C-Dory unsinkable

I think the flotation under the vee berth is supposed to keep the bow from sinking. I have never heard of a 22 sinking so there's no experience to test that theory. As far as I know there is no designed in flotation, i.e. air cell/foam aft of the vee berth. Others will certainly know more about this.
 
All boats smaller than 20 feet have to have 'level floatation' built in. Its a USCG requirement.

The only C-Dory that I know of that has 'sunk' was a 22 that was caught in surf on the Oregon coast, rolled over, had the cabin smashed off, and floated bow up. The boat was salvaged and sold on Ebay and rebuilt. I think there are photos on this site somewhere.

As mentioned on this thread--non self bailing- how safe?-- C-Dorys are very form stable, buoyant boats, and operate on the surface rather that plowing thru the waves. The bottoms are very strong and it would be difficult to hole the boat.

The lack of positive buoyancy never made me hesitate to go as the weather allowed, from Southern Cal to SE Alaska.
 
Here is a picture of a Grady White using it's positive flotation. On this flat water day I suppose the fact that the boat didn't sink might be helpful but in rough conditions I'm not so sure you would be able to stay with the boat.

2006_09_26_170357_20060924.jpg
 
I am not sure when this change was made, but the 2008 C-Dory 22 now has three hatches in the V-berth area. One is like the hatch in the 19 and provides about 3 feet of storage forward to the bow. There are two smaller hatches one on each side of the V-berth about one foot forward of the bulkhead. This means that some floatation has been removed from the bow, but I have no idea if any more flotation was added elsewhere, or if this changes the buoyancy characteristics.
I agree that a boat floating bow up in rough water could beat you up pretty bad. It just gives a better target for those that might be looking for you.

Robbi
 
If I remember correctly there was a 25 that went under a couple years ago in the Gulf Islands after getting the rode caught in the prop during a strong tidal current.
 
Interesting. I was on a 2008 CD 22 last week and was surprised to find the hatches. According to the HIN, it was made in July of 07 and is a 2008 model. Hum......

Robbi
 
C for Two is a 2008 built in 2007, and doesn't have any hatches. I'm just as glad, since I'd rather have the flotation. And for the way we use the boat, we have more than enough storage.
 
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