplied by the engine, warm and always dry interior, and very comfortable ride on a short chop, that the CD 22 did not have. Since we have the time, and have discovered cruising slow, it's reasonably good at fuel economy.
If I were buying again and had the money, wanted to go fast and could live with the fuel usage, I'd have that Ocean Roamer. For far less fuel usage and more comfortable cruising, a 32 Nordic Tug. Neither one reasonably towable.
Staying towable (and fitting into our 40-foot "boat house" here in Utah), with the main mission being extended cruising at mostly slow speeds, I'd go Ranger Tug 27.
With a more limited budget, as we had 22 years ago, the CD 22 is a great compromise. What you can, and we did, do with it - for cheap - is remarkable. Pretty much the same with a Venture 23, I suppose.
Maybe the hot setup for us would be a 32 Nordic kept on a stand in Everett, and a Tom Cat kept on a trailer. Hmmm......
It has a number of creature comforts, like a fridge, head and shower, lots of heat and hot water supplied by the engine, warm and always dry interior, and very comfortable ride on a short chop, that the CD 22 did not have. Since we have the time, and have discovered cruising slow, it's reasonably good at fuel economy.
If I were buying again and had the money, wanted to go fast and could live with the fuel usage, I'd have that Ocean Roamer. For far less fuel usage and more comfortable cruising, a 32 Nordic Tug. Neither one reasonably towable.
Staying towable (and fitting into our 40-foot "boat house" here in Utah), with the main mission being extended cruising at mostly slow speeds, I'd go Ranger Tug 27.
With a more limited budget, as we had 22 years ago, the CD 22 is a great compromise. What you can, and we did, do with it - for cheap - is remarkable. Pretty much the same with a Venture 23, I suppose.
Maybe the hot setup for us would be a 32 Nordic kept on a stand in Everett, and a Tom Cat kept on a trailer. Hmmm......
I have had many boats 25 ft cruiser style, center consoles ,runabouts ,deck boats . I find the pilothouse cruiser style to be the best all around boat for here in florida .Great sun and rain protection and it looks like a boat . There are many brands that come to mind Seaway, Eastern ,C-dory ,parker just to name a few . I've had 3 c-dorys so I guess i'm sold on them . Take a ride in the cd-22 then the venture then decide . Good luck JIM
Yes. They do most things pretty well and are very seaworthy. The economy of operation and ease of towing, maint, etc is what sold me. There is no other boat in its class as far as I'm concerned. I love not having to put gas in it all the time. We can actually afford to USE it. We are not cruisers, we fish, and they troll very well. They're stable and confortable. Hey, they look pretty damn cool, too. 8)
Rick
Rick