CD 26 Versus CD25D or CD27

[Ed Rogers]

I have been thinking long and hard all winter about the pros/cons of diesel power versus the elegant simplicity of outboard propulsion. I have always admired the lines, construction and sea worthiness of the CD line and have decided to purchase one of these three models. Price is really not a consideration since they all appear to be within $5-10,000 of each other. I have sailed many day sailers over the years and previously owned an O'Day 24 w/outboard. At the end of the season I would simply take the outboard to the dealer and never give it another thought. Also the number of sea cocks is greatly reduced. The CD 26 also has what I consider an advantage-a port-a-potti thus further reducing maintenance worries. On the other hand I know that gasoline is more dangerous and the resale value of a CD26 might be reduced. I have average mechanical ability and some knowledge of diesels. I will use the boat mostly for daysailing and the occasional weekend. Any thoughts on which model is superior? Thanks Ed



captejr@hotmail.com

[Clay Stalker]

Hi Ed,
It would be impossible to say that one of these vessels is superior to the other. They are three excellent boats that will make you smile and proud to own it, whichever one you buy. It really just boils down to what catches your eye and makes you smile, and of course, condition. I recently sold a Quickstep 24 that had a Honda 4-stroke outboard. It worked very well and never came out of the water, even in heavy seas. Though simple, it didn't put out much of a charge and I believe that salt water gets to the lower unit eventually. As for porta-pottis, I had one of those also and actually didn't mind it, but I did have some guests, mainly of the fairer sex, who did not think much of it...Definately not as simple a solution, but a fixed marine toilet that is well-maintained is really a nice treat. After I sold my Quickstep, I searched hard and looked at many boats, mainly Cape Dorys. The 25D was my initial goal, but some of the ones I looked at had delaminated cockpit soles and some other minor problems....Overall, I think this is an excellent craft, has lots of room, is quite pretty, and seaworthy. These boats are rapidly gaining in value and popularity because they do so many things well and still keep things manageable. They are not, however, especially quick (actually, no CDs are, I guess). I know some folks in my marina with a CD26, and this is also a pretty boat. They have an outboard that they say works very well. If you go this route, it will be best to have a 4-stroke outboard so you don't have to keep the lid open and listen to it....Also, 26s are more scarce, they didn't make as many. The 27 is readily available as they made 277 of them....I purchased one last fall and have yet to actually sail it....Nowadays I just sit in her and talk to her about the weather and tell her that things will get better in a few months.....These boats can make you lose your mind fast.....Hope this rambling helps. There is no bad choice from these three, just some different considerations....Clay

I have been thinking long and hard all winter about the pros/cons of diesel power versus the elegant simplicity of outboard propulsion. I have always admired the lines, construction and sea worthiness of the CD line and have decided to purchase one of these three models. Price is really not a consideration since they all appear to be within $5-10,000 of each other. I have sailed many day sailers over the years and previously owned an O'Day 24 w/outboard. At the end of the season I would simply take the outboard to the dealer and never give it another thought. Also the number of sea cocks is greatly reduced. The CD 26 also has what I consider an advantage-a port-a-potti thus further reducing maintenance worries. On the other hand I know that gasoline is more dangerous and the resale value of a CD26 might be reduced. I have average mechanical ability and some knowledge of diesels. I will use the boat mostly for daysailing and the occasional weekend. Any thoughts on which model is superior? Thanks Ed

cstalker@cheshire.net

[Don S]

Ed,
Tough problem. I like the 26 and 27's lines better. The 25D seems a bit blunt in the after parts. The 25D has a radically different layout what with the commodious commode space and no V-berth. The 26 also has a more woody interior but lacks all but two of the opening ports. Those ports are nice as can be in the hot weather. Except for the lack of a traveler the 26's rigging is identical to the 25D's. Check Dana Arenius's site for a good look at them all.
Happy hunting.
Don Sargeant
~~COQUINA~~
CD25D #189
Lying next to a 26 in Greenwich Cove

I have been thinking long and hard all winter about the pros/cons of diesel power versus the elegant simplicity of outboard propulsion. I have always admired the lines, construction and sea worthiness of the CD line and have decided to purchase one of these three models. Price is really not a consideration since they all appear to be within $5-10,000 of each other. I have sailed many day sailers over the years and previously owned an O'Day 24 w/outboard. At the end of the season I would simply take the outboard to the dealer and never give it another thought. Also the number of sea cocks is greatly reduced. The CD 26 also has what I consider an advantage-a port-a-potti thus further reducing maintenance worries. On the other hand I know that gasoline is more dangerous and the resale value of a CD26 might be reduced. I have average mechanical ability and some knowledge of diesels. I will use the boat mostly for daysailing and the occasional weekend. Any thoughts on which model is superior? Thanks Ed

don@cliggott.com

[Darin Bartram]

I have owned a CD26 (1985, #16) for almost 4 years, and think it's a great boat for many of the reasons you noted. When I bought it, it had a marine head in it, which had the typical smell. I used it a few times, but grew tired of having to pull up to the pump-out station on my way back to port. (And, I was a little annoyed at having to pay $5 each time for a pump-out of what was usually a very small amount of material. However, you can't let that stuff sit in the boat, so you really do need to pump it out each time.) I finally replaced the marine head with a porta-potty, and am very pleased with the lower maintenance required. Now, I just cart the lower part home with me and dump it into the toilet. When, down the road, the porta-potty gets old and smelly, I can simply spend another $30 for a shiny new one.

