Looking for new boat...

Big TULE · 08-14-2003, 06:02 PM

O.K. here is my dilema. I am looking for a new to me boat but not sure what to get. I have been in the PILAR and loved it and now in the Sea Lion and loved it also. But i am torn, i have found older C-Dory's for a good price that i would like to get, and i also found a 1988 24 foot Trophy with the alaskan bulkhead that is very nice. I have done alot of research and i am still torn on what i want. The boat that i buy will have the range for TUNA and will be multi purpose, with emphasis placed on the Big Blue. What do the rest of the Salty Dogs think???

Deepslayer · 08-14-2003, 06:06 PM

I think you have a problem! :grin: Just remember there is no such thing as an all purpose boat. Sacrificies are made one way or another. You have to pick what feels right for you!
,Ed

Big TULE · 08-14-2003, 06:17 PM

Not really looking for all purpose, just all purpose in the big blue.

skein · 08-14-2003, 06:20 PM

Big Tule,

The boats are out there, and the selection is good. I'm really impressed with Mr Fisherman's C-Dory, and that seems a good choice. Just remember that if you have a set amount to spend, don't spend all of it on the boat. Using Mr F as an example, he had some motor repairs right off the bat and if he had spent his whole wad on the boat itself, he would have been stuck until he came up with enough capital to cover getting things fixed.

Blubeast on the other hand knew the boat he was buying and knew there was not going to be any surprises.

Obviously they can tell you more about their choices. There always seems to be unforseen expenses that can really eat into your recreational dollars.

...or you could buy a brand-new boat like some people I know. :grin:

Good luck in your search!

Skein

Big TULE · 08-14-2003, 06:30 PM

Yeah Yeah,m go ahead and rub in the EDWELD Skein. I wish i had the fundage for that, but you have a few years on me and a kick *** wife that fishes as much as you do. My wife just doesn't get the fishing thing. Nope, used is in my future. I do like the C-dory.

graybeard · 08-14-2003, 07:22 PM

Big Tule

Better come on over and check out the C-Dory website and bulletin board. C-Brats webpage Good folks there. I'm taking delivery on a new 25' C-Dory next week so you know what I think of them. :grin:

gb

Sea Jypzee · 08-14-2003, 07:44 PM

Big Tule - There are a lot of factors to consider when buying anything major like a boat. I went through all of this earlier this year and found pretty much everything I wanted in my current boat. But it was after a lot of searching, looking at several boats, and even travelling down to S.F. Bay area to look at and finally buy the boat I ended up with.

I can't strongly enough recommend that whatever used boat you choose, you have a complete survey done on it before purchase. This will tell you exactly what you are looking at, and most any possibly hidden repairs that you can expect to make. It's worth the extra few hundred dollars for the peace of mind.

I eventually found my boat on www.yachtworld.com . They have a nice search engine that you can specify the various parameters you are interested in.

Also, as someone else mentioned, hold back some $$$ for unexpected repairs, and maintenance. Having it surveyed hopefully will keep this to a minimum, but still important to keep some aside just in case.

Rod Holder · 08-14-2003, 09:15 PM

I'm partial to the C-Dory but do your homework and carefuly determine what you want out of a boat....boats are just tools, you want the best tool for the job you're going to do. Like Greybeard said, there is a wad of C-Dory info on the web site he listed.
Blue~C

Beer Waggin · 08-15-2003, 08:04 AM

Big T-
What do you love more, your wife or the ocean? The new boat is only a divorce lawyer away! :shocked:

greenbuttskunk · 08-15-2003, 12:41 PM

here's your boat, should be perfect for what you want to do, and they are in portland.
check it out!
http://www.boats.com/listing/boat_details.jsp?entityid=11301651&searchtype=buy& searchid=1&back=%2Flisting%2Fcache%2Flisting_searc h_results.jsp%3Fman%3DSEASWIRL%26psdistance%3D1%26 s earchtype%3Dbuy%26fromLength%3D18%26pszipcode%3D97 206%26wuom%3D126%26ps%3D20%26currencyid%3D100%26du om%3D126%26so%3D0%26sm%3D3%26is%3Dfalse%26searchPa ge%3D%2Flisting%2Fcache%2Fquic k_search.jsp%26ic%3Dtrue%26luom%3D126%26n%3D1%3A1% 3A18546%3A20311%3A81&showDL=false&showMD=false&clk _srclnk_pic

Mello-Yello · 08-15-2003, 01:40 PM

Wow, very clean boat! Buy it!

