Cape Dory 27 or 28? What are the main differences?

[Jay Bonahoom]

I recently restored a Typhoon and am now considering upgrading to a 27 or 28. Can anyone tell me the pro's and con's of each.

Thanks

Jay



Bonahooms@yahoo.com

[Anthony P. Jeske]

Jay:
Those owners who have 27's will tell you the 27 is better. CD-28 owners will say the same thing about their boats. Since I own a CD-25D, I'll try to be neutral.
Some say the 27 has better lines. That's probably true, but you need to decide for yourself. Some say the 27 is a better sailor. Not so. The PHRF ratings, definitely a neutral group, clearly indicate the 28 is faster. Some 27's have a single cylinder engine. Those are greatly underpowered. Avoid those. The 28 has a club jib. Loved by some, hated by others. You'll need to decide on that feature.
During an earlier discussion on this subject, someone characterized the 28 as being a small 30 and the 27 as a large 26. I think that's an apt description.
Regards,
Tony Jeske
CD-25D #141
Breezy
San Diego



ajeske@ixpres.com

[Clay Stalker]

I recently restored a Typhoon and am now considering upgrading to a 27 or 28. Can anyone tell me the pro's and con's of each.

Thanks

Jay

Jay:

You will get a lot of varying opinions on this one...in fact, the archives are loaded with stuff. In general, it has been said that the 27 is the largest of Cape Dory's small boats and the 28 is the smallest of their large boats...this is a bit simplistic, as you could sail either one almost anywhere. In general, the 28 is 1,500 lbs heavier, has slightly more tankage, 1" more headroom, and the galley a bit more separated for the main cabin. There were over a hundred more 28s built, so usually easier to find. The 27 has a very nice aft lazarette for storage, is somewhat lighter and quicker (there will be some argument with this one) and is a bit prettier (longer overhangs, this is just my opinion, of course). The 28 has a nice bowsprit which helps greatly with anchoring....and a sink in the head. I really like both boats and would have bought either....I just happened to find a 27 that I fell in love with. I think the 28 is a more stout cruising boat, but I have sailed my 27 from Long Island to Maine in all kinds of weather and she handles it fine. You cannot go wrong with either boat, and the cost will be about the same. Enjoy reading the opinions that your question will raise.

Clay Stalker
CD27 #247 Salsa
Bristol, R.I.




cstalker@cheshire.net

[Neil Gordon]

I looked at both before buying a 28. There's great debate here about which is the better sailor, but there's no question that the 28 has greater interior space.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[Bill]

Jay

FWIW and IMHO the 27 has the best lines of the fleet. Period, no question about it.

FWIW and IMHO

Bill

I recently restored a Typhoon and am now considering upgrading to a 27 or 28. Can anyone tell me the pro's and con's of each.

Thanks

Jay

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Ken Cave]

I think it how you set your boat up for cruising (or racing if that is that you are into) We have a CD 28 in our club that is about the slowest boat around, until I loaned him my genoa. He also had a two bladed prop (really slow) and now he has a three bladed prop (a lot faster) I can continue, but frankly it depends on how the boat is equipped. I have a furler system and a 140 Genoa-and this system is about perfect for almost any kind of weather that the North West can dish out!!

Ken Cave
CD 28 #227
Anacortes, WA



bcave@whidbey.net

[Clay Stalker]

I think it how you set your boat up for cruising (or racing if that is that you are into) We have a CD 28 in our club that is about the slowest boat around, until I loaned him my genoa. He also had a two bladed prop (really slow) and now he has a three bladed prop (a lot faster) I can continue, but frankly it depends on how the boat is equipped. I have a furler system and a 140 Genoa-and this system is about perfect for almost any kind of weather that the North West can dish out!!

Ken Cave
CD 28 #227
Anacortes, WA

I agree with Ken on the genoa...my 27 just did not excite me much until I got a new 135 genny....now she flies. When the wind pipes up, I throw a reef in the main and leave the 135 full out. Boat handles fine, leans over to 15-20 degrees, digs right in and takes off...I was surprised a clunky Cape Dory would bo this fast!

Clay Stalker



cstalker@cheshire.net

[Stan W.]

The 28 probably is the best value in the CD line. It is almost as much boat as a 30, but typically costs much less. It is significantly more boat than a 27, but typically costs only slightly more.

It may sound odd, but the thing that first led me to focus on the 28 was the door between the head and the v-berth. I don't think 27s came with one and I thought it would be a nice thing to have for late night trips to the head while cruising with family or friends.

NONSLY CD28 #225
Duxbury, MA



smwheatley@capecod.net

[Jim Stull]

The reason I bought a CD27 instead of a CD28 is that I can trailer the CD27 legally. It has an 8'-6" beam, the max most places without special permits. Had a trailer built, went to Maine, picked it up hauled it home to PA and am rebuilding it in my shop. Plan on hauling it to the Keys when finished.

Jim



jtstull@earthlink.net

[s]

I think it how you set your boat up for cruising (or racing if that is that you are into) We have a CD 28 in our club that is about the slowest boat around, until I loaned him my genoa. He also had a two bladed prop (really slow) and now he has a three bladed prop (a lot faster) I can continue, but frankly it depends on how the boat is equipped. I have a furler system and a 140 Genoa-and this system is about perfect for almost any kind of weather that the North West can dish out!!

Ken Cave
CD 28 #227
Anacortes, WA

I bought a CD 27 new in 1981. It is true that is the smallest "large"boat. The sloop rig if accompanied with a roller furling Genoa, and lazy jacks makes it very easy to sail. for coastal and offshore it is more than adequite. It is true that the 8hp yanmar is under powered, noisy, vibrates and VERY DEPENABLE AND CAN BE CRANK STARTED LIKE AMODEL T!
I have never heard it described as having the best lines as I think all of the CD sailing vessels are pretty to look at. After 15 years I made a quantum leap to a CD 36. I have researched both and have been told by many that these to sail better than any other CD's. Personally I agree. The 28 has a club footed staysail and the genoa is tacked to the bowsprit. Since my 36 had a bowsprit, and clubfooted staysail I have to say that it has some importance but for the most part it realy clutters the deck and is a pain-something that is probably worse on a 28. The 28's often are equipt with wheel steering as did my 36, where the 27 has a tiller. The tiller gives a better feel of what is going on, but the wheel is a little more convienient. In my case I had to sell the 36, and bought someone elses beat up, used , older 27. Having replaced/restored whatever needed to be done I am very happy with her. The CD 27 is easily maintained, docked and sailed by one person. I assume the 28, like my former 36 has more things to break, and greater square footage which translates into greater storage fees and paint costs. You also have another sail to maintain. Good Luck

Steve Rossmoore
"Wanderer"-CD 27 hull # 5



rossmoore@pol.net