In addition, I am glad to have an outboard on my boat. I previously owned a 1981 CD25, but wanted the additional room of a larger Cape Dory. (The 26 is dramatically larger below-deck than the 25, which makes it ideal for long weekends on the Chesapeake.) I specifically chose the 26 because I know how outboards work, and like the decreased maintenance. Like you pointed out, you just yank it for winter and either winterize it yourself or take it to a dealer. Also, when/if it dies, it is very easy to replace, at a much lower cost than a diesel.

I don't consider gasoline to be much more dangerous than diesel. For an interesting article on this subject, see:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasDiesel.htm

and

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasNdiesel.htm

Frankly, I'm glad to have an outboard. I know there are diesel fans on this board--I'm just not one of them.

I keep my 26 in Deale, MD, on the Chesapeake. If you are in the area and want to look at one, just let me know.



dbartram@bakerlaw.com

[Darin Bartram]

Do some of the 26's out there not have 6 opening ports? Mine has 6.



dbartram@bakerlaw.com

[Rich Passmore]

Do some of the 26's out there not have 6 opening ports? Mine has 6.

I've got 4, 2 aft and 2 forward. Midship's are fixed glass.



rpassmore42@hotmail.com

[Bob Luby]

Sounds to me like you might want to look at a Typhoon Weekender, which might be a little less costly, and you seem to primarily be a daysailor.

Diesels don't have the steering capacity of an outboard, with their vectored thrust, but they will outlast an outboard, if maintained.

If you want to be comfortable overnight, look at the berth lengths. If you're 6'4" a 6' berth won't cut it.

Enjoy your decisionmaking!



Rluby@aol.com

[Jerry J Commisso]

I have owned a CD25 with an outboard not a CD25D also a CD27 and now I have a CD30 Cutter.They are all great boats. The 27 and 30 both have Diesels I would not go back to an outboard. I don't think you can get the same power from an outboard that you can from the Diesel. And some day you will get caught in a bad situation and that extra power will come in handy.The Diesel will also use less fuel. The 27 and now my 30 will turn very tight circles with the inboard so manuevering under power is not a problem. As long as you don't back up much. And if you take care of the Diesel it will last for a very long time.The CD27 displacement is over 2,000 LBS more than the 25D and the 26. This will give you a more
solid and stable boat under both sail and power especially if the weather turns bad.I would pick the CD27 this boat also sails great. It will require a bit more work winterizing etc. but you will be getting more boat for your money.If you ever decide to do more cruising this boat can handle it. If you really don't want to mess with the head. You can remove the toilet make a platform and put in a porta potti. This was done on my 27 I put the head back in when I bought it. This is really not an easy choice to make, but you picked Cape Dory and you can't go wrong there.Good Luck with your search.
Jerry J Commisso
CD30C CHELSEA ROSE

I have been thinking long and hard all winter about the pros/cons of diesel power versus the elegant simplicity of outboard propulsion. I have always admired the lines, construction and sea worthiness of the CD line and have decided to purchase one of these three models. Price is really not a consideration since they all appear to be within $5-10,000 of each other. I have sailed many day sailers over the years and previously owned an O'Day 24 w/outboard. At the end of the season I would simply take the outboard to the dealer and never give it another thought. Also the number of sea cocks is greatly reduced. The CD 26 also has what I consider an advantage-a port-a-potti thus further reducing maintenance worries. On the other hand I know that gasoline is more dangerous and the resale value of a CD26 might be reduced. I have average mechanical ability and some knowledge of diesels. I will use the boat mostly for daysailing and the occasional weekend. Any thoughts on which model is superior? Thanks Ed

liasboat@aol.com

[Joe Sankey]

Ed:
For the record,I've owned none of the above. All have been on my short list for years. Finish is an area of difference. That is, many of the items standard on 27s and 25Ds were optional on the 26, including the diesel. Opening ports, ash ceiling, perhaps more. As for the outboard, maintenance if left in the water would be my major concern. As for handling under power, each has drawbacks.All would be similar to sail, although the 27 with more displacement might get the nod there.
Joe

I have been thinking long and hard all winter about the pros/cons of diesel power versus the elegant simplicity of outboard propulsion. I have always admired the lines, construction and sea worthiness of the CD line and have decided to purchase one of these three models. Price is really not a consideration since they all appear to be within $5-10,000 of each other. I have sailed many day sailers over the years and previously owned an O'Day 24 w/outboard. At the end of the season I would simply take the outboard to the dealer and never give it another thought. Also the number of sea cocks is greatly reduced. The CD 26 also has what I consider an advantage-a port-a-potti thus further reducing maintenance worries. On the other hand I know that gasoline is more dangerous and the resale value of a CD26 might be reduced. I have average mechanical ability and some knowledge of diesels. I will use the boat mostly for daysailing and the occasional weekend. Any thoughts on which model is superior? Thanks Ed

sankey@gulftel.com

[sloopjohnl]

these websites offer a valid argument if you are going with an outboard or are purchasing a powerboat.
try www.docksidereports.com/sail_boat_auxiliaries.htm - - the same author will tell you there are no gas, inboard, sailboat auxiliaries on the market and the atomic four may be one you do not want to bet the farm on. it also gives sailors something to think about concerning the diesel they may be depending upon to give long-life service.

