Is a C-Dory the right boat for me?
- Thread starter Bratwurst
- Start date
firstmate_Seaweed
New member
We waterski, tube and knee board behind our 16 ft angler, 50 hp. We can usually get people up at about 10 mph and maintain speeds of 16-20 while skiing. We go faster with tubing, as the pain is less when falling off water skis when going slower. 
The wake from our boat is probably less than the professional wakeboarding boats we are out there with, I think they make them to have big wakes so they can jump them.
The only downside to a 22, is you pilot from inside, so its less easy to communicate back and forth between the skiier in the water, and your flagger in the cockpit. Not impossible, but may have to lean your head out the window when coming around and want to talk to the skiier. We have less of an issue with that in a 16 because the helm area is not fully enclosed. but I still hang my head out the window as I come around on someone in the water.
The wake from our boat is probably less than the professional wakeboarding boats we are out there with, I think they make them to have big wakes so they can jump them. The only downside to a 22, is you pilot from inside, so its less easy to communicate back and forth between the skiier in the water, and your flagger in the cockpit. Not impossible, but may have to lean your head out the window when coming around and want to talk to the skiier. We have less of an issue with that in a 16 because the helm area is not fully enclosed. but I still hang my head out the window as I come around on someone in the water.
mailbox101
New member
My experience on the California coast is that the boat handles swells well, perhaps even better then a deep-v; wind waves are the more significant issue.
In the 26', wind waves up to 2' are not a problem, can be smoothed out with trim tabs (by lowering the bow to cut into the waves), and we can maintain speed. 2½' - 3' wind waves are OK but choppy, and require dropping to displacement speed. 3½' - 4' waves get pretty rough. We drop speed to 2 or 3 knots. It can be done, but why? I mean we're doing this for fun; right? We will not deliberately head into 4'+ wind waves.
By contrast, I am comfortable, and can stay on plane, in large swells (i.e. 12'@17sec or 7’@10sec), just so long as they don't get too steep; remember that we don't have a keel.
When going against large swells you will find that you have to watch your speed at the crest more than a deep-v because if you overpower the crest, and land on the water, the low-rise hull slaps the water rather than cutting it.
The deep-v can cut through, and stay on plane in, more wind chop, but the low-rise design of the C-Dory gives greater lateral stability, and more predictable handling, at displacement speed, when the deep-v will tend to wobble back and forth.
Hope this helps a little. I'm sure it's not as good as a test drive. If you happen to be on the mainland, near San Francisco, go ahead and email me; my boat is usually in the water, not far away.
David
PS. Perhaps you might try emailing some of the Hawaiian C-Brats. They won't see a PM until the next time they log in, but email is forwarded to them right away. If someone is registered, but not active, you might have a long wait for a reply to a PM.
In the 26', wind waves up to 2' are not a problem, can be smoothed out with trim tabs (by lowering the bow to cut into the waves), and we can maintain speed. 2½' - 3' wind waves are OK but choppy, and require dropping to displacement speed. 3½' - 4' waves get pretty rough. We drop speed to 2 or 3 knots. It can be done, but why? I mean we're doing this for fun; right? We will not deliberately head into 4'+ wind waves.
By contrast, I am comfortable, and can stay on plane, in large swells (i.e. 12'@17sec or 7’@10sec), just so long as they don't get too steep; remember that we don't have a keel.
When going against large swells you will find that you have to watch your speed at the crest more than a deep-v because if you overpower the crest, and land on the water, the low-rise hull slaps the water rather than cutting it.
The deep-v can cut through, and stay on plane in, more wind chop, but the low-rise design of the C-Dory gives greater lateral stability, and more predictable handling, at displacement speed, when the deep-v will tend to wobble back and forth.
Hope this helps a little. I'm sure it's not as good as a test drive. If you happen to be on the mainland, near San Francisco, go ahead and email me; my boat is usually in the water, not far away.
David
PS. Perhaps you might try emailing some of the Hawaiian C-Brats. They won't see a PM until the next time they log in, but email is forwarded to them right away. If someone is registered, but not active, you might have a long wait for a reply to a PM.
Bricklayer
New member
I am looking at a 1985 CD 22 ft it's got a 90 horse Johnson two stroke with 9.8 Nissan kicker. The boat is in fair condition motor has low hours I am a little concerned about that. The boat has only seen freshwater . Wondering if there's any opinions out there on value I offered 10,000 he was asking 14,000
Zombie thread resurrected! My thoughts are that with a c-dory that old (not necessarily a bad thing at all), it's all about the power (unless the hull is in unusually good or unusually bad shape). If the engines have low hours and you don't have to re-power, then I think that you're getting a very good deal at 14K and a steal at 10K.
Extras should be considered too (i.e., electronics, trailer, down riggers, canvas). That stuff could easily cost you another 5 to 10K to outfit the boat. If the boat already has that stuff then, again, 14K seems like a good deal.
That's just off the top of my head. Others are much more knowledgeable than me about such things.
Extras should be considered too (i.e., electronics, trailer, down riggers, canvas). That stuff could easily cost you another 5 to 10K to outfit the boat. If the boat already has that stuff then, again, 14K seems like a good deal.
That's just off the top of my head. Others are much more knowledgeable than me about such things.