Birdnest · 08-15-2003, 02:06 PM

Concerning the C-Dory there are a lot of happy owners out there. I considered them while shopping for my boat. What scared me away was the flat bottom and the significantly lower weight rating. With that though, you get lighter boat, less motor needed to easily get on plane, ect, ect. I do think they fill a niche in the market, just wasn't mine.

I usually don't cheerlead for Bayliner, but there are a ton of them out there with good deals to be had. Good luck.

Birdnest

graybeard · 08-15-2003, 04:27 PM

Birdnest

Please explain why a C-Dory would have a "significantly less load rating". It is my understanding that a semi-flat bottom can actually carry more weight.

gb

The Chub · 08-15-2003, 05:02 PM

I'd buy that striper in a minute, if I had the cash!

Rod Holder · 08-15-2003, 05:25 PM

how about this for capacity?
these folks boated up the Yukon and hauled out several Moose
http://groups.msn.com/CBratsOnline/i...o&photoID=1251
Boats...there'll all good, the question is how much money you have and what you want to do with it...homework...do the homework before shelling out the fun bucks.

Mello-Yello · 08-15-2003, 05:31 PM

Now THAT'S what a tuna boat is supposed to look like! Woooooooooohoooooooooo!

Birdnest · 08-15-2003, 06:25 PM

Gray Beard,

I agree the that the "dory" style of boat gains stablity as it is loaded with an increase in beam from the weight.

Grand Banks Dory.

C-dory's site doesn't seem to list max weight capacities. They only mention "...with a 1000lb load..." I don't know if that is their max or not. My 20' Hewescraft is rated for 1800lbs.

What we need is somebody(Rod Holder) with a C-dory to actually look at the CG panel and post the weight capacity. I don't remember the exact numbers, just that it seemed low.

Joe

[ 08-15-2003, 07:43 PM: Message edited by: Birdnest ]

Rod Holder · 08-16-2003, 07:48 AM

There is no capacity plate on on the 22' C-Dory. The Coast Guard does not require it on a boat over 20. In a capacity related vein, our boat will pack a bunch of stuff, but for fishing it's cramped if you try to have more than two or three people fishing. Our boat is perfect for what we use it for (two people fishing, camping, exploring) but if a person wants to do some serious party fishing the Cruiser isn't a good tool. Mr Fisherman has the Angler model which has a larger back deck.
The kid and I just finished a two week stint at Ilwaco...had a great time fishing and boaterhomeing.....life is good...25 fish in the freezer

graybeard · 08-16-2003, 08:33 AM

Yup, the C=Dory is a niche boat. Let's see where the niche is for the 22 footer:

1. It sleeps 2-3 comfortably. Many people have lived aboard these boats for extended periods of time

2. It has a diesel stove/furnace, sink, dinette and porta-potty.

3 It's light weight makes it very towable with smaller tow rigs.

4. You can tow it to your favorite fishing grounds, spend the night in the boat and be ready to go fishing at the crack of dawn. No more crowded campgrounds, spending the night on the water anchored in a shallow cove probably wouldn't appeal to most.

5. They're very seaworthy, check out the history of the Dory. People use them for tuna fishing.

6. They're semi-flat bottomed which allows it to easily come up on plane at about 9 mph, so it can use a smaller motor and less fuel.

7 It only drafts 7 inches of water, making it a great river boat.

8. It's a popular boat up in Alaska, where water and elements can be extreme.

9. They're seaworthy enough that people are using them to travel the inside passage up to Alaska. Normally this isn't done by boats less than 30', but the C-Dory makes the most out of the existing space. Could be the best laid out boat in existance.

