Attention Sea Hunt

Clay Stalker · Post by **Clay Stalker** » Feb 21st, '08, 09:32

Hi Robert-

Don't know if you are still boat-searching (I expect you are), but I noticed an excellent looking CD26D listed at Robinhood Marine Brokerage. Call Dave Perry there....these are nice boats and you could have it shipped down by truck or have some nice N.E. folks help you sail it down.

Sea Hunt · Post by **Sea Hunt** » Feb 21st, '08, 10:15

Clay and ALL:

This board and its members are absolutely amazing

I feel like I am a member of a large family and everyone is looking out for me.

I am very, very grateful.

I will call Mr. Perry later today, if possible. I looked at the Robinhood website and saw a few photos of the CD 26D.

I had seen this CD 26D listed on Yachtworld but was leery because it is my understanding that the CD 26s were all made with a well for an O/B, etc., similar to the CD 25s. I had never seen one listed with a diesel. Can any CD 26 experts comment on this apparent anomaly

I will talk with Mr. Perry, but assume this is an after mfg. job. I would be concerned with who did it, when it was done, etc.

The price may be prohibitive, particularly given the long distance to transport to South Florida and attendant additional transport costs.

I looked at a CD 28 Tuesday in Marathon, Florida. She seemed to be in OK condition but much neglected. A CD 28 is, in my judgment, just too much for me to single hand although it does have a jib boom (club footed jib

), which should make tacks and jibes easier short handed. The sole advantage to this CD 28 is she is almost in my backyard. She does have a nice sail inventory.

My big concern is the lack of care over the past 3-4 years and hidden "gremlins" that are sure to surface. With my lack of experience, etc., the gremlins may well get the better of me.

Clay, again, my sincere thanks and gratitude for your continuing efforts on my behalf. While it should go without saying, if your travels ever bring you to South Florida, I hope you will do me the honor of allowing me to buy you one (or more) beers and a good South Florida dinner at a local watering hole on Biscayne Bay.

Stan W. · Post by **Stan W.** » Feb 21st, '08, 10:29

The CD 26D is a production boat, not an aftermarket refit. It is best understood as a 25D with a conventional v-berth layout. I seem to recall that 26Ds have one of the highest sail area/displacement ratios of any CD.

Clay Stalker · Post by **Clay Stalker** » Feb 21st, '08, 10:43

Robert-

Stan is completely correct about 26Ds....diesel is factory. It's a nice alternative to anyone not interested in the large forward head of the 25D but still wants the slightly smaller boat. These are quite rare, most 26s are outboard boats....Dave Perry can tell you how many were made. This one is a bit pricey, but looks very clean. One good thing about N.E. boats is you can easily find a solid surveyor.....remember what I went through in Florida. The surveyor was certainly qualified, but I wish he had more experience with these kinds of boats and I wish I could have been there. Yankee Lady has turned out to be a nice boat, but it has taken more work than I planned.

As for transport, Maine to Florida can run as high as 6K on a truck, but off season I had the job done for $2,900. and it went well. Unless you sail it down yourself and make it an adventure, it would be hard to make a N.E. sale for you a good investment. However, if you plan to keep the boat long-term, that wouldn't matter. As you know, these types of boats are harder to find in Florida than the Northeast.

And yes, if winters keep up like this one, I am going to have to escape to Florida for a breather in time to come....I will take you up on your offer!!!

Clay Stalker · Post by **Clay Stalker** » Feb 21st, '08, 11:21

Robert-

This stuff has been talked about before, but I'll share some thoughts with you on boat size.

The CD25D, 26, and 27 will sail similar. The 28 and 30 will also. The 31, 32, and 33 will, and the 36 is bigger still. As for single-handing, this is more determined by how the boat is rigged than size. A 36 can be single-handed nearly as easily as a 25D with the right rigging, winches, and an autopilot. The real difficulty comes with docking a larger boat. As for picking up a mooring, the larger boat is actually easier. The motion is slower with a larger boat, giving more time to react. Sail-handling on a larger boat is made easier with halyard and sheet winches, lazy jacks or dutchman systems, and single line reefing systems.

