Request CD31 "what to look for in particular " during survey

[Nancy Martin]

John and I will be traveling to VA in several weeks to look at a '85 CD31.

Survey is scheduled but would like to hear comments on any particulars we should have the surveyor pay particular attention.

If all goes well, we should be the proud owners of two Cape Dorys. The 28 will be on the market if all goes well with the 31.

Regards,
Nancy & John Martin
CD28. Intrepid



nancy.h.martin@worldnet.att.net

[cptn seaweed]

John and I will be traveling to VA in several weeks to look at a '85 CD31.

Survey is scheduled but would like to hear comments on any particulars we should have the surveyor pay particular attention.

If all goes well, we should be the proud owners of two Cape Dorys. The 28 will be on the market if all goes well with the 31.

Regards,
Nancy & John Martin
CD28. Intrepid

one important item is the engine starting system. several of the universal diesels in the 31's have starting problems.



redzeplin@yahoo.com

[Tom]

If you find a starting problem, email mail me directly or look in the archives I have the solution to the starting problem on some 31s and other sizes. Check the engine carefully for cracks in the gear housing cover on the front of the engine where the alternator bolts on. Many of these are cracked and leak oil into the bilge. The factory has an upgrade so that the alternator doesn't crack the case. John Nuttall has info on this upgrade. Check the cockpit area for stress cracks. I had to beef up the cockpit sole on mine (it was discovered in the survey). Also as with all the Cape Dorys check for deck cracks and moisture in the balsa core of the deck and cockpit sole. But you probably know that being a CD owner already. You might check the hose connections on the water tanks inside the settees, the Krakor tanks tend to crack the fittings there. Not all surveys will unscrew those boards and check the tanks. Check for water leaks around the companionway hatch. All minor things. These are great boats.

Tom
CD 31 #15

John and I will be traveling to VA in several weeks to look at a '85 CD31.

Survey is scheduled but would like to hear comments on any particulars we should have the surveyor pay particular attention.

If all goes well, we should be the proud owners of two Cape Dorys. The 28 will be on the market if all goes well with the 31.

Regards,
Nancy & John Martin
CD28. Intrepid

TomCambria@mindspring.com

[len]

nancy and john

check for play in the rudder, easiest of course if she's out of the water - there have been several threads about the pintle/gudgeon loosening up, it's repairable but a pretty big deal - i would also open up a couple of winches, if they are worn because they were neglected, it could be very expensive - if the sails are old, you may want to invest in new ones; i should have done this sooner, with new sails my boat is faster and much better in light air - good luck and let us know what happens, they are great boats

len



md.frel@nwh.org

[Bill Michne]

John and I will be traveling to VA in several weeks to look at a '85 CD31.

Survey is scheduled but would like to hear comments on any particulars we should have the surveyor pay particular attention.

If all goes well, we should be the proud owners of two Cape Dorys. The 28 will be on the market if all goes well with the 31.

Regards,
Nancy & John Martin
CD28. Intrepid

All good comments with nothing to add. I owned a '85 CD 31 which I bought in '95. The surveyor had a few minor comments but basically said he couldn't find anything wrong with the boat. We sailed her on (and across) Lake Ontario for five years. We then traded up to a CD 40, selling the 31 for more than we paid. I love the 40 but sometimes I wish I had the 31 back. It's just a great boat. Consider new sails if it still has the originals. Good luck!

Bill Michne
Mintaka CD 40 #7