Exploring before I purchase

[Mokens]

Hello C-brats, I hope I am putting this in the right section. I am looking at purchasing a C-dory. I live in Bellingham and was hoping to spend some time chatting with and exploring other owners boats. Was thinking about the 23 or 26 venture as a head and shower would keep the wife happy. Was hoping to have some members in the area be willing to take me out for a little stroll in the bay. I will supply $ for fuel and beer of course. I thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from you kind folks.

Cheers,

 

[hardee]

Mokens, Welcome. You are not far from the factory and I hear they are building a 25 or 26 now. Lots of boats in the area and most owners are pretty proud of them so you should have some takers.

You should have an idea of what you are planning to use the boat for primarily, fishing, cruising, single handing or family. A Shower and bathroom (head) will keep the other half happy, but it will also require a bigger tow vehicle for the biggggger boat. If you have that already, you're good. If not, it is more investment. If you will be fishing alone 80% and she will be with you for a few day trips, then a 22 might fill your bill. Is this a first boat? Are you trailer cruisers? Only 2, or growing family? Not prying, just offering things to consider. A C-Dory is a tough, PNW boat that can do. ( a designer of a previous sailboat that I owned said, "...he didn't design the boats to go out in, but to bring you back to the dock after ...." That is what the C-Dory can do.

My 22 is up that way too, but I'm out in Sequim.

The C-BRATS site is the best place to get the best info on C-Dorys, bar none, so hang around, read and watch. Great folks here, and super boats. I'm sure you will enjoy.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[Mokens]

Hardee, Thanks for the reply. I am headed to the factory next week to check out production as well as see a few models. They have some 23' ventures and a few 25' cruisers. I have also been down to master marine. To check out there stock. A little about me. I have owned a few boats a couple runabouts for lakes mostly waterski/wakeboard and boat drinks. Then i lived of a 42Ft pearson for a few years and sailed around the keys/Bahamas/Caribbean. I have a small but growing family. My wife, myself a 10month old and I assume we will add another child at least. I have not been on the water in the past five years. I moved to the PNW and had to get situated. I am now ready to explore my back yard and will be making trips all around the San Jains, gulf islands, exploring the Sunshine Coast. And I assume eventually checking out alaska. I like the idea of being able to trailer more for storage and not having to pay slip or storage fees. I have a tow vehicle that has a 6500# tow capacity so not to worried. (Keeps me out of the tomcats but I'm a monohaul guy) really I'll be towing house to water and back I feel safe putting my truck through some paces. The reason for the head is to keep the better half happy, such is life.

The boat will be used mainly for cruising and a little fishing for eating while out exploring but no need to be fishing for a winter supply. I assume I will be single handing a bunch but as I did that mostly with my 42 I'm not worried about size. I feel like I am purchasing a boat to fit my family down the road so I won't need size up after few years. I love the utilitarian use of the C-dory and am not into gold flake hull paint or fancy boats with a ton of bright work. I want to explore not have a shiny toy that sits in a slip and once a month I go down and drink on it while in the marina. Anyways I think I'm rambling and hopefully I have answered your questions. I assume the Seattle boat show will be another spot to check out the whole line up. Perhaps even get a deal with a display model although with today's market I assume there is enough demand that even a boat show is not going to help reduce the price to much. Perhaps it's a shitty thing to say but after this hurricane season is over I'm sure there will be some solid deals coming out of Florida if I don't mind a winter full of boat projects and the added cost of getting said boat back to the upper left coast. Anyways I have spent years reading this sight and enjoy it a lot. Stoked to get my sea legs back and slowly meet some of the wonderful people on this site that make the boating community one of my favorites.

Cheerios,

 

[JamesTXSD]

Back in the day (a few factory owners ago), the Seattle Boat Show was a great place to see all the C-Dorys and get some boat show incentives. I don't think that has been the case in the last 5 years or so.

And just for clarification, if you are looking for an enclosed head/shower, the Venture 23 (and C-Dory 22) does not have that; you will be looking at a 25 Cruiser or a 26 Venture to have that amenity.

Good luck with the search - great boats!

 

[Mokens]

James, You are correct I am between the 25 cruiser and the 26 venture. From what I can tell the added length,weight,and modified V hull of the 26 should allow for a slightly higher speed in some chop. The 25 6'10" vs 26 6'4" better head room in the 25 but as I'm of average height this point is moot. I would love to check out both boats in person before I drop some coin.

 

[thataway]

. I have a tow vehicle that has a 6500# tow capacity so not to worried. (Keeps me out of the tomcats but I'm a monohaul guy) really I'll be towing house to water and back I feel safe putting my truck through some paces.

