22 Cruiser of 23 Venture

BuckMontana · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:09 pm Post subject: 22 Cruiser of 23 Venture

Looking for advice and opinion for the purchase of my first C-Dory. I'm a transplant to PNW with river sled experience in Idaho and BC. I'm retired and looking forward to "living the dream" - fishing and cruising the PNW, and maybe beyond. I'm 5 minutes away from a boat launch into the Puget Sound. I've narrowed it down to the two models: 22 Cruiser and 23 Venture, including the Sport. They appear big enough for friends and family and small (ilght) enough that I can trailer them with my F150 (8000bs tow capacity). My request of you sage and experienced C Dory sailers is which one would you prefer? And why? Assume both boats are similar age, equipment, and condition.
Thanks!

DayBreak · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:56 pm Post subject:

Good question. PM sent.

thataway · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 10:13 pm Post subject:

I would suggest looking at and tryng to get a ride in both the 22 and 23, there are some differences in layout, and slight differences in the "ride", especially if there is a little chop.

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 12:37 am Post subject:

The Venture 23 would be my choice. I've owned 3 22 Cruisers, one was an '85 with ironing board flat bottom, not good. Right now there is a really nice used one in Mount Vernon at Master Marine. Sure seems loaded and beats the brand new price. Good luck!

Esmi2 · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 1:59 am Post subject:

As a rank newbie, my opinion may not count for much. For me, I let the market determine which boat was "better." What I mean is that I was actively looking for either one, and would have been pleased with either one, and ended up with a Cape Cruiser due to timing/dollars/condition/location and a very cool/trustworthy seller.

(Now that I have a Cape Cruiser 23, I can see the myriad benefit of this model over any other model Wink

)