C-Dory Venture Series!! @ Seattle Boat Show!!!

To add to Sarge's comments...

Looking at the photos that JonS provided (and thanks, Jon) it appears that the cabinet at the aft port side of the cabin of the 26 is taller and wider than the 25 (that would fit a microwave or toaster oven better). It also appears that the forward dinette seat (also the co-pilot's seat) moves (like the "Barber seat" on the 22), and the table has a hinge in it to accommodate that movement. Perhaps those that were in the boat can address those observations. It also appears that the opening to the v-berth is narrower. Any idea if the v-berth area itself is any longer than the 25?

Otherwise, just from the photos, it looks like a pretty similar boat, much like the 22 and the 23. Still, right smack in the middle of the C-Dory market niche and a good fit for the factory and its customers.

Thanks!

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
JonS,
Thanks for the photos. These give me the best look yet on the 26. I wonder if there is really any functionality of the slightly wider deck of the 26, when there seems to be a very significant trade off in the cabin size?

I don't like the smaller dinette seat of the 26. I like the 25 much better--and there is really enough room for two in the "co-pilot's seat, plus at least one in the back seat. So that makes seating for more than two in the cabin underway "iffy"--I think that is a real big negitive.

The boat is certainly very smooth and finished looking. I still like the "utilitiarian" interior--much easier to put in more wiring etc.

I would not trade the 25 straight across for the 26 basded on what I see.
 
Glad you enjoyed the photos. I spent an hour going back and forth from the CD25 to the Venture 26. You are all right that the cabin on the 26 feels way more narrow as a result of the wider side decks. I walked the side decks of the V26 to see the utility of this added width and I will still be holding the roof grab bar either way so I would prefer the space inside the boat. Conclusion:

V26 - Visual appeal, fit and finish wins.
CD25 - Way more interior volume wins.

The jury is out on the deep V and the "better" ability o handle north west chop.

The V26 is 10K more.......

I would need to drive a Venture to decide. If it handles chop better I may do it....
 
These may not be politically correct but here are my impressions of the Venture 23, 26, and 29.

Venture 23, a more finished 22. I didn't see anything to really distinguish the 23 from the CD22. It's just more finished. Kind of like a Silverado 1500 work truck and a 1500 LT.

Venture 26, a smaller and longer 25. The 25 seems, feels, and probably is bigger. I would really like the Venture cockpit and the 25 cabin on the same hull but make the Venture self bailing.

Venture 29, a boat designed around a head. The head so completely dominates the cabin that you sometimes think that's all there is. I heard someone suggest putting a hatch in the top so in the event of sea sickness you don't have to open the door.
 
Must not be a "copy write" on the name Venture. I don't think that 10 degree deadrise on the Venture 26 will make a lot of difference--it will be slightly better than the C Dory, but that is still very low deadrise. I have an 18 foot center console as my "bay boat" and at 15 degrees dead rise it is still a very rough riding boat in a chop.

If you want a good ride take a look at the Venture 34:

http://www.venturemarine.com/venture34open.htm

60 degree deadrise at the entry and 24 degrees at the stern.
 
I agree on the 29. Frankenboat. The cave is kind of creepy as well. I do not think this boat will sell. You can get so much more for the money.
 
Jon S hit the nail right on the head with his last statement.

How do the boats respond in the water. It is what is under the water line that effects more than likely the main difference in the CD22 vs Venture 23, and the hull diffence between the CD25 vs the Venture 26.

So, who has sea trialed either of the Venture hulls produced at the C-Dory factory yet? Some where in that NW corner should be a dealership with the four hulls. ...or not..??

Boats are for life on the water...not the concrete floors and show lights. How do they function in the water...in real world conditions. Time will tell...

Byrdman
 
My impressions of the 23 were favorable. The cabinetry, including bulkheads, was glassed to the hull sides and bottom, which must add quite a bit of stiffness. Also, the cockpit was just enough larger that I might choose this "cruiser" setup over the 22 Angler, which I chose for the extra functional cockpit space. The extra width does make a very positive difference in a functional way. Everything felt good and solid. I suspect it will handle stern weight better with its wider stance. The 23 had features and finishes that were beyond what I desire, and am therefore willing to pay for, in a boat, but many will value these features. I honestly prefer simple and spartan. And I must say that I still like the overall look of the 22 better. The original designers of the 22 came as close to my idea of aesthetic perfection as I've seen in a boat of this size. The roof eyebrow overhang, the L/W proportion, the sheer line and the stern all look better on the 22 in my opinion. Also, the 22's molded nonskid is much more aggressive, which I like. I can see the 23 appealing to many folks, however. I think it's a fine boat. Later, Mike.
 