It sounds as if you are doing your homework. Unfortunately "factory weights" are off.

Unfortunately reality is going to set in here, as it always seems to. The 6500 capacity is a bit light for a C Dory 25. I would like to be at least 8,000 lbs capacity to be safe. If only to a ramp, with no grades involved--and really good brakes on the trailer (Electric over hydraulic) you can get away with it. But you mentioned the feature of exploring. This means driving out of the immediate area. Your trailer will need E/H in BC if you have a 25 anyway because of their trailer braking laws.
Here is a recent link on the C Dory 25 real weight. There are a number of others.

I have towed a 25, with a 6500 lb vehicle when we bought my son's 25. He almost immediately got a 9800 lb capacity tow vehicle. When I owned a 25, I had a 3/4 ton diesel truck.

A person who is 6'4" does OK in the C Dory 25, so that is not an issue. The difference in the ride between a well trimmed boat is not that much different--the difference in the dead rise, is really very little. A deep V is 24* to 26* not 8*...

With the children you are probably going to want a little more room than the current 25, as they get bigger. (The older 25 "cruise ship" has a much larger dinette which does really make into a double bunk--but not the current 25's.) The Tom Cat has a lot to offer, both in room, and in ride--so don't discount it at this point.

 

[dpod2003]

Hi,
My wife and I just purchased a 2008 C Dory 25 last November, and we love it. We just took a 2 and a 1/2 week trip up to Desolation Sound and beyond. I live in Bellingham, and would love to have you come look at our boat, and maybe go on a ride, if it works for both of us. If you want to PM me, we can exchange information, and arrange something.

Doug

 

[Slipknot]

As mentioned above, you will need a bigger tow rig for the 25 or 26. I have a F250 diesel that is set up for heavy towing with a 12,000 lb hitch and air bags, and my 25 is a pretty much a full load for this truck.

Unfortunately the "standard" EZ Loader 9800lb trailer only has surge brakes, so the boat tends to pull you in the water on a steep ramp. Not a good feeling! I'm going to have to spend another $900 to convert my trailer to electric over hydraulic. Oh well, when I'm out on the river with water smooth as glass and crank the 200 Honda up to 45 mph it's all worthwhile!

 

[kaelc]

.

With the children you are probably going to want a little more room than the current 25, as they get bigger. (The older 25 "cruise ship" has a much larger dinette which does really make into a double bunk--but not the current 25's.) The Tom Cat has a lot to offer, both in room, and in ride--so don't discount it at this point.

What years are the bigger one? Fortunately I can only afford an older one! Thanks for the great info in this thread and we are praying for you in Florida.

 

[thataway]

In 1995 and 1996, there were 6 (I believe), Cruise Ship 25's The hull mold is the same as the current hulls. The cabin and deck mold seems to be slightly different. Some were powered for displacement speeds. Most (I believe) have been repowered. (Forum owner/moderator Tyboo has the one 1996 boat.) They don't come up for sale often. Generally they cost a bit less than the newer (2002 on) boats.

Tyboo or one of the other owners can give more information--and I believe that not all the boats were identical. My son's boat has the port side Dinette which is a full 48" wide. The forward seat only faces aft. There is huge storage under the seats and under the raised floor. I believe the length is over 6' 4" The head is on the same side as the dinette, and significantly larger than the newer boats. His dinette is very close to 4' x 4'. But only a porti potty. Some have put in composting toilets, and I have a head with 9 gallon holding tank for my son to put in his boat. Some I believe have glassed in the floor and put in a shower.

The Starboard side, has the helm, Then the galley, and finally a small hanging locker all of the way aft. There are no large windows in the aft bulkhead, so seeing aft is a bit more of a challenge.

My son who is 6'4" and 250# finds enough room to sleep in the V Bunk (the 22 was a challenge for him). The cockpit of the Cruise ship is more like the modern C Dory 22. It is self bailing. Plenty of room for batteries aft under the splash well.

My son's boat has a 2006 150 HP Honda. and seems to run very well with this. Better than my 2003 C Dory 25 with a 130 Honda did.

 

[hardee]

There are several families here in the PNW who have kids on a 22. A couple of them on the site (occasionally). A 22 could work for a few years, and a 25 should be adequate for a long time. The V-26 or the TomCat would certainly be adequate plus. BUT, your 6500 pound tow vehicle (I would say) is NOT adequate for a 25 or up. AS Bob mentions (and others) the factory weights are way off. And as Jim said, the factory deals are a thing of the past as are the chances of seeing the whole line there. Sad but True. The best place to see the whole line is at a CBGT, (C-Brat Get Together) and that best one s probably at Friday Harbor in May.

