Cape Dory 28 open fisherman purchase

[JackCarr]

I have just sold my CD22D of 30 years and have bought a CD 28 open fisherman built in 1987 with a Chrysler V8 275HP gas FWC original engine with 742 hrs. Boat has a bow thruster. Electronics include a Furuno radar; Garmin 182 color GPS/Chartplotter; and digital depth finder. Very well maintained and stored indoors. Recent dripless shaft seal; newer shaft; motor mounts; cutlass bearing; alternator; and hoses. As i am new to power boating, I was hoping for some suggestions of actions i should take before launching.

[mgphl52]

Always, always, always be absolutely positive the engine room blower is fully functional and turned ON before starting the engine! Gas fumes can be very dangerous...

[Northstar1014]

Congrats on your boat! I am not familiar with that engine, but I did used to have a Mercruiser Sterndrive --- Assuming it has exhaust risers / elbows on each side, keep an eye on those. My understanding is that they need to be changed out or at least assessed periodically, since they corrode from the inside out.

[Paul D.]

From my time in a marina working with motorboats, I would definitely echo checking the blower system for a gasoline motor - making sure it is exhausting air. Also on the motor, checking the belts and either checking, pumping and cleaning the fuel tank and replacing filters may be good. If they've all been recently changed though I may go ahead and start up to get a baseline and warm things up.

Before launch I would go over the shaft, rudder, cutlass bearing for any play, prop and zincs condition. Having no sails, your motor is it, so I would want to feel very confident it is all good to go. If one is not aboard, you may consider a smaller outboard and mount in case an unexpected problem develops.

Good luck and here's to an eventful first launching!

[Carl Thunberg]

The CD28 open fisherman is just plain sexy! Congratulations on your purchase! Next time I'm in Biddeford Pool, can I get ride?

[JackCarr]

Thanks for all of the great tips. I'm no longer in Biddeford Pool as I have moved to the island of Arrowsic in the Kennebec River. I am building a ramp and float on my property and will be mooring the boat when not in use. It is being shipped up to Robinhood in late spring for commissioning and launching. I would be delighted to have some crew to keep me out of trouble as I am new to power boating.