Bricklayer":293dlezy said:
That seems like a really good price. 1985 will be Classic configuration, which I believe is more like an angler, with a bigger cockpit space and less space inside the cabin. As mentioned, if the boat is in good shape, what comes along with. electronic,s if they are original, I would look at replacing (for sure), but you could certainly still have a compass, maybe a windlass, and ....? Pictures would really be helpful.
How was the boat stored? That would make a difference too. Low hours on the engine, could be good, but you may be looking at old stored gas, and in the tanks as well.
You don't mention where you or the boat are, so travel to obtain it may be a consideration. Trailer? If that is with then there would be tires that need checking. I would replace them if they are 5 years old or more, before I went anywhere on them.
Personally I would think almost any C-Dory that has a sound hull and transom would be worth 14K Even with a full repower, you are still in under the basic going rate.
Best in your decisions,
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
What year is the main engine and how many hours on it? What year is the kicker? IMO - if the engine is original, it's value is near zero regardless of hours but the hull alone (assuming it's in good shape) is probably worth $10-14k. Unless you have experience with such matters, you should hire a marine surveyor to look the hull for structural integrity.Bricklayer":a0svkdna said:
T.R. Bauer
New member
I agree with getting somebody to look it over really carefully. However, I do not think a good running 90 hp Johnson is worth nothing. I sold one a couple of years ago for $1,500 that ran perfectly and was ancient. I have no idea if 10,000 is a good deal or not, I'd really have to be there. You certainly could spend way more.
HI Bratwurst,
I am wondering if you finally pulled the trigger and bought your boat.
I, like you, did a fair amount of research before purchasing my 22' Cruiser. One of the observations while speaking with the Coast Guard up here in Washington State, they really like the C-Dory and it's safety record.
In October, myself and a good friend cruised down the Columbia river from Richland, Washington to the coast. We had no problems and it was a very comfortable ride including the day we ran into a real windy day with 4 to 5 foot swells.
We have also cruised around the San Juan's camping out on several of the islands.
I have not regretted purchasing my C-Dory "Foote's Rest"
Happy Sailing
Keith
I am wondering if you finally pulled the trigger and bought your boat.
I, like you, did a fair amount of research before purchasing my 22' Cruiser. One of the observations while speaking with the Coast Guard up here in Washington State, they really like the C-Dory and it's safety record.
In October, myself and a good friend cruised down the Columbia river from Richland, Washington to the coast. We had no problems and it was a very comfortable ride including the day we ran into a real windy day with 4 to 5 foot swells.
We have also cruised around the San Juan's camping out on several of the islands.
I have not regretted purchasing my C-Dory "Foote's Rest"
Happy Sailing
Keith
journey on
New member
Just a free comment. Bratwurst made 3 posts 6 years age and none since, so it's unlikely they ever bought a C-Dory.
So 6 years later, why are you posting? Just curious, no other intent.
Boris
So 6 years later, why are you posting? Just curious, no other intent.
Boris
So, if the dates are wrong on all your machines it must be the site. Maybe shoot an email to admin@c-brats.com there might be some setting in your profile that is not turned on.
One of the nice features of the C Dory in general is that there is very little cursing In comparison with a lot of other boats.
You missed out on a 19 in New York which sold for under $19,000 (a very good buy). The price is a what a willing seller will take and a willing buyer will pay.
A 2009 Evinrude will be an Etec, two stroke and well regarded motors. The fuel burn is very similar to the 4 strokes, but it is oil injected. You do have to buy a special oil (or have it converted to regular 2 stroke oil) Not a major issue either way. Sounds like a fair price at $26,000 for a 2009 boat.
You missed out on a 19 in New York which sold for under $19,000 (a very good buy). The price is a what a willing seller will take and a willing buyer will pay.
A 2009 Evinrude will be an Etec, two stroke and well regarded motors. The fuel burn is very similar to the 4 strokes, but it is oil injected. You do have to buy a special oil (or have it converted to regular 2 stroke oil) Not a major issue either way. Sounds like a fair price at $26,000 for a 2009 boat.
These are some old threads
But seeing that we used to wheel our sixteen foot wooden skiff out Gaviota pier beyond the breakers and davit it down to the Pacific I'd say most anything larger and more sea worthy is ok if you've got sense enough to watch the weather. Just wonder now if folks even do, or are allowed to launch off that pier these days.
But seeing that we used to wheel our sixteen foot wooden skiff out Gaviota pier beyond the breakers and davit it down to the Pacific I'd say most anything larger and more sea worthy is ok if you've got sense enough to watch the weather. Just wonder now if folks even do, or are allowed to launch off that pier these days.
WeekiTiki":1zfj31jx said:
Since you now live in Florida and ask about Gaviota--you are one of the 'smart ones". (I happen to be visiting the Republic currently.). The hiost apparently was rehabbed again, and is still in use.
That puts most C Dorys out of the picture except the 16, and perhaps a light 19.
This is great intel for this potential C-Dory buyer. I live in the Lower Florida Keys. When running in the Back Country (Gulf of Mexico side) the water depth can change from deep channels to a foot or less in a nano second. The CD's shallow draft could be a great benefit. I used to work on the National Park Service resupply ship and know the Dry Tortugas area intimately. The C-Dory's low fuel consumption may be what I need to get me out there again, and back. It is a 70-mile run from Key West. There is no fuel to be had out there. I need a boat with long legs. The area west of Tortugas is some of the most spectacular diving and spear fishing in the world. I long to dive there again. I'm sold on the idea of buying a C-Dory. Is the CD-22 the most fuel efficient of them all?