The Cape Dory Board

Hi Paul, I have only sailed my CD 25 single handed, and I've found that a small Raymarine ST1000 Autohelm is invaluable for taking over steering when hoisting the sails or needing to leave the helm periodically. You can also rig up a short line or bungee to hold the tiller centered, if you're on a b...

Hi Ben, I edited this after looking at you photo for a while. I think you have a great idea overall, but I always tend to think worst case scenario/what if this comes loose/what if I get confused. If I understand the photo correctly, I would replace the upper loop with a carabiner, so you can easily...

I'm happy to report that Fiji Gin is in the water. More flattering mood shots will follow. Super happy the new name graphic worked out. Teak is in process with two coats of Natural Cetol (another coat to follow) and with Cetol Gloss to finish. I replaced a damaged section of the starboard rub rail w...

I still haven't decided if I'll be raising the mast myself or letting the yard do it, but in either case I'll need the pivot pin(s) at the mast step. Does anyone know the diameter/length of these and where to purchase? My crude measurements are 4.5" length with the fore at 1/8" diameter an...

BobC, here is a basic parts list/position of parts as they are on my 78 CD25 at the gooseneck. I cannot verify these are the original parts, but they look to be the same. Note that one of the goosenecks has a ring for attaching a downhaul. Currently my boat has a cotter pin in lieu of the stop at po...

Thanks Jim. Yeah, I think the steel o-rings on webbing is an economical post-sailmaker version of your preferred "earrings". Now, after reading Bob's post, I am also curious of how the boom is held aloft when the sail is down (or while putting in a reef). Does the CD25 have a masthead topp...

Hi Roberta, I purchased my 1978 CD 25 at the end of last season while it was sitting on the hard. Seeing the condition of the bottom outweighed the performance question, as I'm not expecting a J24. As was mentioned, they've been around long enough for everyone to know how they are. One suggestion fr...

Good idea Keith! I might even replace the hook with a double sided one, to potentially lessen frustration when the wind builds. I also see some examples of people adding steel o-rings on webbing through the reef grommet on the luff. Anything to simplify and quicken reefing.

Thanks for the replies. Looking at it again, that probably is a misplaced reef hook.

The gooseneck on my '78 CD25 sits in the mast slot and is free to travel quite a distance (6-8 inches) vertically between a clevis pin at the top and the end of the mast slot at the bottom. It has a line attached that looks to attach to the tack of the main sail. Is the boom raised and lowered with ...

It is possible that the mainsail has a bolt rope (as opposed to slugs) for the mast slot, so that once the main is lowered it is free of the mast altogether. In heavy winds, once the last bit of the luff exits the mast slot, the sail swings around freely on the halyard. Also, absent a masthead toppi...

My experience has always been sanding the bottom paint and painting atop that. Maybe it has something to do with matching the paint type that's already on there? Here is an overview referencing Interlux with 3 different options (stripping it all off is only one of them) - https://www.jamestowndistri...

Thanks for the responses. Following Dick's suggestion, I also found a post addressing this (and supporting your solutions) in the archives: http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic ... ir#p158509.
Thanks again.

Good morning, Now that the weather is cooperating, I'd like to tackle an issue I noticed with the rudder on my CD25. The top 1/3 of the leading edge of the blade has separated from the stock. The image below is not my rudder, but it shows the issue exactly. The rudder on my boat allows a bit more ac...

I have a chip out of the non-skid and want to make a mold of the existing pattern so that the repair I make matches. Does anyone know of a Home Depot product solution with which to create the mold? I've seen a video with pouring gel coat and creating a fiberglass backing, but I'm wondering if there ...