Info on Cape Dory 25 sought

[Peter Kozup]

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)



pkozup@juno.com

[Ken Coit]

Peter,

I thought when I graduated from my Catalina 22 it would be to a Pacific Seacraft Flicka, but then I discovered the Cape Dory 25D. Both are seagoing vessels when in good condition and appropriately equipped. The 25D you can buy for around $20K, depending on the usual considerations; the Flicka, you might not find for under $40K, I haven't priced them lately.

There are Cape Dory 25s and 25Ds. They are very different boats at very different prices. The 25Ds have a diesel engine and a head in the bow, rather than a V berth. It really makes a fine boat for a couple to cruise in. The 25s use outboards and are a different design.

There are many owners on this board and many messages already posted. They will help you get a handle on the pros and cons. On the web site you will also find specs for both boats, and even owners manuals. We ended up with a 36 after many years of dreaming and planning, but that is another story.

Good luck in your quest.

Ken Coit
S/V Parfait
Raleigh, NC

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

parfait@nc.rr.com

[Peter Kozup]

Ken, thanks for your reply. I should make it clear at the beginning of this thread that I'm interested in the Cape Dory 25, not the 25D -- I noted the difference between the two, and while the 25D appears to be the better boat, it is beyond my price range at the moment. Also, there do not seem to be many around. I have seen Cape Dory 25s advertised on the web for under $10,000, but never the Cape Dory 25D. Again, thanks for your quick response.
Regards, Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye



pkozup@juno.com

[Brace Tallents]

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

Peter , You could not have picked a better boat for your needs . We own a 1980 CD25 #724 , Its been a fun boat easly sailed alone and able to handle high seas . Its a good strong boat , and very simple design , no frills . Head room is not the best but the other attributes make up for it . We sail lake ontairo out of oswego . Happy Hunting . ps you will be impressed by the difference from your hunter.



wfeaster1@aol.com

[David Miller]

Peter,
I purchased a '76 CD 25(notD) two years ago and would definitely say it has been a great choice. Although the boat has required alot of time and work, it has truly proven to be a sturdy, fun, dependable little boat. Although the CD25 is smaller than most boats its size, it is built heavy and solid and sails better than most in heavy winds and rougher conditions. As for a weekender, the CD25 is a little cramped. There is in fact a way to conceal the head for the wife, a table is present in the cabin but as far as the 5 1/2ft headroom, your going to be a bit dissapointed. I don't have the exact dimensions but I think the cabin height is roughly 4-4 1/2 ft. In terms of price, you will find that this is definitely a less expensive boat to maintain than it would be to step up. One major plus for the boat is it has an outboard well and I think most would agree it is easier to maintain than inboards. For your needs a CD25 might be a little small, but for the money, a comprimise might be well in order. Good luck and happy hunting.

David Miller "Coquina" #302

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

thrills21@hotmail.com

[Rene']

Hello,
Just wanted to inform you that I have a '76 CD25 for sale! She in great shape (sail away condition too)
If your interested call us at (631) 821-1794 would love to speak with you. Its a really nice boat!

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.

Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

Rflamore@yahoo.com

[Stuart Thomas]

Peter,
We just acquired a CD25 and really enjoy it. In the way of headroom, I am 6'5" and while I do have to duck to enter the cabin, I don't feel like I am in a coffin. It's a great boat.

Stuart
S/v Yankee Cowboy
Camden, ME

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

st1975@yahoo.com

[T om Foley]

I have to agree with all the previous comments. Two years ago I graduated from a Rhodes19 to a 1974 CD25. It's been a great boat to have for the situation you describe. You can put a curtain in front of the Porta-Potty. It sails great and the price is right. I sail in the Atlantic off the coast of Kennebunkport, ME.

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

alewifehouse@mainecoast.net

[Dan Hanlon]

Peter,

I recently purchased a 1978 CD25 #652. There is not a better boat for your needs. The only possible difficulty is trailering. The CD25 is four thousand pounds and requires a pretty hefty trailer. Mine came with one, but most don't. If you have a Suburban or similar truck, it is no problem. A Jeep Grand Cherekee is not quite enough. For you or you and your wife, a long weekend cruise should be quite comfortable. The removable table on a post is perfect for two or a chart with one fold. Things to look out for when checking out prospects are: 1-Blisters below the waterline. 2-Movement of the aft bulkheads near the head. This is key, as it weakens the support of the cabin stepped mast. It is also repairable, by you if your pretty handy or a pro for several hundred dollars. 3- Gelcoat crazing on the deck at standard stress points, e.g. stantion bases.
Spend some time on this site. look around at the spec. pages and links to the sites of owners. You can learn a ton here. Finally, a survey and sea trial are an absolute must!!! These are very high quality, well built boats. BUT, they are not new and may have had damage or neglect that is not obviously visible. Check out Yachtworld.com for the largest selection of Cape Dory boats, then go to starboardtack.com for links to other listing sites. Good luck in your search.

