Just placed an order for a C-Dory 26 Venture and I'm still happy with the decision. Here's why.
We want a trailerable, fiberglass, twin outboard powered, full functioned, simple to operate, economical, customizable, Made in the USA powerboat.
If you are going to boat in the same body of water, why get a trailerable boat? We want to see places we have not been by water. And, we can take'er home with us when we go landlubber. Someone said, "Form follows function."
I grew up with an aluminum boat. I'll never forget the feel and sound. Fiberglass boats feel and sound more 'insulated'. If you want to drive a tin can on the water get an aluminum boat.
Once you have twins, for me, you can't go back to a single screw. Simple.
Room to live, eat, plan, sleep, fish, shower, relax, ponder, tinker, keep warm and safe out of the weather in a hole in the water with a view can take different forms. And, we'll be looking good doing it. For us, it's a C-Dory; an extension of our personalities and stage of life.
We don't need twin helms, piles of spaghetti, cavernous space, electric winches, or SSB radio. An evening in the bilge busting knuckles repairing a generator is not what I'm looking forward to. An reasonably equipped CD is about as KISS as you can get for a liveaboard.
"Economical", now there is a relative term, isn't it?
Survey this website a bit and you'll find may ideas to make your CD fit your style and needs.
Made in the USA is self-explanatory. OK, get picky about the twin engines if I don't go ETEC or Mercury.
Good luck with your process. Fair winds and calm seas.
Aye.