New C-dorys built?

Big Mac

Member
I have been wondering how many new builds of C-dory's by the Triton Plant have taken place. It would be interesting to know how many of each type have been built to date. Maybe Scott will chime in on this question.
 
Good question and an interesting statistic to keep track of. I looked up the Manufacturer's Identification Code for Triton and found two: CMC and CMS.

So, FWIW, it appears the C-Dory line will be built using CMC as the MIC in the HIN but IDK for sure. OMG, if someone can tell us the hull number of the last boat built we should have the answer.
(Sorry. At least I didn't put MOUSE after the MIC HIN)
 
starcrafttom":1ullf0lw said:
I was told triton did not buy those hull's, is that wrong info?

I called the factory afterward about another issue, and I believe it was Scott who told me that they had bought them and would pretty quickly have them ready to market. They were also interested in the Sea Sport molds but they were being sold as a single lot at a high price and they were going to have to wait for the trustee to try again later.
 
Well, it will be a bit academic if nobody is going balls to the wall promoting C-Dorys at the SBS this year...they need to be writing contracts and taking deposits! You don't have to go back very far to recall Jeff Messmer's charisma around the C-Dory factory display and how a big percentage of the boats sold were orders taken at SBS. I don't see any enthusiasm for marketing C-Dorys at the SBS this year except among ourselves...maybe it is time for Triton to go back to direct factory sales, at least in the Seattle / Western Washington market.
 
From what I can see hull numbers are mostly meaningless if you are attempting to discern the number of units built (except to the factory)...
Ranger Tug hull numbering system uses a system akin to divining the intentions of the gods from goat entrails...
 
Pat-

I'm sorry that we don't seem to be doing enough to satisfy what you think needs to be done to promote the C-Dory brand.

This industry is on very tough times, and in 2010 I made about half of what I made two years previously. Which means my employer made half of what he made two years previously on my sales. That's a big drop in income, and one of the first areas that gets cut is advertising and promotion.

In spite of this, we have committed to new marketing outlets, have gone from one website presence to four including a complete overhaul of our primary website. So we are investing considerable funds in marketing the business, and the products we carry.

We also are dealing with increased costs just to open the doors every day. Our health insurance costs have gone up $700 a month, L&I rates have gone up something like 20%, electricity costs are creeping up, and increased government regulation means the owner spends more time pushing paper for them, instead of working on his business.

The industry is under intense scrutiny by environmental groups, and these groups are pushing for increased measures to control and measure run-off. One of these systems could be forced upon us at a cost of $100,000.

We have also gone from strong factory support for the brand to the factory changing hands and shutting down and restarting again. This has not built confidence in the brand by the buying public. We had 50% participation in boat show space cost previously, and now have none. Fluid Marine had a marketing department that produced ads and brochures and at one time had its own advertising budget. Now the cost of promoting the brand has been put entirely on the dealers.

The reaction of the C-Brats to the factory change and warranty issues was not helpful eiether, and I spent a lot of time answering questions about warranty with potantial buyers, and not talking about how wonderful the boats are. There has also been an attitude of wait-and-see, again, partly fueled by rampant speculation on this site, as to whether the brand would even survive.

So, yeah, your comment peeved me off. As dealers fight to survive, they will partner and promote those products whose manufacturers support us back. With no flooring available on C-Dory's at this time, we can't afford to stock them, so our boat show space will have to be given over to the products that we have, and that offer co-op support.

How we promote C-Dory will certainly be different than the past two years, and it would be nice to have one of each model at the boat show, but in the last two years, the return on that investment has been small. We just aren't able, or willing at this time, to invest $100,000 or more in product, as much as we would like to. The availability of flooring would certainly change that.
 
Matt,

I was under the impression that dealers could obtain their floor plan financing from several sources....manufacturer, national, regional, and local banks. Is that not case for your dealership? I understand manufacturer financing is unlikely, but no bank financing either?

