C-Dory right for me?

R

RODO

New member
I am in Seattle and am looking for my next (hopefully last) boat. I currently own a 15 foot Arima that I use primarily for cruising around the Puget Sound fishing and crabbing. Problem is, whenever the water is any less mellow than an indoor swimming pool, I'm bobbing around like a cork, and it is sloooowwwww going. So i am looking for something a little meatier.

I have had my mind set on a low 20's Boston Whaler Revenge, but after seeing the C-Dory at the Seattle Boat Show a couple of weeks ago, I kinda fell in love. I want to get in to some winter fishing, so the little cabin would be wonderful. So after a little research, I think the 19' Angler is the right boat.

But I would like to know how well it handles rougher water, not only that it will float - I have seen the pictures, I know it will - but can I get around at a reasonable speed when there is a little chop?

Thanks, Dave.
 
Here's my experience based on a 20 foot Whaler with the newer accutrac hull (deeper V than older Whalers, like a Revenge) compared to a 22 Cruiser.

1. The Whaler is way faster. Ours weighs about 400 pounds more than the C-Dory and has a 200hp outboard. It cruises close to 40 mph, faster than the C-Dory (with a 90) will got maxed out.

2. The C-Dory has a more versatile hull design. Planing comes around 10 mph. There's little or no transition to plane. The Whaler bow points straight up in the air at 12-22 mph or so. The C-Dory cruises most comfortably in that range.

3. The C-Dory is more comfortable. Because it can be driven at almost any speed, it's easy to match your speed with conditions. Being inside also makes a huge difference and makes it much more comfortable on the water. If it's cold, close the windows and turn on the heat. If it's hot and sunny, you're in the with a breeze through the windows. We have a full canvas enclosure on the Whaler, but the pilothouse of the C-Dory is worlds better. Speed is less important when you're comfortable.

4. The C-Dory uses way less gas. A little more than half the Whaler uses per mile. The C-Dory has a modern, fuel injected four stroke compared to the older, carbeurated two stroke on the Whaler, which accounts for some of the difference.

5. The Whaler feels more solid. Ours is a tank and seems practically indestructible. I've had the 1.5 inch thick cast aluminum kicker bracket on a Yamaha T9.9 break twice on the Whaler with no damage to the boat. I suppose this speaks to the rough ride at the high speeds that are required to keep it on plane. The C-Dory is tough too, but it doesn't have the same feel.

6. C-Dory feels safer overall. Our Whaler is open and it wouldn't be that hard to fall out. And it won't sink if it's swamped, but it might not be floating upright either. The bow of the C-Dory is sealed, so even if a wave does break on it the water runs right off instead of into the boat.

7. The boats are versatile in different ways. The C-Dory (22) is actually quite comfortable to live on for extended periods. The Whaler is better for watersports. I imagine a Revenge and 19 Angler would be more equivalent.

I'm sure there's more. Both are good boats, just different. Let me know if you have any other questions.
 
Hi Dave,

You pose a very difficult question for others to answer and there are so very many variables.

I've used an Arima 15 all over the northern part of Whidbey, the San Juans, etc and it's always worked very well. I've also run a C-Dory 19 in the same locations. The CD19 is more comfortable in the way a mid-size sedan is more comfortable than a economy car but it's not the difference between a Yugo and an Audi A8.

If you're primarily concerned about ride the Arima 19 Hardtop is (in most conditions) more comfortable than a C-Dory 19. It will run faster in chop and had better visibility if you're slowed down in the 8 to 12 knot range working through rough water.

But...and Arima is an Arima and a C-Dory is a C-Dory and there are a lot of things other than just ride than appeal to folks but I tried to answer the question you posed from a technical standpoint.

They're all small boats, when the water goes up and down the boat goes up and down, and they're all going to slow down to handle rough water.

A deep-v hull can run faster in rough conditions (up to a point) than a flatter bottom hull but it requires more horsepower (and therefore more fuel and more expense) and at some point it too needs to slow down and then it's at a disadvantage. Overall it really depends on the "mission profile" and your own personal desires.

