Unusual Question

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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David Paul

Unusual Question

Post by David Paul »

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul



David.Paul@uchsc.edu
David Brownlee

Re: Unusual Question

Post by David Brownlee »

Some possibilities:

Bristol--but lots of Atomic 4s and formica in the cabin.
Pacific Seacraft--but pricey.
A Hinckley Pilot--a dream.




dbrownle@sas.upenn.edu
Bill

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Bill »

Pearson Triton, Coaster/Wanderer, Vanguard, or maybe an Offshore 40

Bill

Hi everyone,
David Paul wrote: I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul


cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
Stan

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Stan »

I think Bill Luders laid down some great boats as well. The Luders 33 and the Sea Sprite 34 are both sweet looking boats, to my eyes.
Looking for boats is a lot of fun; enjoy and good luck!
Stan & Kerry
S/V Nomad CD 31 #08



skuhlman@sprynet.com
len

Re: Unusual Question

Post by len »

david paul

if money and/or time were no object: a wooden classic -

otherwise my personal absolute no-no's are: spade rudders, fin keels, and boats without grabbars in the cabin

relative no-no's are: sloops (sorry to all sloop owners), boats without bowsprits

the key of course is how you plan to use the boat -

have fun looking - have you checked out yachtworld.com?

len
Larry DeMers

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Larry DeMers »

Well, if Carl had taken up basket weaving instead of becoming an N.A., then I would have spent a good deal more money on a Gozzard 36 or Pacific Seacraft 34 probably. Both of these beauties make my heart skip a beat or two.

But as another responder said, my main requirments are a cutter rig, moderate displacement, modified full keel and attached rudder. With this you can go most places with safety.

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
CD30 Sailing Lake Superior
David Paul wrote: Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul


demers@sgi.com
Rick

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Rick »

A Hinkley Southwest Junior, Not to many around!!! My former ship now located somewhere south of florida "last I heard" Seriously "if night was day what would you be doing now"


David Paul wrote: Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul


r.rosenberger@verizon.net
Warren Kaplan

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Warren Kaplan »

I know that this is larger than your specs, but I always wanted a Bermuda 40. I was on one years ago and I still dream about them. (Some guys dream about Victoria Secret Models, I dream about Bermuda 40s....you figure it out...I never could). On a practical basis though, some well maintained B-40s can be had for a lesser price than new 34-36 footers.

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27



Setsail728@aol.com
Ken Coit

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Ken Coit »

David,

Maybe the answer lies in the Robinhood products. After all these years and opportunities to be bested, Carl Alberg is still #1 in the eyes of many, including those building new for three or four times the used price.

I considered many other boats before laying down the green for Parfait. I lusted after the Pacific Seacraft line for years, but I never could bring myself to spend that much on a boat and prices went up much faster than my disposable income. Hinkleys always caught my eye too, but they were never in reach. If you want more of a racer/cruiser, with some of the go-fast goodies that make them lousy blue-water cruisers, then Sabre made some fine boats. The Mariner 36 from NH, not Taiwan, is a pretty good knock-off of a CD/36 for a little less money. I have only one sample in my experience, so I can't tell you much about longevity. Wetsnails, I mean Westsails, are heavy-duty Atkins-like designs; I think there were some quality issues with them as well as with the Valiant line. Ted Brewer designs have some appeal. How about a Niagara 35?

Look at a lot of used boats and you will get an idea of what stands up and what doesn't. Even older well-maintained boats give you a clue; there are few of us that will pour money into a lost cause and that starts with the design, followed by the implementation.

Enjoy your search and wait until you "know."

Ken
CD/36 Parfait
Raleigh, NC

David Paul wrote: Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul


PPPPparfait@nc.rr.com
Joe Sankey

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Joe Sankey »

David Paul wrote: Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)
You didn't mention budget. However, my favorite (always above my means) have been the Morris boats of Chuck Paine. They made a 30, 32, 36, and now a 34 is possible. Also, the Paine designed Able 32 with centerboard and cutter rig. These and many of the others mentioned are fine boats, and perhaps overkill unless you're planning to make passages.
Joe Sankey
CD 30 Slow Dance
David Paul wrote: Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul


sankey@gulftel.com
Bob Miller

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Bob Miller »

Wierd, no one mentioned Island Packet. I like them, but don't like the cutter rig that is standard. My knees take a beating from the jib boom.