Admittedly, my experience with floor plan financing is from many years ago in the auto industry, so I could certainly be wrong.

Rob
 
"The reaction of the C-Brats to the factory change and warranty issues was not helpful eiether, and I spent a lot of time answering questions about warranty with potantial buyers, and not talking about how wonderful the boats are. There has also been an attitude of wait-and-see, again, partly fueled by rampant speculation on this site, as to whether the brand would even survive."



WOW! That wasn't necesary. Maybe Pat was right.
 
kenny chaos":2ap00kbc said:
"The reaction of the C-Brats to the factory change and warranty issues was not helpful eiether, and I spent a lot of time answering questions about warranty with potantial buyers, and not talking about how wonderful the boats are. There has also been an attitude of wait-and-see, again, partly fueled by rampant speculation on this site, as to whether the brand would even survive."



WOW! That wasn't necesary. Maybe Pat was right.

Hi Kenny,

Unfortunately, both of them are right - just different perspectives. I see that you signed on here last month... frankly, there were some pretty divisive things said about warranties a year or so ago. People who already had boats lost warranties when the previous factory owners closed up. The Triton folks (understandably) couldn't warranty product that they didn't produce. That situation happened in many industries as the economy tanked - it certainly wasn't just here. Some folks wanted someone to honor the warranty with the defunct company, and expected the folks who took over the molds to be that entity. Anger was misplaced, but understandable.

We would all like to see the Triton folks be successful with the C-Dory brand - it's good for current owners as well as potential new buyers. BUT, if you don't have the bucks to advertise, you can't just make that $$ appear. It's an especially tough situation: you need to promote to build business, but you can't afford to spend the money to promote. Catch 22 that isn't unusual with small businesses.

For a while, no one was producing C-Dorys. A REALLY tough situation for a dealer who is heavily dependent on that brand for product to sell and factory support. Now, they're being built again, but at a greatly reduced number.

From the dealers' perspective, that's a real business-killer... IF there was any business to be had. Thus, the demise of many boat brands over the past few years... and many dealers. It's disheartening from their perspective. Toss in an owners group where some members frequently state: "buy used, it's just as good and cheaper," and you have folks who actually drive business away from the dealers. Add in some folks who will beat a dealer down to the last dollar and still order goods from the internet because they can save another buck... and when that dealer goes out of business, those same folks will complain because there is no one local to support them.

If we want the factory to make it, and dealers to make it, we have to encourage people to participate in the C-Dory lifestyle. Some of us LIKE the smell of new fiberglass and want to be the first ones to inflict the dock rash. If NEW BOATS aren't selling, there is no reason for the factory to exist... and no one to support the dealers. And dealers can only make it so long trading used boats for used boats... they need buyers for new boats - people who also want to equip those boats so they can keep their service people busy rigging new boats. And the electronics manufacturers would LOVE to see manufacturers and dealers ordering their stuff.

I can guaran-damn-tee you that Triton and the dealers would love to have people crowding into their establishments to buy new boats. Triton would love to be making enough profit to pay for the booth space at a bunch of boat shows. They would like to have dealers from all over the country calling them each day with new orders. The dealers would love to be making a profit so they can afford to "eat" some warranty work and give out a free hat or two. BUT, since that isn't happening, the money ain't moving.

And that's where we are now: no new boats to show to perspective buyers, because the manufacturer and the dealers just can't afford to make boats that aren't pre-sold. BIG damn Catch 22.

I remember the enthusiasm at the 2006 Seattle Boat Show when we ordered our boat. I got to see EVERY model C-Dory at that show. It was a FACTORY display booth, and they were taking deposits on orders. I actually had to wait for a bit to give them my money, because the guy in front of me was buying a boat, too.

