We just got back from 2 1/2 weeks on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. We used the commercial dock in Tofino as our base and explored Clayoquot Sound. We've been going to that area for 20 years, but there's just something about it that draws us back.
While on Bess-C I had time to think about why we love our 25. We bought her new in March of 2003. It was our first powerboat and we bought it from Les at EQ. The first thing that I noticed was that this boat was tough. As a newbie, I really smacked some docks trying to dock in high winds. I never noticed any damage to the hull other than scuff marks.
The second thing I noticed was that I felt safe in many different kinds of water conditions. I learned that you had to adjust trim and speed, but then I could depend on the boat to work its way through currents, waves and wind. The wide range of planing speeds from 10-25 knots allowed me to adjust to virtually any condition.
When I think about it, it's the versatility of the boat that really impresses me the longer we have the boat. We stayed on the boat comfortably for 17 nights in all kinds of conditions. It allowed us to have a waterfront cabin for $7.00 per night in an area where tourist lodging starts at $200.00 per night. Our Wallace stove has always been reliable, so we have instant heat and cooking ability. The enclosed head makes for much happier women on board. For 5 nights we had our adult daughter with us on the boat. It was tight quarter, but fun for all of us. We added camper canvas 3 years ago, and it allows for a comfortable back porch even during the torrential downpours that can happen in the NW.
When we wanted to go fishing, it took 15 minutes to take down the canvas, set up the downriggers and we were a fishing boat instead of a cruiser.
This boat is a cabin, a social club, a kitchen and a fishing boat. It can be towed or powered to its destination. It gets good fuel economy for its size. I've learned that it's about as safe as a 25 foot boat can be. It's admired and accepted at the commercial dock.
Our boat is a 2003 vintage. Although there have been aspersions cast at the boats originally built in Monroe, I think the quality has been pretty good. We have no cracks that I've found, even the Wallace has been reliable. We have replaced the macerator and the shower drain pump in 5 seasons. C-Dory replaced the original plastic tank after the first season because a restriction was causing it to be difficult to fill. That's it, so far no other problems.
We may buy another larger boat when we have more time to cruise. I admire the Halcyon and Wild Blue folks for their ability to use their C-Dorys as second homes. However, I think 3 weeks is about the maximum for us on this size of boat. No matter what other boats we may consider, we'll always love our 25. It has brought us more pleasure and unique experiences than any other item we've ever purchased. My only regret is that we live 200 miles from the ocean and can only put about 100 hours a year on the motor. Sorry for the long ramble, but I'm missing the boat and the water here 200 miles inland.
Lyle
While on Bess-C I had time to think about why we love our 25. We bought her new in March of 2003. It was our first powerboat and we bought it from Les at EQ. The first thing that I noticed was that this boat was tough. As a newbie, I really smacked some docks trying to dock in high winds. I never noticed any damage to the hull other than scuff marks.
The second thing I noticed was that I felt safe in many different kinds of water conditions. I learned that you had to adjust trim and speed, but then I could depend on the boat to work its way through currents, waves and wind. The wide range of planing speeds from 10-25 knots allowed me to adjust to virtually any condition.
When I think about it, it's the versatility of the boat that really impresses me the longer we have the boat. We stayed on the boat comfortably for 17 nights in all kinds of conditions. It allowed us to have a waterfront cabin for $7.00 per night in an area where tourist lodging starts at $200.00 per night. Our Wallace stove has always been reliable, so we have instant heat and cooking ability. The enclosed head makes for much happier women on board. For 5 nights we had our adult daughter with us on the boat. It was tight quarter, but fun for all of us. We added camper canvas 3 years ago, and it allows for a comfortable back porch even during the torrential downpours that can happen in the NW.
When we wanted to go fishing, it took 15 minutes to take down the canvas, set up the downriggers and we were a fishing boat instead of a cruiser.
This boat is a cabin, a social club, a kitchen and a fishing boat. It can be towed or powered to its destination. It gets good fuel economy for its size. I've learned that it's about as safe as a 25 foot boat can be. It's admired and accepted at the commercial dock.
Our boat is a 2003 vintage. Although there have been aspersions cast at the boats originally built in Monroe, I think the quality has been pretty good. We have no cracks that I've found, even the Wallace has been reliable. We have replaced the macerator and the shower drain pump in 5 seasons. C-Dory replaced the original plastic tank after the first season because a restriction was causing it to be difficult to fill. That's it, so far no other problems.
We may buy another larger boat when we have more time to cruise. I admire the Halcyon and Wild Blue folks for their ability to use their C-Dorys as second homes. However, I think 3 weeks is about the maximum for us on this size of boat. No matter what other boats we may consider, we'll always love our 25. It has brought us more pleasure and unique experiences than any other item we've ever purchased. My only regret is that we live 200 miles from the ocean and can only put about 100 hours a year on the motor. Sorry for the long ramble, but I'm missing the boat and the water here 200 miles inland.
Lyle
I'd love to get one, but first have to find a new owner for our 16Angler and then have to work on the CFO (aka, Gin) a bit more. 