Someone, I believe it was CW, who saw the Venture 23 at the Atlanta boat show discussed the higher roof and window line in the V 23 compared to the 22 C. This was important because a six footer can stand and see out much better than in the 22. That has been one of my concerns about the 22 since I am a tad over 6' and have experienced not being able to see out while standing. My back prefers standing on a long stretch at the helm. I wonder if any of you lucky folks who were able to see the V 23 in Seattle noticed that?

Also, I wonder if there is appreciably more room (between seat and wheel) in the helm seat in the 23? The photos make it appear that the wheel is angled up more.

What about the size of the V-berth?

Hoping to be able to see the 23 at Wefings next month.

Thanks in advance.

Harper
 
For my needs, I like the Venture 23 better than the CD 22. The bow is less upswept and the view forward is significantly better (though I'm not the one who posted that my height had influenced this).

I do work from the bow of the boat often, need to get there quickly (often in chop) and greatly prefer the wider gunwales of the Venture.

My wife noticed that there was more elbow room while sitting at the dinette in the Venture 23 than in the CD 22. She's right.

I greatly prefer the raised stern bulkhead that is level with sides of the Venture. We fish anchored with the big whitecaps of August frequently blowing from the North (downstream) right up the stern. Combined with the current running the opposite way, they get tall. This feature would keep you much safer and drier (I know a couple who's boat shipped 2 big waves over the stern while anchored in the Columbia. Their boat overturned and, upon looking for their granddaughter while down in the water, Brenda reached up under the boat, felt hair, and pulled the 4 year old out from under, sputtering but alive. Their two huge Great Danes were drowned -- she doesn't fish the Columbia anymore).

The Venture 23 has a bigger cockpit (appears same size as Venture 26). Also, the molded in steps along the sides of the cockpit can be ordered with opening lids and drainholes to the outside - making excellent fish boxes large enough for a couple 25 lb. salmon each (or storage).

The slight deadrise is also an advantage in chop as well as helping to track straight while at anchor.

I was not enthused with the Venture 26, preferring the CD 25. And then, we both liked the Tomcat 255 the best.... C.W.
 
Anyone have comparative weights of the C22 and the V23? The factory hasn't updated the website for the V23 and V26 yet...

I'm curious about the total weight (on the trailer) for both, and also what HP is recommended for the V23.

Thanks.
 
Starcraft Tom and I asked the salesman the maximum recommended horsepower of both the Venture 23 & 26. He did not know but went to find out. The word that came back was:

Venture 23 is 150 horsepower.

Venture 26 is 200 horsepower.

C.W.
 
CW":2q8c6pob said:
... asked the salesman the maximum recommended horsepower of both the Venture 23 & 26. He did not know ...
Click to expand...
I'm sorry but I get so tired of sales people who don't even know the difference between the bow and the stern. Do they hire all these folks directly from Home Depot? At last years boat show I had someone tell me that cable steering was hydraulic, even as I was staring at it. I don't care what the Industry - you should "know" the product.
Tom
 
When the Venture 23 and 26 were built by Cape Cruiser, the 'normal' horsepower for the boats was 115hp for the 23 and 150 for the 26.

I test drove the 23 with a 90hp and it was barely adequate.

The dealer tested the 26 with 200hp and the report was 'rocket ship' and 'scarry'. They replaced the 200 with a 150!
 
The cc23 and cc26 were basically a modified cd22. The cc23 was a 22 with a full height motor well, a wider beam, a larger cockpit with straighter sides that were easier on your toes while fishing, a sharper deadrise for a smoother ride, a taller cabin and a refrigerator. The cc26 was basically the same boat with three additional feet for a bathroom and shower. The feel of the cc's was that of a modified 22. The wiring was all exposed and easy to get to. Fuel tanks were assessable, auxillary equipment assessable and the boat had the same sparten look and feel of a 22 with a few improvements. You may have noticed that I didn't mention the cd25. That's because although it looks like a 22 it has a completely different feel to it (to me). I was never comfortable with the raised cockpit with the low freeboard and the railing that looked like it would complete the flip when you went overboard while fishing in rough seas. I also could imagine doing a face plant coming out the cabin door every time someone yelled fish on. When looking for a boat I never considered a 25 even though it has the best cabin. Now on to the new venture series. They look sweet. They look very finished compared to mine and I'm sure my wife would like the new style better than mine. I did like the finished v-berth as I think it would be warmer on a chilly night with less condensation. I like C-Dorys table set up better than mine. I like my storage better as I have a full height locker on the port side accross from the bathroom. I also have a chart shelf above the forward helm that I like. All in all I think C-Dory will attract a new crowd of buyers that previously dismissed C-Dorys because of their utilitarian look. As for the 29.....
Forrest
cc26 Hull14
Thinking I may call it 'Long Story'
 
I believe the 23 was 150 HP and I know the 26 is 250HP because I just went out to the shop and looked. I have a 200 HP Honda with 15 HP kicker.
Forrest
 
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