My point is....you should buy the boat that fits your budget, the way you intend to use it, where you plan to sail etc. Personally, I think you should buy the smallest boat that gives you the room you need to do the things you plan, and the size and power you need to sail where you will be sailing. If headroom is important to you, make sure you get enough to stand up. If speed is important, go for the longer waterline. If sea-kindliness is important, go for more displacement. But once you become comfortable with any boat and rig it properly, you can single-hand it.

Andy Denmark · Post by **Andy Denmark** » Feb 21st, '08, 11:22

I don't know if this is the same boat but Bill Watson aboard CD-28 Kittiwake has made reference to a "For Sale" 28 berthed close to him in Marathon. Bill is one of the better references I know of regarding CD-28's and especially single handing them as that is what he's done for several years now on his treks along the Atlantic seaboard. I also think he would be able to give you an idea of the magnitude of this boat's problems.

If you haven't already run into Bill then I'd recommend looking him up. If you'd like his cell number send me a PM and I'll give it to you.
________
GASTON CHEVROLET SPECIFICATIONS

Sea Hunt · Post by **Sea Hunt** » Feb 21st, '08, 11:48

Clay:

Thanks for the additional input. I agree with you, although I do not have anywhere near the depth of knowledge and experience you have.

Andy:

I have talked with Bill Watson a few times. A very nice gentleman. Unfortunately, when I drove down to Marathon to do an initial inspection of this CD 28, Bill had the temerity to be off sailing.

I have shared with Bill my initial thoughts about this CD 28. If I drive back down for a second inspection, etc., I will try to hook up with Bill.

TO ALL:

I just got off the phone with David Perry. I am sure many of you have talked with him many times over the years and know him well. This was my first opportunity. He is an unbelievably kind gentleman

He spent more than 1/2 hour on the phone with me talking about this CD 26D, as well as other CDs in that range. He made several very helpful suggestions and recommendations for transport, etc.

In the same way CDs are "classics", Mr. Perry is a real class act.

I will look into transport pricing from Maine, but candidly, it looks like the sale price (even if there is some price flexibility) plus the transport costs will make this CD 26D more than prohibitively expensive.

Sea Hunt · Post by **Sea Hunt** » Feb 21st, '08, 13:13

Hello Stan:

As for sail area/displacement ratios, the following is from this site on CD specs:

CD 25 -- 4,000 lbs/264 sq ft
CD 25D -- 5,120 lbs/304 sq ft
CD 26 -- 5,300 lbs/304 sq ft
CD 27 -- 7,500 lbs/365 sq ft
CD 28 -- 9,000 lbs/404 sq ft

I am not sure if the figures for the CD 26 are for the O/B model or what I just learned is a CD 26D model. I am guessing its the CD 26D model only because of the displacement similarity to the CD 25D from which it was modified.

Cathy Monaghan · Post by **Cathy Monaghan** » Feb 21st, '08, 13:34

Hi Sea Hunt,

Don't forget that there are probably quite a few folks, that frequent this board, that would be more than willing to help you deliver any CD, from just about anywhere via water, to its new home in FL. Keep that in mind when you think about the cost of delivery. Heck, you wouldn't even have to help deliver it! But I'd think you'd probably want to be part of the delivery crew for at least a week or two.

Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

Andy Denmark · Post by **Andy Denmark** » Feb 21st, '08, 14:22

Sea Hunt,

I sent you a PM but it didn't go thru -- Whaaaa????

Don't let transportation costs deter you if this is the boat you truly want. There are many options for getting this boat to Florida and incorporating a really good learning experience into the process at the same time. Usually done for expenses only and there are a gazillion ways to minimize those.

Food for thought.
________
LEXUS IS HISTORY

novotny · Post by **novotny** » Feb 21st, '08, 17:11

I admire this board's infinite patience and optimism. I would truly like to be capable of that......but it's not ment to be.
I sincerely believe Sea Hunt will NEVER buy a boat. As a matter of fact I also believe Sea Hunt is a 64 year old bored housewife who lives is Bakersfield CA. Prove me wrong.

barfwinkle · Post by **barfwinkle** » Feb 21st, '08, 19:30

I admire this board's infinite patience and optimism. I would truly like to be capable of that......but it's not ment to be.
I sincerely believe Sea Hunt will NEVER buy a boat. As a matter of fact I also believe Sea Hunt is a 64 year old bored housewife who lives is Bakersfield CA. Prove me wrong.

Well finally!

Fair winds!

