Cape Dory 28 vs Vancouver 28

[Matwill]

Does anyone have any opinions on which of these boats would be suitable for a shorthanded ocean passage maker? I'm 6'2" and am looking for this type of boat, just wondering if people who have sailed both could share pros and cons or suggest other boats of this type for similar price.

let the fun begin!

[markwesti]

I have sailed neither , IMO a passage maker would have a longer waterline but that is not to say these two boats would not get you to where ever it is you want to go . Where are you ? And where do you want to go ? The Vancouver looks pretty good , I like the fact that it has a transom hung rudder and a flat transom that will facilitate a vane . The cutaway forefoot keel looks good . It seems a lot of them came with teak decks so I would be careful of that . Price wise the CD is a more attainable for sure and pretty much the same boat , kinda .

[john61ct]

That particular Cape Dory is high up on my list.

Vancouvers fetch high prices, must be a reason?

but you see the 27 discussed lots more than 28.

[OldManMirage]

I have a Cape Dory 28, and I can't say enough good things about her. She is built very strong, and from what I have read about her she was designed for offshore sailing. I certainly plan on it ! Lol. There are documented circumnavigations by this model. A small, high cockpit, a small companionway with integral spray-hood, oversize rigging, full keel....the list goes on.


The 1980 and later models have the bridgedeck that raises the threshold of the companionway, which is better.


You can watch a couple of videos on my YouTube channel to get a better idea of what she is like. There is also another set of 4 videos on YouTube of a couple that has a CD28 and they walk through practically the whole boat.

[Cheechako]

I think both will be good boats. Many more CD 28's available though. Just find the best example of either. Very similar. Many of the Vancouvers are getting pretty old.
Cape Dory 28
LWL: 22.50 ft
Beam: 8.92 ft
Draft 4.33 ft
Displacement: 9,300 lb
Ballast: 3,650 lb

Van 27
LWL: 22.92 ft
Beam: 8.67 ft
Draft (max): 4.33 ft
Displacement: 8,960 lb
Ballast: 3,500 lb

[Trumpet]

I have a Vancouver 28. Production of the 28s started in 1986, replacing the 27s. There were 67 built, the last in 2005. Very solidly built but they don't come up for sale very often - there are more 27s around. The 27 was designed for a couple to sail from Vancouver to New Zealand, so definitely ocean going and in my experience great little cruisers.



I don't think at 6'2 you'll have standing headroom all the way through - galley/chart table ok but saloon and heads maybe not.



Don't know the Cape Dory so can't offer a comparison.