So, Pat is right: there isn't the promotion and the "frenzy" that there used to be. And Matt is right: there isn't the co-op money nor the easy credit to allow them to have boats in stock. So, step up and order a new boat. Encourage others to do the same. There ARE some people buying new boats... check out the forums for Ranger Tugs or Regal Boats (they recently set up a manufacturing show room where dealers can bring perspective buyers to see all the different models). BUT, the Seattle Boat Show is going to be a lot smaller than it was in 2006, because a lot of folks who were in the boat industry back then no longer are. That's the reality of current economic times.

I have my boat. I LOVE my boat. I am definitely an enthusiastic C-Dory owner and always take the time to discuss our boat when people at the dock have questions. There were boat owners who gave me advice and encouragement when I was in the looking stage. I try to do the same. It took me months to even get to see one of these boats back then, so I can appreciate what potential buyers are going through.

So, we can all wave C-Dory flags and be the best sales force out there, but without some boats for people to look at at the boat shows, it is underwhelming at best. And without people wanting to buy new boats... well, there's that ugly cycle again.

I don't have deep pockets and I don't know anyone in the boat biz who does. The C-Brats can give enthusiastic support, but until there are people willing to part with their cash for new boats, I don't see the manufacturer/dealer situation changing any time soon.

Respectfully,
Jim B.
 
Hi Jim-
I always respect your replys and this one is no different but you're explaining the obvious to the wrong person.
As a small dirt farmer, myself and my comrades have suffered for years and were totally aware of the scams being perpetrated against the American people and their businesses.
I never took a second mortage to buy a 20k Kubota lawn mower for a 1/2 acre lot, a new boat, or a camper to park in the driveway. Never even had a new car for myself or the wife. And I was just stunned to watch people pay 500k for a 200k house.
We managed to squirrel a little into some mutual funds and now at 54, I haven't worked in four years.
I love the C-Dory more than any boat I've ever seen but I can't justify 50k-60k for a 22' boat.
Answer me this; If everyone is selling their boats, so far below survey, shouldn't the surveyors be held responsible? I know, it depends.
It sucks that things got where they are but it will get worse before it gets better.
My reply to Matt was because of his attack against the only people that know he exists. He's in a tough spot but he needs to be proactive towards his future. I wish him and all of you the best.
I'm still considering a used Dory but the price has got to be right. Me thinks your pockets are deeper than you appreciate. Certainly deeper than many.
Peace-
Over-
Kenny
 
Well, Kenny, I hope you can find your boat and enjoy being on the water. I'm amazed at what 25' boats go for, and you betcha, they can cost up to $150,000. I do notice that used 22 C-Dories are priced at ~20 to 25 big ones. My first boat was a Catalina 22 sailboat, with trailer for ~$5000, new a third of a century ago.

That's a fact of life and here's why: fiberglass boats are hand built of polyester fibre. That's a product of oil and oil is now $80/barrel. Everything else, especially transportation and labor is tied to oil and gasoline is $3/gal. So there you go, prices aren't the same as 35 years ago. Unfortunately, those boat builders aren't getting rich at the prices they're getting.

I just checked the asking price for a 24 Bayliner, which is a high volume production cruiser. List price is ~$60K without options or trailer but with motor. I'm using Bayliner as an example of a bottom line high volume boat, built to the lowest price. The C-Dory doesn't fit that category, it's low volume in a niche market and thus one assumes, must cost more to produce.

So if you're waiting for a collapse of our economy before you're going boating, it may be a while. Meantime I appreciate the efforts Triton is making to continue the C-Dory line and have no advice for them or their dealers (say thank you, Matt.) And if owning a C-Dory is an example of deep pockets, wait till you have to buy the gas to cruise for a summer.

One of the thoughts I have is there seem to be a lot of abandoned boats sitting in front/back/side yards. If you want a cheap boat, try getting one of those and rebuilding it. It'll either be a great entry into boating or an eye opener.

