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Cker

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Aug 13, 2007
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Location
Columbia. SC
Please don't throw anything at me! I've wanted a Parker pilothouse since the first time I ever saw one (Shallotte, NC) and maybe getting to the place where I might buy a used but well maintained one. I have gotten all sorts of advice about looking at other manufacturers but the most "advised" ones are Steiger and C-Dory. For what I'm seeking (21-25, trailerable), the prices seem to be pretty much along the same lines. Wife and I will probably do more riding than fishing and I don't plan to go out on the big water much, at least not really out of sight of land.
Will some of you more experienced Parker owners/boaters/marine gurus, please give me some ideas/opinions/guidance?
:idea:
 
2530 for cruising. :D :D :D

Seriously, I love mine and fish and cruise with it alot.
Not sure about the other brands though. C-dory looks like a tight boat to me.
 
Agree with Bryan. For cruising, the 2530 is ideal. 8)

I've looked at the C-dorys at the boat show and agree that they appear to have a narrow beam, but that could be decieving as I looked at the boats on land. Other than that cursory look, I don't have any first-hand knowledge of the brand.

Specifications for the different C-dory models can be found here:
http://www.c-dory.com/boats/

Steigers are well built boats, but they too have a narrower beam than an equal size Parker. For example, the 25 Miami/Chesapeake has an 8'6" beam (same with the 27 Judge Chesapeake), while the 25 Parker has a 9'6" beam.

The 12" difference in beam might not sound like much until you step aboard. That is when the difference really becomes apparent. 8)

Good luck in your search!
 
In the Parker line up, he may be limited to the 23 Parker max given his trailerability requirements. I am not sure if they still make it but Parker used to offer an extended cabin 23 as I have seen at least one on the used market before. I am sure you can talk to your local dealer about availability.

other Trailerable pilothouses (8'6" beam) that offer good creature comforts for cruising:

Eastern 27 or 24 (enclosed head on the 27) http://www.easternboats.com/
Roxborough 24 http://www.rosboroughboats.com/sedan_cruiser.html
SeaWay 24 offshore or coastal hardtop http://www.seawayboats.com/
Judge Yachts 24 or 27 (semi custom will build topside how you want) http://www.judgeyachts.com/


Good luck!
 
B-Faithful":mmp7qzyx said:
In the Parker line up, he may be limited to the 23 Parker max given his trailerability requirements. I am not sure if they still make it but Parker used to offer an extended cabin 23 as I have seen at least one on the used market before. I am sure you can talk to your local dealer about availability.

other Trailerable pilothouses (8'6" beam) that offer good creature comforts for cruising:

Eastern 27 or 24 (enclosed head on the 27) http://www.easternboats.com/
Roxborough 24 http://www.rosboroughboats.com/sedan_cruiser.html
SeaWay 24 offshore or coastal hardtop http://www.seawayboats.com/
Judge Yachts 24 or 27 (semi custom will build topside how you want) http://www.judgeyachts.com/




Good luck!

The Judge has a 8'6" beam? I thought it was 8'10"?
 
The MokeeDugway is king of the cruising Parkers. Maybe Doug will be along to tell you about his 2120.
IMG_1900.jpg


I've got a buddy who cruised the Inside Passage in a C-Dory, now cruising in a Bounty. You might find some interesting info on cruising in his book.
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-b ... ay/5835870

You're going to pay for more space; in initial outlay, power requirements/fuel and towing vehicle, not to mention maintenance and slip fees. The C-Dory with little to no deadrise requires the least amount of power, but can be a rough ride in challenging waters.

We use our boat exclusively for cruising and as a camper on the road. She's smaller than you are considering (18'), but easier to manage both on the trailer and on the water.
mermer.jpg

Alaska05-ALL677.jpg

nickygun.jpg

This pic from a Bahamas trip.

She's equipped with air conditioning and generator so we also have all the comforts afforded by 120VAC like a micrwave, electric grill, coffee maker and when necessary electric heat.

Let me know if you're ever up Spartanburg way. We could swap some sea stories over a brew.
 
MaxOut":1hyiu2oa said:
The Judge has a 8'6" beam? I thought it was 8'10"?

It is listed as an 8'10 on my title but Judge owners and dealers have towed them through the CBBT where they check tightly for overwide boats and have not had an issue. The same hull in the CC version is 8'6". With a custom build for more of a cruising topside, the beam can be reduced slightly as Bill could make the topside narrower by 2" on each side if needed.

BTW,
Here is a 2320 with extended cabin I found on the web:

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1994- ... n-95441643

You could inquire with your dealer about having a new one built with a more cruising accomodating layout.

Good luck
 
Greetings Cker! We always stop off at Lake Murray for a fresh water rinse when coming back from the ICW.

The 2120 with proper trailer travels well overland. I use a AWD Mountaineer, and it handles the Mokee D no problems. I personally don't want to trailer anything larger than this boat.

My preference tends to solid, well built, no frills, easy to modify and this is what attracted me to the 2120. I like simple - porta potty, helm station you can get under to access wiring, no thru hull fittngs to have nightmares about, etc. I learned thru Nick from Spartanburg (and experience) that everything on your boat is broken (you just don't know it yet), and the simpler the better. Nick and I stopped at the factory unannounced one day, got the tour from a very gracious BoatGirl and I came away wanting a 2120. No regrets.

I have been very fortunate to have a clever brother in law willing to make custom mods to the Mokee D if I provided the money. It has made traveling on board much more comfortable (we sleep aboard on water and land with AC or heat). That said, you need determine if the pilot house measures up to your comfort level. We found two adults OK, but three made for shorter trips. I believe the PH on the 2120 and 2320 are pretty close if not the same in size.

I love looking at boats. Have not been forunate enough to look over a Steiger or Judge, but have looked at C-Dory's Venture Cruisers and Tomcats. Didn't care for the Cruisers as no self bailing cockpit and no cabin liner to foil the sweating at the time I looked. The Tomcat might have potential for a trailer cruiser. I'd want a 1 ton diesel or V-10 TV in front of her tho.

Good luck on your search. Take your time and be sure to spend some time aboard before you buy. PM if you are interested in a cruise on Lake Murray this fall. Probably won't be the area before October tho.
 
Alaska to the Bahamas... very cool.

And to fill out the other corners:
San Diego
IMG_4304.jpg


Block Island
IMG_2404.jpg



Key West
KEYWEST.jpg


Upper Peninsula (Washington Island WI)
WashIs.jpg


Never a hesitation about hooking up the boat/trailer and taking to the open road to find a new puddle to explore.
 
Ranger Tim":2qt3j158 said:
How about some long distance trailer maintenance tips? Surely you have some trailer stories?

Not really any trailer stories other than blown hubs and flat tires in my early adventures, but I will gladly document some of my maintenance routines.
 
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