Cape Dory v. Tartan

[johnmwalsh]

Tartan all the way, cape dory uses mild steel for chain plate attachment and backing plates for windlass etc. always get a survey.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by johnmwalsh

Tartan all the way, cape dory uses mild steel for chain plate attachment and backing plates for windlass etc. always get a survey.

I had never heard that. Do you have some published report that this is the case?

[johnmwalsh]

The CD 36 that I looked at was a 1982-84 I believe, maybe they switched to a better material? Not sure. Not saying that cape dory’s are not a good boat, just need to be vigilant when looking at them. Hope this helps.

[Benz]

What will you have when the fit-out is over? If you go with the Tartan, you'll have an IOR-influenced hull with narrow bows and a hideous reverse transom, which has no design advantage. If you go with the Cape Dory, you'll have a long-keeled boat with attached rudder and seaworthy reputation.
Boats like the Tartan, with the beam carried aft of center and long, skinny bows, tend to throw a lot of water around, and haven't the kindliest motion at sea.
The Cape Dory, though it needs to be fuller in the keel and broader at the bows, will be a far, far better ride than the Tartan.
You should shoot for ending up with the better boat, since it's going to be a long road either way.