Geoff, Well, that all depends. None of the C-Dory line has a deep Vee hull shape, so, the pounding you get is dependent on the waves, size shape, closeness (period) and importantly, your choice of angle and speed. Your 16 weighs about 1/6th of what a 25 will weigh, so size does make a difference. Your 16 is near 10 shorter than a 25, so it will ride the crest and trough of shorter period waves (like a cork), where the bigger, heavier 25 will go through some of that chop with less affect on the contents of the 25. If you want a less bumpy ride, you will need to slow down, changing the bump and slam to hobby horse ride, and the 25 will hobby horse less than the 16 in the same size waves.
In my 22, I ran side by side with a 25, about 10 miles, coming down Knight Inlet one day. We were, and stayed right side by side for the full duration, going into a 4-5 foot head sea with about a 12 knot headwind and 30% whitecaps. It was a constant wind and sea, so it kept us busy, steering and throttle. Our speed over ground was about 6-7 knots, but water speed was more like an average of 4 or 5 knots. That allowed forward progress, and running with the tide, gave us the extra mph, but it also allowed that progress without slamming. Their boat out weighed mine by maybe 3000 pounds, but they were not comfortable with a higher speed, and I was pretty maxed out for the situation. We maintained for about an hour and a half until we could get off into a side channel and take a break.
So, yes, big waves are doable with the C-Dory. I believe they were running a single Honda, I have twin Yami 40's. Could do it in a Boston Whaler or brand X, with a pair of 150 or 200, Yes, but not for the same price. And it still would not be a perfectly flat, smooth ride.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