10. They've got to be one of the coolest looking boats I've ever seen.

This is definately a niche boat. Not many would want a boat so versatile. :grin:

gb

[ 08-16-2003, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: graybeard ]

Birdnest · 08-16-2003, 08:58 AM

Fellas,

I like 'em, I really do. I wish my boat had a hard top, heater, porta potty, and all of the other goodies. Who knows, someday I might be posting a pic of my new C-dory with me eating a crow sandwich. :grin:

Joe

Mr. Carp · 08-16-2003, 10:30 AM

I know they are expensive, but i would much rather have a Sea Sport of a Skagit Orca over a Dory, IMHO. Dorys are nice, but they seem like they are wasting space having the cabin so far back and I don't care for the flat bottom. They also seem like they have kinda low sides, but what do I know?

Look around for a used Sea Sport and you'll be happy.

graybeard · 08-16-2003, 08:44 PM

Just something to think about [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

The SeaSport is a much heavier boat than the C-Dory. Not near as easily towed, requires over twice the engine and uses over twice the fuel. This is in addition to the initial heavier price tag. If your pockets are deep, go for it. They are beautiful boats.

gb

Mr. Fisherman · 08-16-2003, 10:30 PM

Chris, it's like I told you when we were fishing... Fish on a few boats that you are considering and then decide.
How many boats have you been on that brought up the fish we caught? :grin: They are lucky boats

All kiding aside, all boats are compromises. I love my boat and spent nearly 5 years researching, shopping and saving for it.

What I love about my boat is that I can tow it with my 6 cylinder rig, it sips gas and it is easy to work on (the boat). It has tons of room to fish and I can sleep on it. It is very easy to clean and care for and it handles the ocean and the river very well. I can still use it on a small lake if I want to. For a budget minded family man it was the perfect fit for me.

C-Dorys hold their value very well. A good deal does not stay on the market long at all.

I was concerned about the flat bottom and the talk about them pounding in a chop but I have been pleasently surprised with how well this boat of mine handles rough water. As you saw when it started getting rough when we went out all you have to do is slow down. My boat will plane at just over 9 miles per hour allowing me to run safely and economically in those conditions. In fact I have been one of the fastest boats in those conditions. A deep V will send you to the poor house as you have to fall off plane and plow.

Not all C-Dorys come with heaters or a sink but you can easily customize your boat to fit your needs which is half the fun.

The C-Dory is very easy to work on as everything is exposed and easy to get to. Try cleaning a strainer on the bilge pump on a bayliner or Arima not to mention adding a pump or two... there is simply no room for additional pumps on a lot of deep v boats.

I will not own another OMC outdrive, ever.

Sea Lion is the 7th boat I have owned. I have never been so pleased or confident in my craft.

I would no sooner pick a boat for you as pick a woman for you. But I will tell you this. A good boat is like a good woman. There is more to one than how she looks.

Good luck with your quest...

Deepslayer · 08-16-2003, 11:44 PM

I don't know about the Sea Sport, but I do know that my brother-in-law in Anchorage returned a brand new Skagit Orca to the dealer last year. There were so many engine and other problems with it the dealer took it back and returned all his money. The dealer then proceeded to send all the Skagit Orcas he had back to the factory and refuses to sell them anymore! :shocked: :shocked:
,Ed

WP · 08-17-2003, 12:55 AM

I am thinking a nice Bertram 33 Sportfisher would be ideal, but then I am thinking a ways down the line too! Till then, I will stick with my tin can boat and honda power. Love the simplicity and utility of the package.
WP :smile:

Deepslayer · 08-17-2003, 01:06 PM

Hey Hookset (Gregg B.) why don't you just come in early Monday. WP (Dave S.) works D shift in Bldg #2. I am sure he would love a fellow I fisher to sit down and talk boats with him. Especially since he wants to improve his sturgeon fishing skills, and I know you were pretty good at that. :grin:
,Ed R.

blubeast · 08-17-2003, 04:54 PM

BT, as Skein said, sometimes you know what you're buying... but even then be prepared for some unexpected surprizes. Some repairs are a function of age... any boat will need repairs at some time.

As had been said above, ride on some other boats... determine in your mind what you want, how you will use it, and what you're willing to pay then look around.

I loved the story told by CD Johnson about his boat... wasn't even for sale! He saw it in a boat yard NOT being used... tracked down the owner and convinced him that it needed a new owner that would use the boat as intended.. awesome boat.

