Cape Dory 27 vs Columbia & Defender 29

[john61ct]

For upfitting to make long passages, safety in heavy seas and sea-kindly motion are the top priorities.

Liveaboard "camping comfort", factors like storage capacity, galley & bunks layout, headroom is next.

Last is sailing "performance" aspects, stability for single-handing, speed.

Any other objective reasons you'd strongly prefer one over the other would be welcome.

Past thread for context,
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-193354.html
any editorializing about my priorities, or suggestions for other boats, let's keep to that thread help keep this one focused on just comparing these specific boats please.

[Don C L]

They will feel very similar. The Columbia will be a little faster. The CD is heavier on her water line and low on sail area so is a little under powered in lighter air. The C D may feel a little more stable. The differences are not major. You’ll probably be reefing the Columbia a little sooner, especially if it has the lighter ballast like mine. The CD also has a very good rep for build quality. To me, and this is not particular to CD, the design where the galley is at the companionway and hatches in the cockpit seats means no hope for quarter berth(s) without major surgery. Since the boats are pretty small, I like the access aft the way I have it, it makes better use of available space, but this could be a matter of taste. The pro of having the galley at the companionway though is the better ventilation and its easier to reach the coffee pot while you’re sailing. I think they are both great choices for your goal. I was enamored with a CD28 in pieces in a yard too before I found my boat.
As far as sea-worthiness I’d say it’s a tie. Sea kindliness also a tie. Roominess is a tie. I think most differences are going to be a matter of taste. The Columbia being a little more tender than the CD might be noticeable to some, the CD’s more sluggish response in lighter air might be noticeable to some. Like I say, either is a great choice in terms of design for your goal. Not sure that helps!

[406Columbia]

All look like great boats. I wouldn't be upset with either for your needs, I am looking forward to more experienced folks input though

[Boatguy30]

The CD 27 has a really small interior. Not sure the Columbia’s. Decent boats are so cheap these days, either get something more modern in this size dance or go a bit bigger in the older style design. The Cape Dory 31 is a pretty nice boat.

[406Columbia]

I have no doubt more modern boats have more space. That said I'm very impressed with the amount of space the Columbia 29 has. All the hidden space under seats, cabinets, v birth is great.

Not sure what your plans are but the wife and I figure we can live out of the boat for weeks on end food and clothing wise. We do plan to put in a water maker and have two little kids. But plenty of space in our opinion having torn into her.

I guess if we were planning to go to really cold places where more gear is required it might be different. But we travel light when needed so no big deal for us.

[barnakiel]

We have met an American who has sailed his CD27 all the way to Europe.

I like it when a boat is capable.

I have seen his boat inside and man it was tight compared to our 26' boat. However, it was very nice and cozy too.

I did not like his cockpit at all. Found it very open and not comfortable at all.

I have also see a CD36 boat. Cream.

So, my vote for the Cape Dory boat. Not that I have ever been on the other one.

Cheers,
b.

[OldManMirage]

If you are still looking consider the Cape Dory 28. I have one and it's built to be a much more "blue-water" capable boat. Compare the specs and you'll see.

[newhaul]

Set foot on all three and you will choose the defender . Lots more room below a flush deck for working on. It has over a 1,000lbs more lead ballast Sails a bit stiffer .
The main drawback I found on mine is the offset companionway makes it difficult to design a dodger for the boat . Due to sail winch placements.
( disclaimer I am biased towards the defender.)

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Set foot on all three and you will choose the defender . Lots more room below a flush deck for working on. It has over a 1,000lbs more lead ballast Sails a bit stiffer .
The main drawback I found on mine is the offset companionway makes it difficult to design a dodger for the boat . Due to sail winch placements.
( disclaimer I am biased towards the defender.)

To bad he isn't ready to pull the trigger right now. I have a line on a Islander 30 flush deck and it comes with a trailer!

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by 406Columbia

To bad he isn't ready to pull the trigger right now. I have a line on a Islander 30 flush deck and it comes with a trailer!

only issue would be the islander has almost half the ballast as the defender with the same overall weight. Kind of makes me wonder where the extra ton is hiding .
http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=5389

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=805

[john61ct]

8.5' beam is a hard limit deal breaker, so Dory 28 & 31,

Islander 30, I believe all incarnations, are just too wide.

The "Bahama" 24 fits, but all this is OT here

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Set foot on all three and you will choose the defender

Yes any extra room will really come in handy, I imagine a windage cost but worth it.

They just don't come up for sale often though right?

But the way things are my faith in miracles is strong "when the sailor is ready the boat appears"

[john61ct]

406Columbia and Don C L, thanks so much for the feedback

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Yes any extra room will really come in handy, I imagine a windage cost but worth it.

They just don't come up for sale often though right?

But the way things are my faith in miracles is strong "when the sailor is ready the boat appears"

believe it or not its actually less windage than the standard 29.
Columbia 29 Defender Specifications
And from the page

This design reduces windage somewhat over more traditional full cabin trunk designs. I haven't come across specs for standing headroom, but raised decks tend to give up a little. In return, they give a straight exterior wall from the bench top to the saloon roof, so you can lean back against it when sitting on a bench. If the boat has a setee with facing benches, the outboard persons have more head and sholder room. The diagram shows how a traditional design's side decks intrude into the cabin.

[bailsout]

I have a Columbia 29 Mark 2 and she’s a heavier boat than the standard Columbia and does the sea a little more kindly I think. Great boats.