Cape Dory 25

[Sailin82]

I'm looking at a 1978 Cape Dory 25. Is there anything I should be looking out for? Wondering if anyone can give me a hand.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Sailin82.

Check out the CDSOA:
➥ CDSOA, Inc. -- CD25

[Mainebristol]

I looked very closely at several Cape Dorys about six years ago. I loved the design, but kept running across soft decks and leaking deck-to-hull joints. Boat after boat would have the same problems. They have a good reputation, though. I may have just run into a bad batch because I tend to be a bottom feeder. If I were to approach one today, I would have a rubber mallet in one hand, and one of those instruments that detects water in the layup in my other. I would look at the hull-to-deck all the way around, even in the lazarette and the chain locker. And if I found a good one, I would pay the man good money, take the boat home, take everything off the deck and drill out, epoxy, and rebed everything as has been described in several maintenance books. Then I would sit back and enjoy the fact that I had a well designed, truly capable boat built with a heavy layup by a reputable company. And heck, they look almost as good as my B32.

[harmonytek]

Originally Posted by Mainebristol

I looked very closely at several Cape Dorys about six years ago. I loved the design, but kept running across soft decks and leaking deck-to-hull joints. Boat after boat would have the same problems. They have a good reputation, though. I may have just run into a bad batch because I tend to be a bottom feeder. If I were to approach one today, I would have a rubber mallet in one hand, and one of those instruments that detects water in the layup in my other. I would look at the hull-to-deck all the way around, even in the lazarette and the chain locker. And if I found a good one, I would pay the man good money, take the boat home, take everything off the deck and drill out, epoxy, and rebed everything as has been described in several maintenance books. Then I would sit back and enjoy the fact that I had a well designed, truly capable boat built with a heavy layup by a reputable company. And heck, they look almost as good as my B32.

I had one almost 30 years ago. Ditto, even after only a few years.

[boatman61]

Hi Sailin.... there's a coupla 3 CD25 owners on the forum.. give it a coupla days.. they pop in at least once a week...
This may be useful... if you don't have it...CDSOA, Inc. -- CD25
Welcome to CF

[Sailin82]

I looked at her yesterday and the decks were as hard a rock, no spidering at all. The only thing I saw was some rust on the rudder which I was a little concerned with. If I buy this boat it will be my first hopefully she'll be a good one. I've been on the CDSOA website and thought I could get some more differing opinions on this webpage.

[barnakiel]

I believe the Alberg one is the better boat for many applications.

Why did you elect the older design?

b.

[Sailin82]

I know the Alberg design has a better interior but I'm not planning on doing any hardcore cruising, maybe a weekend on Martha's Vineyard but that's it. I also like the look of the older 25 compared to the 25D.

[boatman61]

Thats the only criticism I've heard about yours.. smaller interior... but owners seem to have love affairs with them both in the main...