CD25

[Jeff]

I'm thinking about buying a Cape Dory 25. I was hoping that someone might shed some light on what things I should be looking for specifically any problems that are associated with the 25. Any information would be appreciated.

Jeff

[Ron Polichnowski]

I'm thinking about buying a Cape Dory 25. I was hoping that someone might shed some light on what things I should be looking for specifically any problems that are associated with the 25. Any information would be appreciated.

Jeff: I just completed a successful purchase of a CD25. I worked with an experienced surveyor. Here is what the both of us found as we looked at quite a few 25's.

1. Wiring in need of replacement - DC and AC (including all AC plugs)
2. Deck leaks through many fittings
3. Worn out teak
4. Stress fractures in gel coat around bulkheads
5. Rudders in need of re-glassing - stainless was exposed
6. Blisters in the surface area of the gel coat. Found none that were structural in nature
7. Portlites that leaked
8. Fractured standing rigging - only showed up through dye testing
9. Contaminated water tanks
10. If the sails were original, they needed replaced.
11. Some soft areas in deck - probably due to leakage through deck hardware.

Most of the items uncovered during the evaluation process were problems that time and money would correct. Every CD I looked at was structurally sound and in much better shape than most other sail boats 15 to 20 years old.

I am very pleased with my purchased. The boat was 100% discounted for all required repairs. I can afford to bring the boat up to spec and still have a reasonable amount invested.

I have listed the issues that seemed to re-occur as boats were surveyed.



repcpa@prodigy.net

[Jeff]

Thanks Ron!

I think my plan is to check some boats out this weekend and then call in a surveyor. If you don't mind me asking how much do surveyors charge? Just an approximation would be great. It seems as though most of the 25's advertised are around $8,000. Does this sound about right to you? What year/hull# is your 25? Thanks again for all of your help!

Jeff

[Walt Bilofsky]

Jeff: I just completed a successful purchase of a CD25. I worked with an experienced surveyor. Here is what the both of us found as we looked at quite a few 25's. <snip>

4. Stress fractures in gel coat around bulkheads

Ron, did your surveyor have any comments or recommendations regarding the gelcoat cracking? This is a problem common to every Cape Dory I have seen, presumably due to too thick a gelcoat layer, but opinions differ on whether it is anything to worry about.

- Walt Bilofsky



bilofsky@toolworks.com

[Jon F. Larson]

Walt, I had to have an insurance survey on PERI when I moved out here to California..and I too have the gel coat cracks. The surveyor on mine called them cosmetic and not structural..not any problem in his view.

Jon Larson
Cape Dory 30 PERI
San Francisco Bay (Coyote Point Marina)

Jeff: I just completed a successful purchase of a CD25. I worked with an experienced surveyor. Here is what the both of us found as we looked at quite a few 25's. <snip>

4. Stress fractures in gel coat around bulkheads

Ron, did your surveyor have any comments or recommendations regarding the gelcoat cracking? This is a problem common to every Cape Dory I have seen, presumably due to too thick a gelcoat layer, but opinions differ on whether it is anything to worry about.

- Walt Bilofsky

jon9@ix.netcom.com

[Ron Polichnowski]

Thanks Ron!

I think my plan is to check some boats out this weekend and then call in a surveyor. If you don't mind me asking how much do surveyors charge? Just an approximation would be great. It seems as though most of the 25's advertised are around $8,000. Does this sound about right to you? What year/hull# is your 25? Thanks again for all of your help!

Jeff - I looked at 25s priced from $7,000 to $12,500. I ended up paying $5,000 but the boat will require a lot of my elbow grease. Luckly I enjoy it and am able to do most repairs myself. Good luck.
The boat I purchased was in South Florida. Surveyors in this area charge $8 to $12 a foot.

[Ron Polichnowski]

Jeff: I just completed a successful purchase of a CD25. I worked with an experienced surveyor. Here is what the both of us found as we looked at quite a few 25's. <snip>

4. Stress fractures in gel coat around bulkheads

Ron, did your surveyor have any comments or recommendations regarding the gelcoat cracking? This is a problem common to every Cape Dory I have seen, presumably due to too thick a gelcoat layer, but opinions differ on whether it is anything to worry about.

- Walt Bilofsky

Walt - The surveyor and I were in a little disagreement about the cracking. He was pessimistic because he felt the boat was somewhat abused (racing) and the standing rigging was not properly adjusted. Below the water line the boat seems as solid as a rock.

The worst crack was on the starboard side from the companion way entrance to the end of the glass - about 8 inches. He told me to fill it with some silicon to temporarily seal it. Since the silicon is flexible, normal movement should not re-open the crack. If it does reopen he advised reinforcing the area from underneath the cockpit.

Since there were no overall patterns of cracking accross the structure, I was not that concerned. I am going to have the boat hauled in a few months to have some blisters repaired and to have the rudder re-glassed. At that time, I will have all of the glass closely looked at by the yard.

[Darin Bartram]

I'm thinking about buying a Cape Dory 25. I was hoping that someone might shed some light on what things I should be looking for specifically any problems that are associated with the 25. Any information would be appreciated.

Jeff

I have a 1981 CD25 that I just started trying to sell for $11,500 (it's in very good shape, and therefore has a higher asking price). I'm located in the Washington, D.C. area, and the boat is on the Chesapeake. I'd love to show it to you, or if you are not in this area, discuss the boat in general. (301) 585-1235 or dc.drb@escm.com



dc.drb@escm.com