How much boat is too much for someone new to boating?

I didn't really make my point well. The benefit of this type of course (because it teaches the student to breakdown various aspects of a boat's control inputs individually) is ideally suited to help you overcome starting with a larger boat than you might otherwise think prudent. The 25 isn't that big, and you will have a learning curve regardless. The suggestion of this particular course was because it would help you deal with this concern directly.

That said:

I stand by this course. NSBC has been doing this since 1958. I just completed a training with Alaska State Parks, USDA, Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation, all of whom not only had operators certified, but had instructors certified in order to be able to use and credential their operators in this curriculum.

It is a serious course that is used by professionals, and one of the very few on-water courses delivered with a consistent curriculum across the country.

Also, when I give the course, I do not take any money, I only cover costs. If you use your own boat (and the OP should) the course should cost less, and you get the benefit of having your boat inspected and gone through by a pro (as part of the course, boat systems inspections and pre-departure checklists are conducted and taught).

It's not a sales pitch. I participate in this program because I respond to search and rescue calls, and this is much easier. It saves lives.

For some info:

http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/training
 
Sunbeam":1dc8rp32 said:
Kushtaka":1dc8rp32 said:
I am a Master Instructor Trainer with NSBC, and am absolutely sold on this course. It takes about 3 full 8 hour days, and should cost around $500. Heck, if you come up to Alaska you can take it from me!
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What an offer! I want to head up and take it :D
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If you do we can use my boat! Then it's just gas money, and the first day is all idle speed, so not much gas at that!
 
When we purchased our boat I was looking at a 22. Luckily the Admiral and I looked at one at a boat show and her response was "Oh...this is too small". True story. The nice thing about the 25 Cruiser is the cabin is larger (volume) in ratio with the boat; taller, wider & longer. The head also makes a huge difference, especially with women/girls.

I have never traveled on an RT25 and have only been on two, at the dock. Much more luxurious accommodations than our boat but heavier, more complex and more $$. Lots of wood and I'd be afraid to scratch it. For us the C25 was barely affordable when combined w/ our truck purchase to pull it. That said, we've had three adults and 1 child on board and it worked out, even on over-night trips.

Learning IMO is just like anything else; learn from a pro the correct way from the start. Then practice, ask, practice...I'm still learning and the Admiral had zero boating experience when we started this journey.
 
I would personally go with the 25 cruiser myself for a trip thru the inland passage to SE AK. I have made that trip and back several times in 30+ foot boats and like the extra length and cabin space the 25 offers, I plan on buying one of these myself in the future for use in SE AK. Good luck and enjoy your journey.
 
I am one who has owned C D 22, 25, 255 TC, and back to the 22 because of ease of trailering. We considered purchasing a second C Dory (again) in the last few days, in the form of a 25. The 22 is too small for a family such as yours. The 25, is OK for the ages of your children now, but will become cramped as they grow. The option is that one of the children will sleep in the cockpit. (I did this in a 26 foot sailboat as I grew up--with a tarp over me--no camper back!).

I agree with those who say the Ranger 25 (or I actually prefer the 27) is much more suitable for the children as they grow, and will have bunks, with the convertible dinette, plus the "coffin" bunk, under. The systems are far more complex, and maintenance will be significantly more. Also launching will be much easier with the C Dory 25. (depends on the ramp, but for marginal ramps the 25 is better).

As for boat handling--any of these boats are too large to be pushed around by hand--so keep your hands out of the way! You don't want crushed hands or legs! The feature of the Ranger is that they have bow and stern thrusters--make easier to maneuver, but more complex! I have skippered some of the Rangers as demo boats, and they handle very well not using the thrusters, but an outboard is more maneuverable. The keel, and weight of the Ranger 25, makes it slightly more stable docking.

The beauty of all of these boats is that they are trailerable. We just (3 hours ago) finished driving about 5,000 miles towing our 22. The C Dory ll will require a smaller truck than the Ranger Tug. I would want a one ton for the Ranger, a high capacity 1/2 ton, or a 3/4 ton will do for the C Dory25. It is my impression, that those with C Dorys, will tend to trailer the boats more than those with Ranger tugs, even though those who buy the tugs initially figure on lots of trailering.

Look at both boats, spend time, both at the dock, and at sea. Go to some of the gatherings (it is late in the year for the PNW, but plenty still in the South in the next few months.

As for learning--At the least take CG or Power Squadron courses. Professional would be great. (I had a change to ride with the ranger at Powell--he was professionally trained, but not a boater…not a criticism, but he ran the boat as part of his job. There is a difference with someone who is dedicated to small boats.) I always take a couple of fenders, tie them to a pole, or boathook, and toss it overboard, use this as a floating dock to practice docking and maneuvering when you get a new boat, in open water. No way of dinging up the boat, and you can approach safely from any angle. Welcome aboard!
 
We had a 23' C-Dory for 6 years. Enjoyed it. What I did not like about the C-Dory 25 or 26 was the uninsulated cabin which cause condensation and leaves water to drip on you while in the berth. We sold our C-Dory and bought an R-27 Ranger Tug. My own personal reason for going with the Ranger Tug was the factory support. An insulated full interior. Defrosters and hot water warmed by the engine (also by electricity if need be) like in a car. R.T's customer service seems to be second to none. Ask anyone! While true the systems are more complicated and things are harder to get to and service. But there are lots of people who seem o be able to accomplish most service items on a do it yourself basis. There are factory videos on changing impellers and winterizing etc. The thrusters on the Ranger Tug make them easier to handle docking etc. They are a heavier and slower boat. At 7 or 8 mph they get 3 to 4 mpg. We cruise at 14 to 16 mph and get around 2.1 mpg.
My wife is much happier with the amount of storage and factory installed A.C. heat, solar panel, diesel generator, microwave, TV, DVR, 1500 watt inverter and so on. She just likes being on the boat more than ever. Plus the boat comes assembled so you don't have to add all the optional items you want
They come with a very detailed wiring diagram and wires are marked.
We liked our C-Dory but really did not see much in the way of factory support.
So yes the Ranger is a much different boat that comes with a lot more factory support. It's slower, heavier, draws 30" slower, weighs about 10,000 pounds on a tandem axle trailer. unless it gets snotty then I believe it can plow through heavier seas a little faster. Plus they are beautiful on the inside.
D.D.
 
Gene Stebbs.":3pnxpweg said:
If you do not ask how much how do you know what to make out the check for?
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That is exactly right. Some of those old cliches' really don't apply. If you save enough buying fuel from the place with the best price that it IS like getting a "free lunch"... well, that is being a smart boater.

Is a C-Dory a "better buy" than a Ranger Tug? Best to ask the price. And, of course, figure out how you will be using the boat. They are both great boats, with different strengths. And the prices (you really should ask) will be different.

There is a lot more that happens after you write the check. Smart to budget for that, too.

Jim B.
 
Sailboters scoff at powerboaters who complain about their fuel expenses
saying, "Wind is free".

"Ah", say the powerboaters. "Yes, wind is free but sails are not."

Aye.
Grandpa used to say, "There is no perfect boat".
 
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