CD25 Bronze cabin ports?

[David Morton]

I am in the market for a Cape Dory 22 or 25. Interestingly, I have looked at a few 25's and noticed on all three that the bronze ports have been replaced with what looks like plastic!!! Wat up wit dat? Are these ports that have corroded beyond repair, unfixable leaks, or original equipment (thought they were all manufactured with bronze?)

[Doug Hill]

The earlier models of the CD25 did have the plastic ports. My first Cape Dory, a 25 had them. It wasn't until later in the production cycle that the bronze Spartan ports were added. Perhaps someone else on the board would know exactly when the change was made.

[David Morton]

Thanx for the response. The change in manufacture seems to explain it. My worry was that the bronze ports were somehow inherently faulty with a tendency to leak or otherwise malfunction. I am starting to lean more heavily toward the CD25D, as the more research I do, the more I realize these are NOT really the same boat aside from the Yanmar.

[Russell]

Thanx for the response. The change in manufacture seems to explain it. My worry was that the bronze ports were somehow inherently faulty with a tendency to leak or otherwise malfunction. I am starting to lean more heavily toward the CD25D, as the more research I do, the more I realize these are NOT really the same boat aside from the Yanmar.

Nothing wrong with the bronze ports, they will last longer then you are going to live.

The 25 and 25D are hugely different boats, length and manufactuer is the only thing they have in common. Think of the 25 as a daysailor and occational weekender for protected waters, the 25D is a serious offshore boat.

[David Morton]

The same conclusion I have reached regarding the 25 vs 25D. As experienced 25D sailors, how would you rate it as a single-handed vessel? any rigging suggestions to accommodate single-handed sailing?

[Russell]

The same conclusion I have reached regarding the 25 vs 25D. As experienced 25D sailors, how would you rate it as a single-handed vessel? any rigging suggestions to accommodate single-handed sailing?

Any boat CD made is a great single handing boat. I have single handed my 36 many thousands of miles, the 25D would be a cinch even for a novice sailor.

[Doug Hill]

I have single handed all my Cape Dory's: My first boat, the CD25, a CD 30, a Typhoon Senior, a CD28 ( my personal favorite) and my current CD25D. My best advice (assuming this is your first boat) is to just go sailing and have some fun. They all are pretty ready to go as is. The more miles under your keel, so to speak, and you will find what you like and don't like. Always time to upgrade and tweak stuff.
And talk to other sailors. You will find many great ideas from them, while wandering docks.

Fair Winds,
Doug

[Carl Thunberg]

Actually the CD25 had three different port lights during its production run. There were plastic, aluminum, and then they got it right and put in the bronze ports. I believe they made the switch to bronze port lights around 1980 or 1981. My former CD25 had aluminum port lights. I also believe they swiitched from the blue deck to the beige deck in the same year.

[draymond]

My 1980 25 has bronze ports.

[rtbates]

The same conclusion I have reached regarding the 25 vs 25D. As experienced 25D sailors, how would you rate it as a single-handed vessel? any rigging suggestions to accommodate single-handed sailing?

Great platform for single handed sailing.

A few suggestions based on 13 years of single handing mine.

self tailing head sail sheet winches.

Learn to heave to as it makes raising and lowering the main single handed a snap..

Always have an anchor mounted on the bow roller ready to deploy.

For a head sail I highly recommend a 130% roller/REEFER on a good roller system. Keep the bearings clean and lubed for easy furling/reefing.

Mount a ladder on the stern so that it can be deployed FROM THE WATER..

Invest in a good dodger that comes down to the cockpit coaming and back to about 15" in front of the head sail sheet winches. Gives good protection from spray.

Use a tiller entender that allows steering from the bridge deck while sitting up and under the dodger. Keeps you out of the weather if need be.

I'm sure I'm leaving out a few..Just keep asking

And yes apples and oranges, 25 vs 25D.

[Keith]

I did a lot of research a few years back and the 25 did change to bronze ports in 1980.

As far as single handed sailing my 30C is very easy to handle alone and a 25 would be even easier.