Sounds like you have been around here for a bit so keep the research going and hope to see you on the water.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[journey on]

My opinion is to haul the 25 with what you have, the 6500# capability. I used a 63 Chevy short bed 1/2 ton to haul between San Diego and Seattle. No problems with towing but it was an old truck.

The boat/trailer weighs a little over 8000# so you do need the electric/hydraulic brakes. If you order them with the trailer I don't recollect it was that much more.

You can get a new hauler at your leisure.

Boris

 

[thataway]

Boris,
I'm guessing that your 1963 short bed chevy 1/2 ton was a manual transmission. One of the major issues with modern trucks is the transmission cooling if there are grades. If using a 1/2 ton, pickup with an automatic transmission (even 8 speed) upgrade beyond the transmission cooling even beyond what the "heavy duty tow package is. Also it helps if you have optional manual shifting for all speeds, and can control the transmission both up and down hills.

 

[Discovery]

Back in the day (a few factory owners ago), the Seattle Boat Show was a great place to see all the C-Dorys and get some boat show incentives. I don't think that has been the case in the last 5 years or so.

And just for clarification, if you are looking for an enclosed head/shower, the Venture 23 (and C-Dory 22) does not have that; you will be looking at a 25 Cruiser or a 26 Venture to have that amenity.

Good luck with the search - great boats!

Or a TomCat.

 

[Spike]

I am going to weigh in here on just one issue. No matter what boat you get, make sure you have a tow vehicle rated to tow the weight you are pulling. And do not use manufacturers stated brouchers weights. Also factor in all the gear, food, fuel, water, and people. If you are involved in any type of accident, your fault or not, the insurance companies are going to just thumb their noses at you. This. " I'm just going to tow it to the ramp, and it is only 3 miles from home" is pure B.S. It is a danger to you, the people with you, and to other drivers on the road around you. I'll step down off my soap box now. Hope you find the boat you are looking for.

 

[Mokens]

Well thank you everyone for your sound advice, it has been a hard pill to swallow over the weight/towing issue. My truck tows #6500 it has tranny cooler, oil cooler, power steering cooler, and trailer sway control, and brake controller (p3) just returned home towing #6500 about 2000miles I am an experienced tow vehicle operator and really am not to worried about short tows with that kind of weight. (In town to/from ramp, 10 miles round trip. All of my trailers are equipped with electric brakes and I don't drive like an ass. Keep it slow, plenty of space, it's like coming into a dock I always come in at a speed I would be willing to hit something at. Aka. Super slow. With all due respect I think some of you might be overly worried. As for all the places I want to go I can use my home port of Bellingham and get anywhere on the water.

Anyways thanks for all the advice and comments,

Parker

 

[journey on]

I may be the only person here that would tow a 25 with less than a big truck. I'm just pointing out that for trips around town, you can be happy with something smaller. Remember most v-8's have the power, what you need is braking and stability. If you have electric/hydraulic brakes, that's the first goal and if you keep the speed down, that's the second. Not knowing what Mokens has, I'd hazard a guess that it's real good for towing around Bellingham.

\Though after reading his post above, I'd like to mention there's a difference between electric brakes and electric/hydraulic brakes. I have electric brakes on the travel trailer and electric/hydraulic brakes on the boat trailer. One's drums and t'others disks.

Bob, I never said that Chevvy was stock, remember it's from SoCal. A new 350, 4 speed Hydro and disk brakes up front gave me the power and some braking. I didn't have the wheelbase, weight or stopping power of a modern heave duty truck, but that Chevvy got the 25 one round trip between Seattle and San Diego. That's a lot of Interstate and downhills.

Boris

 

[thataway]

deleted message

 

[Ferg]

We towed our 25 up to the Chesapeake from our home near the NC/SC borders last year with a big block 150. It was awful. 18 wheelers blew us all over the place, and the braking (even with trailer surge brakes) was less than safe.

As soon as I got back, I bought a F250 diesel. Towed is down to Naples Fl (I hope they're okay down there post Irma) and it was a night and day difference.

In my opinion, it's the braking that's most important

 

[Mokens]

I want to thank everyone for there kind words, I will be fine with my tow vehicle. Most of the miles put on this boat will be in the H20. Still trying to sort the boat out. Yeas I think the 22 would fit my family well but then in five years as we size out of it. I will just have it dialed in after five years of use. As I plan to take the family on some extended cruises. Starting to like the bigger cabin on the 25. Plan on doing a little more exploring and checking out a couple more 25's and hopefully a 26. Bummer about no more deals to be had at boat shows. Would still be interested in a used boat. Anyways I'm enjoying the hunt but will be excited to start sorting out a new toy over the winter.