Boris
 
journey on":22vx7go4 said:
One of the thoughts I have is there seem to be a lot of abandoned boats sitting in front/back/side yards. If you want a cheap boat, try getting one of those and rebuilding it. It'll either be a great entry into boating or an eye opener.

Boris



Boris-
I love that name but anywho, don't be so quick with your judgements please.
My current boat is a 23' Oday I paid $400 for. Excuse me for being frugal but some of us need to be that way.
I thought I was defendng Pat and now I'm the bad guy. KMA!
Bye Bye-
 
Hey Kenny,
Don't leave in a huff. Boats are ultimately worth what someone is willing to pay for your them. If a low initial price is your main objective, then a C-Dory may not your boat. If you scout Craigslist on a regular basis, you will find all kinds of bargains. I have seen used Bayliner Trophy hardtop models in the range of 20 to 23 feet selling for less than a used 16' C-dory cruiser model. Good things are seldom cheap and cheap things are seldom good.
Leo
 
Hi again Kenny,

We have opinions here, and we aren't afraid to use them. :wink: While this all may have been obvious to you, it is clear that some don't get the plight of boat manufacturers and dealers. Bottom line: there isn't much in the way of a bottom line if no one is buying new boats. I totally get Matt's frustration - there is a big difference between not wanting to promote and not being in a financial position to promote. Yet, some here think more should be done to assure a C-Dory presence at the SBS. Floorplanning for boat dealers is very tough to come by these days. Historically, the C-Dory factory (factories) hasn't provided any sort of floorplanning for dealers. Most boat dealers today do not have the business funds to buy boats with the hopes of turning them. Ask any C-Dory dealer how that worked for them when the previous factory folks left them with boats with no warranties.

I'm not understanding your comment on surveyors. No doubt that some folks are selling used boats for less than they sold for a couple years ago. When the bubble burst and there were some dealers left with unsupported new stock, they took the hit and sold boats at a loss... you can only do that for so long. That put more C-Dorys on the market, which further drove down prices. As the market absorbs those boats, I expect the decline in used prices to level off and improve. With fewer new boats being made, rising oil prices resulting in more costly raw materials, higher transportation costs, and across the board price increases from vendors, the price for new boats can only rise. Not just for C-Dory.

When I priced a 22 at the '06 SBS, it was going on the far side of $50k, well equipped. I hear that $60k number being talked about currently, but I have not priced them since I am not in the market. I certainly understand that price is beyond the means of plenty of people. Unfortunately, the factory can't just indiscriminately lower the price to try to generate sales - too few boats being made/bought to try to "make it up in the volume."

And there's the rub: these boats seem to attract those with practical tastes. They aren't flashy. Compared to many other boats, the interiors don't appear "upscale" (however, I think they are utilitarian and functional). Flashier boats may attract a buyer with more discretionary income (or more willingness to incur debt)... but, as I stated earlier, some boats that are more expensive than the C-Dory are selling.

The real cost of ownership on a boat isn't just the initial cost... it's that, plus upkeep, minus what you sell it for. Before the C-Dory, I had a sailing trimaran than many think is outrageously priced... I had that boat for 6 years and sold it for $2k less than I paid for it. Pretty inexpensive cost of ownership. While the C-Dory probably won't ever see that kind of return, it does hold its value better than most boats; and survey prices will bear that out (even if NADA doesn't).

Those who own these boats know that they are something unique in the boating world: small, but functional; light, but seaworthy; durable; classic styling. While a niche boat, the number of them out there because of that classic styling (not changing much over the years), means that used boats DO compete with new boats for sales. Especially so with few new boats being ordered.

All that said, for any of us to fault the manufacturer or the dealers for not doing more to promote the boats means one doesn't understand the plight they are in. I think having one of each model to show off at the SBS would result in improved sales. Anyone here feel so strongly about that that they'd put their own money into paying for those boats to be built?

