The Cape Dory Board

I believe I would buy another boat than cut a hole in the cockpit floor. That being said .. I'm pretty sure that pacific seacraft and island packet have done it.

98 dollars free shipping on ebay.

You would probably need help with the installation. But .. there is a product you might consider named the CDI flexible furler .. it is a bit easier to install and less intrusive. Your hank on jib would need to be converted or just buy a new one.

the lack of a keel stepped mast might throw some off. i think they should have carried the beam further aft. but the fit and finish of these boats was excellent.

there is also a good book out there .. Seloc Yanmar Inboards. highly recommended.

for a very serious journey i would consider the cape george 36 as well.

yes to running it dry. also did this with my lawnmower over the winter. best to start with fresh gas next season.

lazy jacks work well to prevent the sail from dropping to the deck. it's still a bit of work to flake and stow but yes .. i think it is worth it.

i got a close look at a robinhood 36 at my marina a while back. such a beautiful boat. it had a teak hard dodger. nice.

i visited Lake Champlain once when in Vermont .. south hero it was .. many years ago. what a nice place but Florida is my home. happy sailing.

i have one of those in my boat. it works great but does take some amperage. you can adjust the thermostat and set it low to conserve on power. i like your wrap around coils. there is a way to run it with shore power (instead of battery) but i have not made that conversion yet.

you gotta wonder exactly what the builder was thinking.

the facebook cape dory group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/85817053889 .. you would probably get a response there .. lots of 25 owners.

the eyebrows are a pain the butt .. but i'm not sure i will remove them from my boat. if you had rotten wood then it was a good idea.

i like the look of of a gelcoat sole. very functional especially if you have a rug.