I have owned a CD26 (1985, #16) for almost 4 years, and think it's a great boat for many of the reasons you noted. When I bought it, it had a marine head in it, which had the typical smell. I used it a few times, but grew tired of having to pull up to the pump-out station on my way back to port. (And, I was a little annoyed at having to pay $5 each time for a pump-out of what was usually a very small amount of material. However, you can't let that stuff sit in the boat, so you really do need to pump it out each time.) I finally replaced the marine head with a porta-potty, and am very pleased with the lower maintenance required. Now, I just cart the lower part home with me and dump it into the toilet. When, down the road, the porta-potty gets old and smelly, I can simply spend another $30 for a shiny new one.

In addition, I am glad to have an outboard on my boat. I previously owned a 1981 CD25, but wanted the additional room of a larger Cape Dory. (The 26 is dramatically larger below-deck than the 25, which makes it ideal for long weekends on the Chesapeake.) I specifically chose the 26 because I know how outboards work, and like the decreased maintenance. Like you pointed out, you just yank it for winter and either winterize it yourself or take it to a dealer. Also, when/if it dies, it is very easy to replace, at a much lower cost than a diesel.

I don't consider gasoline to be much more dangerous than diesel. For an interesting article on this subject, see:

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasDiesel.htm

and

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasNdiesel.htm

Frankly, I'm glad to have an outboard. I know there are diesel fans on this board--I'm just not one of them.

I keep my 26 in Deale, MD, on the Chesapeake. If you are in the area and want to look at one, just let me know.

[Brian Johnson]

Ed,
I purchased a Cape Dory 26 with a diesel last spring. I searched for about 2 years before I purchased the boat. It is the only Cape Dory that I have sailed. I would also agree with the earlier posts about the Cape Dory 26 not having as many standard features as the CD 25D. Most features however were available as options and if you can find a CD 26D, it will probably have them (6 opening ports, marine head,etc.). My CD 26 has identical rigging as the 25D, the traveler is only missing on the outboard model to accomodate the motor well. My boat has a locker in it's place with the traveler just forward of it. I also like the lines of the 26 and 27 over the 25D. This was my first sailboat and I was a bit intimidated by the size of the 27. Looking back, I would probably consider the 27 more seriously. The only thing I have to complain about with the 26 is that the head (marine head on my boat) is right next to the V-berth with no seperation (kind of awkward for a midnight relief). The CD 27 has a bulkhead between the head and the v-berth. The 25D has a wonderfully spacious head with optional shower which would be nice, however it lacks space for spending the night comfortably with more than two people(IMO). Also, the later model 25D and 26 came with the Westebeke 10-2 which was fresh water cooled. Anyway, I would opt for a diesel and as for the model, all three seem to be great boats. Good luck.
Brian Johnson
Windstar



Karaandbrianjohnson@hotmail.com

[Keith]

Ed,
I purchased a Cape Dory 26 with a diesel last spring. I searched for about 2 years before I purchased the boat. It is the only Cape Dory that I have sailed. I would also agree with the earlier posts about the Cape Dory 26 not having as many standard features as the CD 25D. Most features however were available as options and if you can find a CD 26D, it will probably have them (6 opening ports, marine head,etc.). My CD 26 has identical rigging as the 25D, the traveler is only missing on the outboard model to accomodate the motor well. My boat has a locker in it's place with the traveler just forward of it. I also like the lines of the 26 and 27 over the 25D. This was my first sailboat and I was a bit intimidated by the size of the 27. Looking back, I would probably consider the 27 more seriously. The only thing I have to complain about with the 26 is that the head (marine head on my boat) is right next to the V-berth with no seperation (kind of awkward for a midnight relief). The CD 27 has a bulkhead between the head and the v-berth. The 25D has a wonderfully spacious head with optional shower which would be nice, however it lacks space for spending the night comfortably with more than two people(IMO). Also, the later model 25D and 26 came with the Westebeke 10-2 which was fresh water cooled. Anyway, I would opt for a diesel and as for the model, all three seem to be great boats. Good luck.
Brian Johnson
Windstar

Only 189 25-Ds were made, mine is #182, and it is equipped with its original engin, a Yanmar 1GM10. Perhaps the last 7 had West. engins. I have sailed the 27, and visited aboard 26. All are nice boats, and you can't go wrong with any of them, but I personally prefer the diesel engin.



kwoodlaw@arkansas.net