- Bob Miller



millerfam5050@worldnet.att.net
Jon

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Jon »

If Carl hadn't designed boats, I'd have taken up basket weaving instead of sailing.

Jon
Sovereign
BobM

Re: Unusual Question

Post by BobM »

David Paul wrote: Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul
============================================

Well now David this is a good question which I have thought about a great deal because of where we sail on the south shore of Long Island in the Great South Bay. We are blessed with a lot of wind down here but unfortunately not a lot of water so shoal draft is always high on my mind. This kept me from purchasing a Carl Alberg design for many years up until 1985 when we purchased our CD25D. I love all the Carl Alberg designs as I'm sure any of the other CD sailors here will say. There are some very good NA's who also deserve a look. I usually look at who designed the boat first then who built the boat. Starting with some of the more notably NA's here's my list of my favorites and it is my opinion that if you purchase a well made boat designed by one of these NA's I think you would be just fine.

After Carl Alberg at the top of my list I would follow with Lyle Hess who I'm sure many here know well if you read any of the Larry and Lin Pardey books. Like Alberg I simply love his designs, simplicity and seaworthy by design. Then W.I.B. Crealock (Pacific Seacraft 34, 37 and Cabo Rico 34), Chuck Paine(Morris Yachts), Robert Perry, Ted Hood and Dieter Empacher[because of their shoal draft designs](Bristol Yachts in particular the Bristol 31.1, 32, 33.3, 35.5, 40), Bill Shaw (Pearson 39 and old 33), Ted Brewer and Bill Luders. Also admire some of the old S&S designs like the Tartan 37CB since a friend of ours has one which I have sailed. Also take a look at Al Mason's designs.

Bob
Ranger #144
1984 CD25D



Ranger1442@hotmail.com
BobM

Re: Unusual Question

Post by BobM »

Warren Kaplan wrote: I know that this is larger than your specs, but I always wanted a Bermuda 40. I was on one years ago and I still dream about them. (Some guys dream about Victoria Secret Models, I dream about Bermuda 40s....you figure it out...I never could). On a practical basis though, some well maintained B-40s can be had for a lesser price than new 34-36 footers.

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27
===============================
Warren:

While the B40 and it's similar sister the BI40 are great boats of worthy mention I'm a little concerned about your thought patterns regarding your dreams. I hope you have not said anything about this to your wife? Perhaps you have been hitting the holiday grog a little bit to much? We must work to ameliorate this grave condition from which you suffer.

Fair winds,

Bob



Ranger1442@hotmail.com
Max Treece

Re: Unusual Question

Post by Max Treece »

Before buying a Cape Dory 25, I looked hard at the Stone Horse 23 from Eddy & Duff. They had a book that described a philosophy that I still subscribe to regarding what to look for in a cruising boat. Their little 23 footer had a couple of chairs that you could sit back in a comfortable position in a small cabin and was built for 2 not 4-5 little people. It was a more custom boat. The Cape Dory was more of a production boat with many of the same design features such as full keel, low aspect ration sail plan, attached rudder, etc. also built in New England area known for good quality yachts. Not sure the boat is still in production and I know it is not in your range of size but the philosophy sure inspired me to make the right choice with Cape Dory.

David Paul wrote: Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a boat in the future, somewhere in the 30 - 36' range and I really like the Cape Dory, but I feel like maybe I'm overlooking something...such as other similar boats...

The question I have it this:

If Carl Alberg hadn't designed these beautiful boats, what would you probably be sailing right now? (and yes, I'm also familiar with his other designs)

Many thanks for your comments,

David Paul


metreece@duke-energy.com
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