opinions needed.. .update

D

droz

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C Dory Year
2003
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Vessel Name
C-Shark
I'm losing sleep trying to decide which one would be better - I'm looking at both this week
22 cruiser 1995 w/ newer (2006) evinrude etech or
22 cruiser 2003 w/90 horse suzuki with 500 hours on it

Any input would be appreciated!

Mary
 
There are many variables here. If you are just looking at the motors the Etech is really cool and weighs less and is smaller. I have the 90 Johnson which is the same as a Suzuki and have had no problems and I have gotten compliments on the motors looks.

If you are looking at price the hulls are basically the same unless the 2003 has the hi top. So it comes down to what else is on the boat and age of - hydralic steering, electronics, kicker, any other extras.

I would add up the differences and see which one fits my budget and then buy the one I wanted - Ha!

It is a tough choice just don;t forget to look at all the differences.

Good Luck
Steve
 
My opinion is worth what you paid for it....

I'd be more interested in the 2003 with 500 hrs on the Suzuki.

Why? New motors can go lots of hours...reports of up to 7000! Plus a well used motor is not necessarily a bad sign. It shows that the motor works and has been used. A motor sitting around gathers water.

Other than that, I'd look to see which boat was better maintained or abused. The 22s are great boats.

Best of luck!

-Carl
 
Without going into detail and assuming both have comparable essential electronics, were well maintained and an approximately $10000 price differential, I would go for the '95. But that's just me. Sounds like you have a 'good' problem.
 
Unless the 95 hull is substantially cheaper and in excellent shape: I would go for the newer hull.

You shouldn't have any trouble with either engine but if you do: Worst case, bolt on another engine. An 03 naturally should hold it's future value over the 95. No longer than the E-tec has been out I would lean towards the Suzuki for proven reliability. Especially in AK waters. E-tec had some thermostat/computer problems in the cold waters that I am sure have been worked out by now but who needs those hassles?

Can't remember some small changes over the years but the 03 should have the forward bilge well either in the cabin bulkhead starboard corner or better yet under the cabin door. Wasn't the cabin door/bulkhead made of wood like material in 95? The lazarette doors should be flush mounted. Fuel tanks should be bigger. I think center opening window and electric wipers where standard in 03.

Good luck in the search.
 
Look at extras like cockpit floor boards, swim platform, trim tabs,
electronics (but only if they matter to you. If they do not, and they
are newer, then can be sold easily on Ebay. I even managed to sell
a Fortress FX-11 I no longer needed for $98).

Other expensive items that might matter are camper canvas, the
trailer, and a winter cover, if needed. Is a Wallas important to you?
They cost about $1,500 or more.

Everything being equal: E-Tech, if it is lighter than the other. But,
check out if one is quiter than the other. I really like the quiet
Honda I have, but I just don't know the stats on these two motors.
Easy to look up.

Also, if the prices are low, think fast. :-)

Mike
 
Droz,

I'm the one with the 90 ETEC that is cold and likes oil. In a couple of weeks that motor is coming off and going somewhere else. I would verify the oil consumption of the ETEC you are looking at and have them provide you an engine report to see how it has been running. I would like to see the report also to compare it to mine. I really think I have the proverbial lemon, but it would be nice to compare.

Tom
 
Here's another consideration.

The 95 was built at the original C-Dory factory by the original crew.

The 03 was built by the new factory at the time they had various quality control problems. (See Thataway's posts on his 03 25)

I would certainly look in the inspection port in the v-berth floor for water on the 03.
 
Larry - I am 99% sure the QC problems were confined to the CD25s in 2003 (and it seems they really did not manifest themselves that much at that time - ask Lyle on Bess C). These were not built at the Kent C-Dory shop - they came out of the Monroe Olympic shop. The 2003 CD22s were built in Kent by a highly skilled and dedicated small crew. As a former owner of one, I would have no hesitation to buy a 2003 CD22 on QC grounds at all.


Larry H":1c6md15g said:
Here's another consideration.

The 95 was build at the original C-Dory factory by the original crew.

The 03 was built by the new factory at the time they had various quality control problems. (See Thataway's posts on his 03 25)

I would certainly look in the inspection port in the v-berth floor for water on the 03.
Click to expand...
 
I had to giggle when I saw the topic title....we probably have as many opinions as members :wink: so you've come to the right place for sure. Good luck in your choices...picking the C-Dory is the important part :thup

Caty
 
Caty --
We got a chuckle over that subject line too -- and your reply is exactly our thinking -- you folks came to the right place for an opinion!
 
Pat,

The 2003 CD22s were built in Kent by a highly skilled and dedicated small crew. As a former owner of one, I would have no hesitation to buy a 2003 CD22 on QC grounds at all.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the correction.

Larry H
 
I knew I'd get lots of opinions here :lol: I really appreciate it. This will be our first boat purchase so I can use all the advice I can get. Thanks for all the great advice so far. I'm headed out of town tomorrow night to look at both boats. Any advice on having a marine suvey ? Or should I at least take itto a shop for a buyers inspection? Also, what's the best way to figure out if the asking price is on target? Thanks for alll your help - I'll let you all know what we come home with :D
 
I would sea trial the boat you plan to buy--Don't know if they are both near your or not--or if that is a problem. Take another C brat with you to look at the boat, and point out potential issues.

I personally would go for the 95 with the Suzuki--part is based on the newness of the Etec (although reviews are both glowing plus and not quite so glowing).

Also look carefully at the electronics--95's electronics are getting very dated, unless upgraded. Consider also if a kicker is present. I would definately want the Wallas for Alaska, Look at the trailer--if you will be driving much, you want a dual axel--if onlly a few miles, then probably a single will be fine.

As far as price, look at comp sales. Blue book and NADA are not of any value for C Dories.
 
Thanks for all the great advice! We flew to Juneau and Sitka to look at both boats (we live in Anchorage) the 95 was a nice boat in good condition but the 2003 was almost perfect :lol: Getting her home was a bit challenging - the ferry was the cheapest way but booked until end of August going to Whittier. So we put her on the ferry to Haines and drove 14 hours to pick her up and a few extra to bring her home. We are hoping to have her ready to go out of Whittier for our first trip this week.

Thanks for all the help!

Mary
 
Congratulations--a very good choice!

Bob Austin
 
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