capedory 27 questions

[Ross Williams]

I'm interested in finding out the v-berth dimensions on the CD 27. I'm almost 6'4" and find the berths on the CD25 to be to small. Because of price limitations, I'm also looking for a 27 that is powered by an outboard vs the tradional inboard. Was the CD27 mfg with both inboard and outboard designs? Any info on these subjects would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!



Rosswilli@aol.com

[Doug]

Ross
We have a 1981 CD 27 and being just a little short of 6'4 I can tell you that the V-berth is a little snug but O.K. By sleeping diagonally with head on Aft port side and feet on forward starboard side I seem to fit. Fortunately Jean is shorter and fits in the remaining space. I'm not aware of any O.B. 27 cd.
Doug Powell




jrpdap@prodigy.net

[Lyn Heiges]

I'm interested in finding out the v-berth dimensions on the CD 27. I'm almost 6'4" and find the berths on the CD25 to be to small. Because of price limitations, I'm also looking for a 27 that is powered by an outboard vs the tradional inboard. Was the CD27 mfg with both inboard and outboard designs? Any info on these subjects would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ross,

I have a CD27 (currently for sale in MD) and have owned her for over 14 years. I am 6'3" and have not had a real problem with the V-berth although the feet hang over or the head hangs over depending how you sleep. I can curl around and manage my head on the cushions when I lie with my butt to the hull, but the other direction, hitting your noggin on bulkhead for the head is a real problem. My CD28 is a little roomier, but no great shakes. I am bald anyway, so I haven't lost much hair with the problem!

Regarding the I/B-O/B question: there is the CD25 which was an O/B version (which was the larger run of the CD25 series) and in, I believe 1984, CD introduced the CD25D which had an I/B diesel engine. The two boats had different designers, Carl Alberg originally and someone else for the CD25D. Similarly, there were a few CD26s made. They had a very similar interior plan to the CD27, but they had an O/B down in a well. Look at Dana's great pictures for info on the CD26 line. I have heard there was an I/O version, but can't comfirm. However, the CD27, to my knowledge, always had an I/B as did the CD270. The CD27s had Yanmar YSM-8 (8-HP) through 1981 and in 1982 they put the identical sized YSM-12 (12-HP) in (a GOOD move). I believe the YSM has been replaced by the GM series. The CD27s were 1-bangers and the YSM parts seem to be widely available. The CD270 was introduced with another hull designer than Carl Alberg and a different interior layout in 1984, as I recall. I don't know what diesel was installed, but I believe it was not a Yanmar.

My experience with the Yanmar YSM-8 installed in the CD27 is that it is very easy to get to and maintain. I generally hand-started the engine because it was "just plain fun" and not a chore. The electric starter never failed me nor has the engine. I have a Yanmar 2GM20F (20-HP) which replaced the 12-HP Volvo in my CD28.

My recommendation is to go with an inboard as they are a lot less "fussy" in general. With a standard garden hose type connection installed above the input water seacock (kingston cock) to the engine, the engine can be fresh-water flushed very easily and also winterized, if necessary.

Fuel economy is, seriously and operationally, 100% better with an inboard and the HP rating of diesel engines are shaft horsepower and with the torque, you really get more foot-pounds of thrust with a diesel inboard than with a gasoline engine. Unless you buy one of the new 4-stroke outboards, you will have to mix the fuel and oil in a 50:1 ratio for outboard fuel. That 50:1 ratio IS CRITICAL!!! We Americans often don't make real accurate mixtures and too much oil will foul the sparkplugs easily and leave deposits and too little oil will cause the pistons to score the cylinder walls and under lubricate the whole engine system. Some outboards such as the Mercury 200 Black Max which I have on my Grady-White have a separate oil resevoir and the engine mixes the oil in the proper ration between 50:1 and 100:1 depening on engine operating factors, but this luxury isn't available on the smaller outboards used on sailboats. If the automatic system fails on my 200 and I have to mix the fuel and oil, Mercury advises the 50:1 ratio as general principles.

I have had sailboats with "kickers" as well as I/Bs and diesel I/Bs are certainly my choice. I would shun gasoline engines if you can. Additionally, the flash-point hazard of gasoline vs. diesel oil is another real consideration, in my opinion.

Hope you get a CD as you will find them great boats and they become a cherished part of the family!

Best Regards.

Lyn Heiges
CD27 GUILLEMOT (#186)
CD28 MOON CHILD (#307)



lheiges@compuserve.com