Sea Hunt · Post by **Sea Hunt** » Feb 21st, '08, 20:14

Sorry for the delay in responding. I was having some difficulty removing my girdle.

At 64, it gets more and more difficult. My 30-year-old "boy toy" finally helped me get it off. Yesterday, my next door neighbor called me a "cougar". I have no idea what she meant but I took a swipe at her with one of my claws anyway.

Cathy, thanks very much for the suggestion. Board members have done so already. Over the past year plus many CDSOA members have sent me a PM or an email offering to assist in motoring/sailing a CD from the New England area to South Florida. They have been most generous with their offers of assistance. Unfortunately, my personality has a difficult time imposing on, or inconveniencing, others. I go out of my way to avoid doing this. It's how I live my life.

Andy, I have not received a PM from you. I will send you one with my BellSouth email address.

Novotny and Barfwinkle, and I am sure others, I share your frustration, anger, lack of faith, and disappointment at my inability to make a decision. It is yet another flaw in my very flawed personality. I again apologize for the posts that needlessly waste your time. All I can tell you is I am in good faith looking. I have candidly seen three CDs which I should have bought (or at least made an offer), did not, and now regret. Hindsight is almost always 20/20.

Some have suggested "buy the biggest boat you can afford". On my small government pension it wouldn't be that big.

Others have suggested "buy the smallest boat that will allow you to do what you want/plan to do and that you are comfortable with". I must confess I have fallen in love with the CD 25Ds. I like everything about them. Unfortunately, they are rare and assuming they are well maintained, command a higher price.

I will continue my search but will try to do so without the girdle, leg circulation socks, and orthopaedic shoes and I will try to avoid bothering this board with unnecessary posts.

Clay Stalker · Post by **Clay Stalker** » Feb 21st, '08, 20:41

Robert-

Assuming you have $$ in hand and can quickly go examine a boat and make a rapid offer, I would suggest you monitor Yachtworld.com and the Cape Dory For Sale board daily. And perhaps the Robinhood site, but their stuff will also be on Yachtworld. Between these two places, you will find a boat and can be there early to look at it and make an offer. As I have said before, lots of boats out there, but the very best ones go fast as there are always a group of folks out there waiting to pounce. And remember, you can always back out of a sale if not happy with the survey.....this is always your "out" providing this is understood by all involved. You know the saying " Better to have loved and lost than not loved at all?" Well, it's better to have made a mistake or two buying boats than to have never owned one!!!! Take it from me!

Sea Owl · Post by **Sea Owl** » Feb 25th, '08, 01:30

Sea Hunt -

Having a massive 1 season plus 2 months of boat ownership under my belt, preceded by 5 years of jawing about buying a boat and cruising boatyards everywhere I went looking, I can sympathize with your agony of indecision.

I can tell you I went with a CD25 that needed love, having walked into a boat yard, took one look, and was lost. I didn't want a big boat, not from fear of handling, but fear of the costs of keeping it here in NJ. More length = more dollars squared.

I crew on a friends CD30 on Wed night races in season, and I know he single hands with no problem. It is a little easier on smaller boats, depending on how you are rigged. Being only slightly more of a novice than me, I think you would intially be very happy with any CD under 30 feet. They are easy to 'manhandle' in and out of a slip by yourself, maintenance is decreased in many respects because smaller is generally simpler. I thought about that too, as I am not Mr. Handyman on many things, and my boat has certainly been a learning experience for me. My good frend and sailing mentor told me, the most important thing to do is ask yourself what kind of sailing are you going to do? If a CD25D will do that for you, then go for it! If you are afraid it will be too small, it probably is, and go bigger. Take it from another 'novice', you will quickly learn your boat and gain confidence in yourself, especially if you have (as I am sure you do!) more experienced friends whose boats you have crewed who will be willing to come crew on yours and 'help' you learn the ropes.

With any luck, you won't be as well 'grounded' (pun intended!) as I have been in the shallow, sandy bottoms here, but will have the same big grin on your face soon!

Don't worry about your postings. I enjoy reading them and remembering my search for The Boat!

Best of Luck!

Russ

The Cape Dory Board

Attention Sea Hunt

Attention Sea Hunt

CD 26Ds are keepers.

More Info

Some Ramblings on Boat Size

CD-28 in Marathon

yacht delivery....

What Cathy said .......

How to find your boat

Chin Up Sea Hunt!