In Elliott Bay with 20 knots of wind and 3 foot waves you'll be bobbing around in anything of the size you're talking about regardless of the hull shape. When the water is flat a boat will go as fast as the engine will allow; when the water is total garbage all small boats are going slow and bobbing; it's only the variable "in between" conditions where the difference tend to show up and it's so situational that you have to define your situations (the ones you most encounter and want to run it) in order to choose the right hull shape and performance. It's always, always, horses for courses.

RODO":12whaihn said:
I am in Seattle and am looking for my next (hopefully last) boat. I currently own a 15 foot Arima that I use primarily for cruising around the Puget Sound fishing and crabbing. Problem is, whenever the water is any less mellow than an indoor swimming pool, I'm bobbing around like a cork, and it is sloooowwwww going. So i am looking for something a little meatier.

I have had my mind set on a low 20's Boston Whaler Revenge, but after seeing the C-Dory at the Seattle Boat Show a couple of weeks ago, I kinda fell in love. I want to get in to some winter fishing, so the little cabin would be wonderful. So after a little research, I think the 19' Angler is the right boat.

But I would like to know how well it handles rougher water, not only that it will float - I have seen the pictures, I know it will - but can I get around at a reasonable speed when there is a little chop?

Thanks, Dave.
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Thanks for the replies guys, I'll try to clarify what I am looking for a little bit.

First off, I have done a fair amount of reading on these forums and now have a better idea of what a C-Dory is and is not capable of. It was the layout and the cabin that I found most appealing when I saw the C-Dory at the boat show. I want a general upgrade in performance in choppy waters over the boat that I have now (15 Arima).

Fuel economy is more important than speed, as I want the ability to switch fishing spots without having to gas up. From what I have read thus far, C-Dory's are great in this department.

My frustrations with the Arima grew out of experiences last summer (bought it in July) in the Sound around Shillshoe and in the San Juans. Anytime the chop grew to more than a foot, the boat was slamming up and down on plane, and getting on plane was a real chore.

So with any weather, I am either crawling or constantly worrying about my kicker falling off the back of the boat every time it slams down.

I said in my original post that I was interested in a 19, though after some more research, I will consider a 22 for the extra fishing space.

BTW, I am going to check out both at "Master Marine Services" in Mount Vernon on Monday. it was the closest dealer on the C-Dory websight to Seattle. Does anyone know of any closer that may not be listed?

Thanks, again, Dave.
 
Kitsap Marina in Port Orchard is another C-Dory dealer in the Puget Sound area. We purchased our 19' Angler there last summer and have been pleased with their service. Their salesman, Matt Guernsey, is very knowledgeable and helpful, and often participates in discussions on this site. From Seattle, you can either drive around, via the Tacoma Narrows bridge, or you can take the ferry to Bremerton, then head a bit south around the Bay to Port Orchard. Happy hunting!
 
Dave,

I now own a 22 CD Cruiser and love it! I came up from small aluminum boats to a 17 Arima Sea Chaser WITH trim tabs. I had that boat for 3 great years and had it all over the sound, San Juans, Nootka Sound up North and over the bar at Westport. The trim tabs were what made the difference, no pounding, just slow down and plane in rougher seas.

That being said, you will find that virtually all C-Dorys also have trim tabs. Some just have the Perma Trim and a few have both systems.

My 22 did not have trim tabs and it was tough to go through any chop without pounding, so I installed within a couple of months and it made a world of difference. Having the longer hull on the 22 really helps span that Puget Sound Chop, too.

Here's a little story to illustrate my points: I have a friend who has a 22 and one day we were side by side running back to Everett after fishing at Possession Point. Us three guys in the Arima and I didn't have the side curtains on, but the top was up. There was NW wind blowing and it was flinging up the bow spray onto my passengers. I kept looking over at the C-Dory and really envied that pilot house and molded in plank lines as they are great spray knockers. After having fished on that same boat, I silently and then more emphatically vowed to own a C-Dory 22 someday!

If you like your Arima, you would love a C-Dory because you have a pilot house and with the Wallas heater, you are warm and dry. My wife loves our C-Dory because it is comfortable for her to read a book, put down the dining table and make a day bed or stand next to me with her arm around me while we cruise the beautiful areas that we have here. Plus, we have made great friends through the C-Brats. As you are finding, everyone here is more than willing to help in any way we can.

