I think the polarizing issue with the 29 wasn't that it was a bad boat... it was a departure from the core design of what made C-Dory so popular with this group:
The beam making permits necessary for trailering.
The inboard diesel.
The relatively deep-v hull.
The odd design quirks (the head that stands in the view field for the co-pilot and the low placed steering wheel).
The "bulby" look of the boat (it got called "Baby Huey" by some of us).
The attitude of C-Dory management at the time.
Seeing Dave's mention of a used Ranger Tug really drives home the impact of that last item above. Ranger Tugs does a great job of listening to their customers, and giving them "move up" reasons for another boat. The Venture 29 seemed more of an attempt to bring a boat to an unknown market, and no input from current customers was sought or considered. As it turned out, there was no market for the boat. At the time, it seemed like one more example of how the management had no idea who their core customers were and what they wanted. The start up expense of that model (with no buyers to recoup) at a time when the economy was starting the downturn was another factor in that management's demise.
All that said, I don't think the Venture 29 is a "bad" boat. Relatively unproven, since there aren't enough of them out there to know what the performance (fuel burn, speed, ride) is. A bigger version of a cruiser without a lot of gain for floorplan in that space. For $99k (and I'd imagine there's still some wiggle room there), it is a lot of boat. It would be a personal choice if the floorplan and hull are right for you.
I like inboard diesels in the right application. But, the things that brought most of us to a C-Dory (outboard power, easy trailering, simple interior that makes maintenance and mods easy, relatively flat bottom for economy and seaworthiness) weren't a part of the design of the 29. It's easy to "Monday morning quarterback" what the management at the time did wrong.
No idea what the layout schedule was for the build, but the C-Dory made hulls have generally been very sound. Most warranty issues have been components or "what were they thinking??" rigging problems (like putting a fresh water pump IN the bilge where it would be guaranteed to get wet, using screws that were too long to install the brass stem guard, fresh water connection incompatibilites, etc).
A comprehensive sea trial and a very close inspection after should be a must. If you think this is a "gonna keep it a lifetime" boat, I wouldn't be concerned about resale. If there's a chance you will want to sell the boat anytime in the near future (still thinking years here), keep in mind how long it has taken to move these boats.
Good luck with your decisions.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
(The above is just one more free opinion. Unless you are making your living with it, a boat should make you want to look over your shoulder at it as you walk away and say, "Damn, that's a nice boat!")
