I live in Portland Oregon and am looking at buying a 1984 Cape Dory 270. See the listing at http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1984/Ca ... ted-States
Having visited the boat, she appears well maintained. My goal for the next five summers would be for my wife and me to sail and live aboard while cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers for two summers, Southern California for two summers and then move the boat to the Seattle Washington area. I view having a centerboard as advantageous for cruising the rivers in Oregon and anchoring at Catalina and San Clemente Islands in Southern California. From reading on the website it appears that very few of the 270s were made. I am a lifelong sailor with experience on a Cal 24, Cal 27 and Catalina 36. I would appreciate any thoughtful advice to help me make a decision.
My questions are:
How safe and seaworthy would the 270 be for sailing up and down the Pacific Coast?
How would the motion and stability of the 270 be at sea? If the centerboard boat jumps around to much my wife is going feel a lot less secure.
For the survey, what areas should I focus on?
What about the price of $26k which may include a west coast versus east coast factor?
Any advice about living on board for three months a year?
Buying 1984 Cape Dory 270 in Oregon
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Maine_Buzzard
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Re: Buying 1984 Cape Dory 270 in Oregon
Did you see this writeup about the Hadley 27? There may be small changes from the CD 270, but the comments on handling and performance are still valid.
http://sailingmagazine.net/article-206-hadley-27.html
The centerboard is certainly a plus/minus item. As long as it pivots well, can be maintained without frequent cursing, the improvement in pointing would be highly desired. The boat linked is very well kept, and would be a great weekender.
My highly subjective thoughts? A 27 would become very small to a couple over a summer. Stuff arrives, and either must be ruthlessly shed or piled somewhere. If one is living aboard at the slip and has still the day to day duties of life, both the boat and the car become cluttered.
At 8500 lbs, she will be stable and slow like most CD boats. If the Admiral has miles with you, the feel of this boat won't be objectionable compared to the other boats listed, and probably softer.
I suspect a wise skipper could navigate a Snark up and down the coast safely, albeit slowly. Is the hull generally seaworthy and good for cruising? Absolutely. Will plonking along at 4-5kts be fun? Depends on what makes for fun to you. The 270 certainly is capable of handling the trip, you may have to skip one or two days a month where you might venture in a larger boat.
I expect the deep board to roll less than a standard keel, but not by much. Last board boat I played on was a Grampian 26, and it was a fat horse to begin with.
Most important for a survey? A good Surveyor. Communicate what's important to you. Some people want a count of forks and spoons in the galley, others need only a hull sounding and mechanical inspection. Ask if any previous customers have given permission to share redacted reports. See they provide comments about what you need to see.
Deck moisture, delamination, and phenolic hammer sounding
Hull and fittings
Condition of engine
Hoses, wiring, mechanical
Steering and mast
Many surveyors will pass limited judgement on some parts and indicate a marine mechanic / rigger should perform a detailed inspection.
Think about your five year plan. What mechanical or structural issues might pop up in that time?
To me, the big ticket items are: Engine/transmission, cored deck areas, standing rigging/mast, sails, and wood integrity. All are a good chance to tear up $5000 bills at a very fast rate...
Ignore the electronics, seat cushions, running rigging, and interior lighting. You will hate them anyway and rip that all out at the first sloppy paycheck.
As the CD boats age, you will need to start attacking wood rot, in the rails and in the interior components, so look for softness everywhere.
$26k? I'm not the person to comment. Budget half the cost of the boat every year for slip, storage, haulout and service if you don't usually have grease under your fingernails on Monday morning.
Liveaboard three months? Similar budget? Newport, Cal or C&C 34's are much more prevalent on the west coast. A 27 is too small for those adventures and a happy spouse.
http://sailingmagazine.net/article-206-hadley-27.html
The centerboard is certainly a plus/minus item. As long as it pivots well, can be maintained without frequent cursing, the improvement in pointing would be highly desired. The boat linked is very well kept, and would be a great weekender.
My highly subjective thoughts? A 27 would become very small to a couple over a summer. Stuff arrives, and either must be ruthlessly shed or piled somewhere. If one is living aboard at the slip and has still the day to day duties of life, both the boat and the car become cluttered.
At 8500 lbs, she will be stable and slow like most CD boats. If the Admiral has miles with you, the feel of this boat won't be objectionable compared to the other boats listed, and probably softer.
I suspect a wise skipper could navigate a Snark up and down the coast safely, albeit slowly. Is the hull generally seaworthy and good for cruising? Absolutely. Will plonking along at 4-5kts be fun? Depends on what makes for fun to you. The 270 certainly is capable of handling the trip, you may have to skip one or two days a month where you might venture in a larger boat.
I expect the deep board to roll less than a standard keel, but not by much. Last board boat I played on was a Grampian 26, and it was a fat horse to begin with.
Most important for a survey? A good Surveyor. Communicate what's important to you. Some people want a count of forks and spoons in the galley, others need only a hull sounding and mechanical inspection. Ask if any previous customers have given permission to share redacted reports. See they provide comments about what you need to see.
Deck moisture, delamination, and phenolic hammer sounding
Hull and fittings
Condition of engine
Hoses, wiring, mechanical
Steering and mast
Many surveyors will pass limited judgement on some parts and indicate a marine mechanic / rigger should perform a detailed inspection.
Think about your five year plan. What mechanical or structural issues might pop up in that time?
To me, the big ticket items are: Engine/transmission, cored deck areas, standing rigging/mast, sails, and wood integrity. All are a good chance to tear up $5000 bills at a very fast rate...
Ignore the electronics, seat cushions, running rigging, and interior lighting. You will hate them anyway and rip that all out at the first sloppy paycheck.
As the CD boats age, you will need to start attacking wood rot, in the rails and in the interior components, so look for softness everywhere.
$26k? I'm not the person to comment. Budget half the cost of the boat every year for slip, storage, haulout and service if you don't usually have grease under your fingernails on Monday morning.
Liveaboard three months? Similar budget? Newport, Cal or C&C 34's are much more prevalent on the west coast. A 27 is too small for those adventures and a happy spouse.
Re: Buying 1984 Cape Dory 270 in Oregon
I have never set foot on a CD270, but I do own a CD27, so what I am going to say is purely from my experience with my boat. There is very little storage space on my boat and while I think I could live on her with my wife for 3 months, I know for sure it would be tough. That said, from the pictures that i am seeing on this boat, I see even less storage space. You have given up the hanging locker for a sink. Where will you hang your foul weather gear? As far as the price of this boat goes, your paying for some really nice brightwork and fine details... do you need that? She sure is pretty though.
Re: Buying 1984 Cape Dory 270 in Oregon
Sweet 270
Seller took nice care of this boat.
See what the surveyor comes up with if you go forward.
Good luck
Pete
Seller took nice care of this boat.
See what the surveyor comes up with if you go forward.
Good luck
Pete