CD25 Hull #9 with outboard off transom...anyone have info?

[Martha Wohlford]

I have hull #9, Cape Dory 25, built in 1972.
It has an outboard engine mounted on a bracket on the transom...I cannot find any information on this style anywhere. I have put a new 4-stroke 9.9 Yamaha on the bracket, which is difficult to raise and lower. I'm wondering if anyone has any schematic on the bracket, or information on how I could possibly convert the engine to a well situation.There is a photo showing the outboard on my Serenity website, www.mwpr.com/serenity.htm. I'm in the process of redoing a lot of the boat (new engine, new main, new cushions, etc.) but the engine situation is a real pain. Any input would be appreciated. This may be the oldest Cape Dory 25 out there!

It will be available for day sailing this coming season, so I want it easy for someone to handle the engine.

[Troy Scott]

Martha,

I owned a new CD25 many tears ago. She had the outboard in a well. Your boat does have a well, right? I'm trying to understand your problem. What's keeping you from just moving the outboard from the transom mount to the well? Will it not fit?

Some things to think about:
1. The boat will LOOK much nicer with the motor in the well.
2. With the motor in the well (where it can't be lifted clear of the water for sailing) sailing performance will suffer in light air (and smooth water) where drag is a major factor.
3. In rough water the boat motion will improve with the motor in the well because the mass of the engine will be closer to the center of the boat. You'll experience less "hobby horsing". In these conditions the drag of the big "foot" in the water will be less important.
4. If you leave the motor in the well you will not be able to flush out the salt water before leaving the boat.
5. You will need to get into the water and clean the foot and prop often.
6. In warm weather you may need to run with the hatch open above the motor to keep it from overheating. If you don't add remote controls you'll need the hatch open anyway....
7. With the motor in the well you'll be more limited in your ability to articulate the motor to help with maneuvering in a marina.

It's been so long since I've given any thought to a sailboat with the motor in a well, and I haven't kept up. Now I'm wondering if there are available folding or feathering props for this situation.....

Maybe this post will spark some more helpful discussion for you.

Also, your link:
http://www.mwpr.com/serenity.htm.
leads me to a message saying "The requested document was not found on this server."

[George Shaunfield]

The link will work if the ending period (.) is removed.

George

[Martha Wohlford]

After Troy Scott mentioned that all Cape Dory 25s had a well, and to check to see if mine had been fiberglassed over, I realized this is what happened some owners back. There is no longer a problem as I understand what happened, researched the bracket holding the motor, realize it's an add-on and it should continue to hold the motor, even though it is a heavier 4-stroke than the previous 2-stroke. It's just a bit more awkward to handle.

So, again, thanks for the help (catching the "htm" without the period as well) and smooth sailing.
Marty