Best of luck to you,

Patrick
 
I am going to check out both at "Master Marine Services" in Mount Vernon on Monday. it was the closest dealer on the C-Dory websight to Seattle. Does anyone know of any closer that may not be listed?
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Don't know about master marine, (if they have any or not), but the guys that know C-Dorys are either Matt at Kitsapp Marine or Les at EQ Marine on Whidbey Island, at Coronet Bay. I'd recommend either of them, they are both knowledgeable about C-Dorys and you have already seen some reply from Les. He might even show you a Marinaut which will be right in the same ballpark you are looking for.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Friends_Cal_09_10_Oct.thumb.jpg
 
There are a lot of C-Dory boats in SC Alaska where it is cold, there is chop, and folks go out into the open Pacific frequently. The vast majority of them are 22s, 25s, and a smattering of cats. They do fine. I can go through large chop/wake in Seward just fine at about 10-15 mph with the trim down. Faster it doesn't really pound that bad, but it is just more dangerous the faster you go. If it is any indicator of how good they are, you can hardly find one used out of Anchorage and if you do, it aint going to be cheap. I don't know why you'd want a 19 when a 22 only costs a tad more, gives you a better handling boat, and gives much more room. I'd start leaning towards a 22 if I were you. Good luck to you :)
 
T.R. Bauer":21fkqt56 said:
There are a lot of C-Dory boats in SC Alaska where it is cold, there is chop, and folks go out into the open Pacific frequently. The vast majority of them are 22s, 25s, and a smattering of cats. They do fine. I can go through large chop/wake in Seward just fine at about 10-15 mph with the trim down. Faster it doesn't really pound that bad, but it is just more dangerous the faster you go. If it is any indicator of how good they are, you can hardly find one used out of Anchorage and if you do, it aint going to be cheap. I don't know why you'd want a 19 when a 22 only costs a tad more, gives you a better handling boat, and gives much more room. I'd start leaning towards a 22 if I were you. Good luck to you :)
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Also, they are easier to find (more of them) and a lot easier to re-sell. The CD-22 Cruiser is the most common boat by far in the C-Dory family for a number of reasons. You'll also be a lot warmer with the enclosed bulkhead, have better security when you lock the door overnight, and even feel more secure out in the ocean during a storm. You can also cruise in it more comfortably with the galley and dinette. f you want fishing room (especially for larger than two persons, or for crab/shrimp traps, etc.) get a CD-22 Angler, the cockpit is over 2 feet longer, like about seven feet instead of 4-1/2 on the floor. The only thing a CD-22 lacks in a totally enclosed head and a shower. Some (mostly women) find the head within the v-berth not private enough. Then you get a 25 or a TomCat (or a new mate!!!) (Which ever is cheaper or more desirable! Can also be "and" instead of "or" situation, if you can afford it!!!) :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
If you are looking for a good deal, I know that Les Lampman at EQ Marine (one of the premier boat riggers) has a nice looking 22' Classic Angler for sale at about 18k. From what I can see, it is ready to go with a newer Honda 4-stroke, gps, sounder ,etc.
 
Master Marine has a 19 and 22 Angler in stock, and I beleive a used 22 Angler with the aft bulkhead option. They may still have a 22 Cruiser on the lot, but I believe that boat sold at the Boat Show.

We have an older used 22 Cruiser on our lot, but it is sold, and a 25 Cruiser that has an offer pending on her.

I'll note here that we're looking for good clean boats to list on consignment.
 
Lots of good advice here. Here's my take...

1. I would visit Les at EQ Marine and look at his in stock Arima and the Marinaut.

2. I would also visit Puget Marine near Olympia and consider the boat I wish I could buy. A Campion 21' Explorer with fully enclosed cabin, powered by a Suzuki outboard.

3. I'd also visit Matt, the CD dealer in Port Orchard. Good outfit.

I have an older Campion 21' with an I/O (which I don't recommend...outboards are better). Last month, I took my Campion to the Sound and it did wonderful in the garbage water. I was able to sustain 9 knots with no slamming. Also, they are exceptionally quiet boats. A CD Dory 22 is not. Lots of hull noise.