And that's all I got to say about that.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

On edit: after writing this I see the KMA and Bye-bye from Kenny. No one is making you the bad guy, Kenny - this is just a discussion. It's probably best if we don't "pick sides". In my overly-wordy way, I was simply trying to present the facts as I see them. I understand Pat's opinion, but I certainly don't think the manufacturer or dealers are in ANY position to put more money into promoting... not because of lack of desire or enthusiasm for the brand. Hang around, Kenny. You may come across that "buy of the year" on a C-Dory (I've seen them happen) by being quick on the draw. If owning one of these boats is a goal, hanging around here will keep you in the loop. BTW, I think your 23 is a pretty practical small sailboat... plenty of room below for its size. There are a lot of sailors (former and current) who have moved to C-Dorys. I've always considered them to be a powercruiser with a sailing sensibility.
 
I've owned a lot of boats over the years and built several of them. When I first saw the C dory a few years ago I felt it was the next one for me. I had sticker shock for sure when I first got a quote. However after analyzing my mission, the 19 ft fit well. When I took delivery I can honestly say I can see where the money went. There was no cheap stuff on my 19. My life circumstances changed and my needs changed also last year and a new CD 22 was the only boat for me. This one is even more impressive. Good equipment is pricey in small volume production. C dory's are pretty unique in a way. One gets a family of folks along with them. I have had support from many people I have met and some I have not yet met thru my time as a C Brat and that I can't put a price on.

I learned to fly a few years back and if one wants to talk expensive wow, let's go look at airplane parts. Tiny production runs.

I look at boats as a tool to do a certain job. When I sailed it was to go distance. My CD22 is portable, tough and spartan. Perfect. I have a lot of customers who have very complicated modern boats and they tell me often about ruined weekends because of some system failure. Holding tank issues amoung the worst. My CD 22 has few system...therefore few failures. It is also elegant in it's minimalist way and it's so darn cute I have many conversations with folks who come to have a look. It can take a while to launch and retrieve your c dory and that's part of the fun. I am truly glad that there are so many different designs out there to pick from. Go fasts can have Donzi and Ciggaret, sailors can have theirs, and bow riders for skiers and tugs and c dorys and Bayliners too. Get out on the water and enjoy. George :thup
 
My comments probably have little relevance in this thread. I can under stand a dealer's pique when people inform themselves of opinions from others and then become hesitant about this or that when buying a boat This site has thrived for years now because of its democratic nature, and by its very nature democracy can become rather messy. All of us are dealing with economic forces we didn't create and it is frustrating. I'm getting near the end of the trail and have a sense of guilt that perhaps my generation planned only for themselves. I predict that the C-Dory because of its superior build and classic lines will continue to be built, perhaps in fewer numbers than during the last twenty years, but it isn't going to go away.

John
 
At this point on time there is a list of boat factorys (brands) that have gone out of business in the past 4 years - the list is more than 250 USA boat makers gone down the tubes...

Marc gets frustrated because he is between a rock and a hard place - and the rock is rolling towards him...

C-Dory folks get frustrated because a great boat design is hanging by a thread and they feel that the factory should do more to promote it...

The C-Dory factory is frustrated because their costs keep going up and their sales are slow and there is no lending available for building boats to put out on dealer floor plan (that they OR the dealer can afford) and their customers are yelling at them on this forum...

Potential buyers of C-Dory are frustrated because the boats cost so darn much...

Fiberglass makers are frustrated because their sales volume is down and their raw material costs keep going up like a rocket...

Engine makers are frustrated because their sales volume is down and their raw materials costs keep going up like a rocket...

Hinge makers, ditto..
Anchor makers, ditto...
Pump makers, ditto...
Battery makers, ditto...
Light fixture makers, ditto...
Fender makers, ditto...
Cushion makers, ditto...
Paint makers, ditto...

Everyone is frustrated - but yelling at each other won't fix it!

99% of this is driven by the collapsing value of the dollar and is completely out of the control of the C-Dory family...
 
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