C-Dory 16 for large people?

Can the C-Dory 16 cruiser/angler handle a person 6'3" 245 lbs and one smaller passenger? For use in intercoastal waterways.
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Could it--yes. Would you be happy with the boat--maybe. On just sheltered ICW? But there are bays you have to cross. I live on upper Perdido Bay--from the ICW to my house is 12 miles. There are times, when a Norther comes along--and there are 3' + chop. The 16 is going to be uncomfortable in those conditions. Some folks down the street bought a new16 ( they were much smaller than the presented numbers). I think they had planned the ICW, and the Perdido River but they had do go across the bay. After a rough day on the bay--the boat was sold a loss.

My feeling, living in the area, that you would generally be much better off with a open boat in the smaller size--that is for our waters. For example my "other" boat is an 18 foot Caracal Cat--rides almost as well as the much larger Tom Cat (partly because it has higher bridge deck clearance.) The Bimini top gives a lot of shade, and you could put 3 245#, and 3 slightly smaller people with comfort.

Not sure what side of Gulf Breeze you will be one., and if you have a waterfront home, or launching at Shoreline. If you wanted to run over to Quiet Water, Sabine, along the barrier Island--on most days, it would be fine all along the ICW. Down to Fort Walton Beach. But once you come to the big bays...it can get rough. Also our thunderstorms come up quickly--and they can be brutal.

As far as a list--if running on a plane, trim tabs can take care of that--at displacement speed--moving some fuel tanks, etc can help--depends on the differential in weights.
 
I would ask if the clearance distance from the seat to the cabin ceiling would work. Just guessing, but at 6'3", I doubt you would have sitting head room on either of the 16's. Could the 16 do it. Probably, but I think it would not be comfortable, in any water condition, unless you are OK with sitting on the floor or very close.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Howdy,

I have a CD 16 cruiser; I'm 6 ft 3 inches tall weighing in at approx. 178 lbs. Most of my height is in my torso and I have plenty of headroom while seating at either the helm or passenger seat. I do wish the seatback was a little higher and I've had to put seat slides in for legroom.

As far as the boat listing from the extra weight, loading out properly and adjusting as gas is used can take care of the list. However, moving about in the CD 16 will be a tight fit for someone 6 ft 3 in weighing 245 lbs. This little boat is lively when idling at slow speeds or at anchor anyway.

It's a fun boat but does have it's limitations and at your size you'll probably find you won't be getting into this boat as much as you'll be putting it on.

Have fun and be safe.
:D :D
 
How about renting a small boat for a few days and trying out the fit before
jumping in with both feet and buying a boat you are unsure about?

Aye.
 
I am over 6' and about 230 and the guy that fishes with me is even larger and we fished offshore for several years in a 16 without problem. Just have to be a little careful before two people make a quick move in the same direction at the same time. Headroom was never a problem.
 
YES. I'm 6' , 190 lbs and have had passengers on the 16 C Dory many times.

Have you been on one yet? Try and go on one first. You're a big boy. You may also wanna look at the C Dory 22. The 22 is the bread and butter of the lineup.
 
Yes, Not a problem just load the boat accordingly. My wife and I are on the ICW all weekend and enjoy our C-dory 16. Be safe and enjoy.If you are up this way let me know and we will go out for a ride. Thanks Joe
 
My fishing buddy is 6-9 and close to 300 lbs. He has fished on my CD16 for years with no major issues.

You must account for the shifts in weight and realize that you can't both be on the same side in waves etc... common sense stuff. I lowered the drivers seat so he had headroom and he was comfy running the boat while I set and tended to the trolling gear.

It's all about balancing the weight on a CD16.
 
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