Dan Hanlon
S/V SHWEEGO
CD25 #652

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

djhhan@aol.com

[Jon]

There is an '81 being auctioned off on ebay if you are interested. The link below will take you there.

Jon
s/v Sovereign
www.sailorjon.net

[Michael Abramson]

I just attended the antique boat show at the Ches Bay Maritime Museum,
where I picked up a freebie copy of "Ira Black's Nor'easter Magazine".
On page 13 is a list of boats being sold by the Cecilton, MD Lions
Club. Apparently all the boats listed are at the Bohemia Anchorage
whre Route 213 crosses the Bohemia Road off of Glebe Road. I don't
know where this is, but assume it would be the Annapolis area. The
names to call about boats for sale are:
Paul Crothamel 410-275-2550
Joe Nelson 410-275-1749
Charlie Bromwell 410-275-1627

I have no interest or knowledge about these boats, but they were
donated to the Lions, so it's for a good cause.

Hope this helps and happy hunting!
Michael Abramson
Yorktown, Va
CD Intrepid 9M Peace

Greetings, I presently own a Hunter 18.5 which I sail on Lake Erie. Like may sailors who began with smaller boats, it's time for me to move up to something bigger, and the Cape Dory 25 has caught my attention. I am looking for a boat that I can sail singlehanded as I usually don't have anyone to sail with. I need one that will be reasonably comfortable to spend two or three days at a time on, often alone, but sometimes with my wife -- this means a boat with a little standing room (no, I don't need to stand tall all the time, but it would be nice to have, say, 5 1/2 ft of headroom where I could actually walk instead of crawl around on hands and knees inside); an enclosed head (my wife prefers to use the head in private); a table of some sort where I can lay down a drink or a chart, or even just eat dinner. Normally I will be spending only a few days at a time on her each week, but do want the option to make longer trips on the Great Lakes when I have the time and money -- for example, I have this dream of sailing from Ohio on Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence to Newfoundland or PEI in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and back again. Is this a feasible trip for a CD25? I want a boat that is safe and seaworthy. While I don't plan to trailer the boat it would be nice to be able to take her out of the water and to my home for the winter. I also need to be able to afford one that is in reasonable condition.
Now, I'm asking you folks -- do you think the Cape Dory 25 would meet my requirements and do the job I want it to do? Is there anything I have forgotten to ask that you think is important? CDs are all old boats now, is this a problem? What goes wrong on them that I might need to see to after purchase? Are there any idiosyncracies to this boat that one should be aware of before buying? Is the CD25 too small for my needs and should I therefore be looking for a larger CD instead?
I guess what I'm asking for is a generic survey of Cape Dory 25s in general done by the people who own them. Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.
Thanks,
Peter Kozup, s/v Katy Kaye (Hunter 18.5)

mabramson@widomaker.com

[David Brownlee]

This is on the Bohemia River, at the head of Chesapeake Bay and pretty far north of Annapolis.



dbrownle@sas.upenn.edu

[Peter Kozup]

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who replied to my original question about CD25s. There is one for sale not far from me -- my dilemma is, is it big enough. Geez, it's easier just to go sailing and not to have to make all these decisions. I can probably get a Catalina 27 for the same price as the CD25, but when you consider the extra costs of keeping a 27 foot boat as opposed to a 25, plus the question of quality of what you're buying both in terms of construction and seaworthiness, . . . I don't know!! Thanks again for your input, it is much appreciated.
Peter, s/v Katy Kaye (H18.5)



pkozup@juno.com

[Will Fastie]

I saw this CD25, "Libertas," last week. It's in the water and the hull looks to be in very good shape with no obvious above-water mars.

The topside and cabin are another matter. The topside is badly crazed and will require a lot of work or money. Painting the decks may be the only way to get good aesthetics. The cockpit has a craze running all the way around the perimeter of the sole, but I couldn't tell if the core was wet or rotting. Topside teak is intact except in two places, the stern where a piece has broken off and the port beam, where a winter storm chewed off 3' and damaged the hull/deck join. The stainless steel stern rail must have broken and was welded together without regard to appearance. The rest of the topside teak is worn but can be brought back.

Inside the cabin, the forward bulkhead portside was repaired with some really bad fiberglass work. There is some corrosion on aluminum and chrome fixtures.

The spars look okay. The standing rigging is okay except for the #3 pair of stays, which are missing turnbuckle hardware and currently dangling. The running rigging is extremely worn, but I would judge it serviceable for a sail away to a new port. There is a SeaFurl roller furler that has seen better days but appeared to still work; if it doesn't work, sail away could be a problem.

The Bohemia Anchorage marina gave me a quite reasonable quote for repairs to put the boat in sailing order, including making the outboard run again and fixing the winter storm teak damage. The boat has been reduced in price; the purchase plus the repairs combined are slightly less than $2500.

The Cape Dory nameplate is still in place but I forgot to note the hull number.

The hull condition and price make the boat attractive. The condition of the topside and cabin mean this is a project boat for sure. I'm not really interested in a project boat, but I was tempted.

I took some pictures and could email a small set to interested parties.




will@fastie.net