There are pros and cons to all boats mentioned here. I'm a big fan of the CD 23 Venture. I suggest looking at all of them and getting the best bang for the buck.

-Greg
 
So Dene, correct me if I'm wrong but you've never owned a C-Dory 22 have you? Have you ever ridden one to compare to your Campion? Just curious since you have a very strong opinion on how noisy a C-Dory 22 hull is. I've never ridden a Campion so I wouldn't know the difference.
 
I looked at the Campion 21' Explorer prior to buying the C-Dory, while it is a nice boat it is also a gas hog with that 200hp sitting on a bracket mount, one needs a bigger tow rig and a bigger wallet for the fuel. I am pleased with my decision to purchase the C-Dory and am sipping away with twin 40's and the extra money it leaves in my wallet after each fillup.
 
Jazzmanic":3fyqczoi said:
So Dene, correct me if I'm wrong but you've never owned a C-Dory 22 have you? Have you ever ridden one to compare to your Campion? Just curious since you have a very strong opinion on how noisy a C-Dory 22 hull is. I've never ridden a Campion so I wouldn't know the difference.
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I've spent much time in one. I'm part of the Coast Guard Aux. My friend and Ops officer owns a CD 22. We take turns utilizing each others boats on patrols in various seas, so I have first hand knowledge of how each compares.

I think his CD Dory is a fine boat. Mine just handles the slop better, due to it's steeper deadrise, and it's quieter. His is quite loud in the chop. However, he can handle "in between" speeds better.

This is one reason why I prefer the CD Venture. It's more of a deep V hull. Also....it has a finished interior, which is a preference of mine. I'm not a project guy.

Bottom line. I think there are four good boats out there in the outboard, 22' range. Arima, CD, Campion, and now the Marinaut. One should look at all four.

-Greg
 
Don and Brenda":4j1s7r9f said:
I looked at the Campion 21' Explorer prior to buying the C-Dory, while it is a nice boat it is also a gas hog with that 200hp sitting on a bracket mount, one needs a bigger tow rig and a bigger wallet for the fuel. I am pleased with my decision to purchase the C-Dory and am sipping away with twin 40's and the extra money it leaves in my wallet after each fillup.
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Good point. My Campion with the I/0 consistently gets 8 gph at 25 mph cruise. (I have a flowscan). With your 40's, you cruise at slower speeds, which wouldn't work very well with a Campion or any deep V hull.

Plus....you have an extra engine to get you home. I have Seatow.

-Greg
 
Greg,

Thanks for the clarification. I had no idea you used the CD 22 as part of the Coast Guard Aux.

I think it's important for prospective C-Dory buyers to be aware of the economical virtues of C-Dorys, i.e lighter boat, flat bottom = smaller engines = better fuel mileage.

I'm sure the Campion is a fine boat but as you verified, it is not nearly as economical. Good information though.

Peter
 
Jazzmanic":1fn2h1dg said:
Greg,

Thanks for the clarification. I had no idea you used the CD 22 as part of the Coast Guard Aux.

I think it's important for prospective C-Dory buyers to be aware of the economical virtues of C-Dorys, i.e lighter boat, flat bottom = smaller engines = better fuel mileage.

I'm sure the Campion is a fine boat but as you verified, it is not nearly as economical. Good information though.

Peter
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Well said, Peter. I'm curious. What do you and typical CD 22' owners get for fuel economy. I get 3.5 mpg at 25 mph cruise....or 8 gph. I think the former is a better indicator. My engine is a 175 hp Volvo six banger with duo props on a Volvo outdrive. I actually am pleased with the performance and I love the ride I get. I just hate how much cockpit space the I/O takes. PIA for fishing purposes.

-Greg
 
Dene":129695ox said:
Bottom line. I think there are four good boats out there in the outboard, 22' range. Arima, CD, Campion, and now the Marinaut.
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I'm pretty sure that the Arima does not have standing headroom in the cabin (it would with the skip tower, but then it wouldn't be a "pilothouse").
 
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