Lots of sage advise being given to you by others here... will end by again saying every boat is a compromise... you need to determine what tradeoff youy want to make. Good luck, and good shopping.

WP · 08-17-2003, 06:40 PM

Hookset,
I have a Hewescraft Searunner 20' and a 130 Honda on it. I use it for halibut, albacore, salmon, and bottom fishing out of Newport and (preferably) Depoe Bay. I am located at post l33 in B3L. I am a "D" shifter so am here on weekends and at night! Love to meet you and talk fishin' n' boats. Could arrange a run out sometime so you could experience the good and the bad of small tin boat operations. Look forward to meetin' in the future...I am somewhat trustworthy, even Ed (Deepslayer) occasionally goes out with me!
WP :smile:

Streetwalker · 08-17-2003, 08:29 PM

Quote:

I don't know about the Sea Sport, but I do know that my brother-in-law in Anchorage returned a brand new Skagit Orca to the dealer last year. There were so many engine and other problems with it the dealer took it back and returned all his money. The dealer then proceeded to send all the Skagit Orcas he had back to the factory and refuses to sell them anymore!
,Ed

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">I'm surprized to hear that about Skagit Orca, C-Dory owns them! I have been looking at Skagit Orca & test drove a 24' out board model and was very impressed with it. Also has a very steep price tag.

[ 08-17-2003, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: Streetwalker ]

Hookset · 08-17-2003, 10:29 PM

WP & Deepslayer,

Must be the HP connection. Sure would be nice to talk boats and fishing. I'm currently in building 2, soon will split time between 2 and 3. If we could arrange a run/trip sometime, that would be great.

I've always thought Hewescraft built a nice boat, good value for your money. I intently watched a Hewescraft a week ago running out of Newport. I happened to be on a charter trip, the ocean was 4 to 5 foot swells in the morning with a little wind chop and the Hewes ran alongside us all the way to the ranch. I thought the Hewes handled the swells better then the longer heavier fiberglass boats out there. The Hewes ran high and dry, never saw any spray over the top, the fiberglass boats definetly got wet. Must be the right combination of weight versus lenght and hull design.

I'll be in at 6am in the morning, I work A shift. Looking forward to meeting you, if not tomorrow, then maybe Thursday or whatever works.

Gregg

5-0934

btw Streetwalker , the Orca was or still is one of my dream boats. I met a husband and wife a few years ago while fishing Astoria, they were filling up there 27' Orca Skagit XL. We chatted about their boat and they were extremly proud owners, very happy with their 6 month new boat. Said they looked at them all and purchased the best. For that kind on money, you certainly want nothing but perfection. Maybe Deepslayer could shed some more light on problems his brother had with his.

[ 08-17-2003, 11:40 PM: Message edited by: Hookset ]

WP · 08-17-2003, 11:34 PM

ooops, B2L L33!
WP

[ 08-18-2003, 12:34 AM: Message edited by: WP ]

Hookset · 08-17-2003, 11:38 PM

WP, who made your tin boat and what size?

That surprises me about the Orca boats, always thought they were one of the best. They certainly cost more then most.

I'm not familar with the C-dory although I've seen them around for years. How does C-dory keep the weight down? Is this by fiberglass sidewall and bottom thickness? Or just simply V bottom versus flat? Does the boat flex at all?

I'd also really like to purchase a boat for next years ocean fishing. This is really killing me reading all the reports on tuna and salmon. I fished Tuna on a couple charter trips, can honestly say it's the most adrenaline packed fishing trip I've ever taken. Just HAVE to get a boat for next year.

What about some other fibergalss hulls, maybe some older boats that I've seen in the boat trader. Like Rienells, Olympics, Glassply, Fiberform.... any good hull designs in older boats to look for? I'm thinking outboard, the thought of a rubber seal holding sea water out like an OMC outdrive doesn't sit well.

Thanks for your help, hope you don't mind Big Tule if I tag along.

Gregg

[ 08-17-2003, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: Hookset ]

duffman · 08-18-2003, 03:14 PM

well i have only been on one c dory and had a great time (thanks ray) you have the rig to tow with now all you need is the boat!