This bulletin board, hosted by the CDSOA, Inc., is the on-line meeting place for all Cape Dory owners and groups. We welcome everyone's questions, answers and comments about Cape Dory sailboat
I have been lurking on this site for a long time and have decided to jump in with a question.
I am looking for a Cape Dory or a Flicka, and have seen a CD 25D on the west coast in So Cal. I am looking for comments on the 25 vs the Flicka. I noticed the sea motion is lower than the Flicka.
I have sailed on both boats, probably more on the Flicka. In a nutshell, the CD is a much better sailing boat, and the Flicka is more robust and would probably handle very heavy weather better. But the Flicka is a real slug in light winds. It just doesn't get going until about 15 knots, and then does pretty well. The hull is so thick you can hit it with a sledge hammer....as for Catalina Island, never been there, but I'm sure either boat will get you there and back just fine. When I was in Bermuda last May, we were all following the progress of a Flicka that was sailing from Rhode Island to Bermuda...and sure enough, in it came to St. George's Harbor! The CD25D is a great boat, lots of room, looks very pretty, and is very well constructed. However, before I took off to Bermuda in one, it would require significant modifications. The Flicka is ready to go, at least the Factory built ones....many were built by owners, with varying degrees of quality. The one I sail on is a 1985 factory model with a Yanmar 1GM, and is very underpowered. The boat weighs nearly 6,000 lbs. and is kinda fat for the length, plows through the water. For an all around sailer, I'd put my money on the CD25D.
Clay Stalker
Clay Stalker
Westmoreland, NH and Spofford Lake, NH
On a good day any boat will get you there. On a bad day, you'd rather stay in port regardless of the boat. We sailed a San Juan 23 from LA to San Diego overnight many years ago. The fact that we survived, won our class, etc. has nothing to do with the quality of the boat under us. It was all dumb luck. The CD is a much better boat for coastal cruising; you have other comments about the Flicka.
I wanted a Flicka, a Crealock 37, etc. for a long time before I remembered my "home town" Cape Dory people. They did good work, much better than most, but not as bullet proof as the Pacific Seacraft fleet. You won't be sorry you bought a CD if it has been taken care of over the years.
I certainly am not an expert on the subject but I have looked at coastal/blue water boats for some number of years - even visiting the PS and Nor'Sea factories some 10-15 years ago.
I believe conventional wisdom would say that C Alberg designed boats are capable comfortable cruisers. You could take a PS or NS boat into a blow and have a good chance of coming through it. Another CD member - Winthrop if he doesn't mind me referencing him - will tell you that he regularly takes a 19' Typhoon across the Gulf of Mexico. BTW he also is a very skilled sailor and would probably tell you that he's been through more weather then he cares to remember. Generally speaking the cd 25 and smaller are considered coastal cruisers because they don't have the room for stores for a trip to Hawaii. The cd 25d( iesel ) and larger provide more storage and creature comforts and they too become known for blue water sailing. So IMHO the 20-25 mile passage to Catalina from say King Harbor or Marina Del Ray ( or San Pedro ) on a reasonable day with a reasonably good captain should be a snap for a cd 25d.
There's much written about how to prep CD's PS' and NS' for blue water available at the book store and on the net. That being said any sailboat needs to have good ( oversized ? ) standing and running rigging, sails, etc, etc - plus the captain needs to know how to use them. And maybe when to keep them in port . . . no sense tempting fate .
Of course IMHO you really can't go wrong with a C Alberg designed boat in good condition ( and a good captain ) - and I am a bit prejudiced - can you tell ?
BTW - I would consider all the above as just another $ 0.02 that you have to consider.
Buy a 25D. On reason not previously mentioned is the availability of this Board and through it, the CD community.
I have owned a CD 25D for five years. It is on windy and choppy Buzzards Bay. The boat handles winds of 25 kts + easily and comfortably, also the accompanying sea conditions.
As long as the hull and engine are ok, anything else can be fixed and the cost of fix up incorporated into an offer price. You might want to look at the London website or buy London Goes to Sea for a well written restoration story about a CD 27 which is in many ways the same boat (others will disagree).
A 25 mile sail to Catalina would be a breeze in a 25D. I know I am biased but I would go for it without a second thought.
Dick K
CD 25D Susan B #104
Mattapoisett, MA
Fleet Captain - Northeast Fleet 2014/2015
Tempus Fugit. And not only that, it goes by fast. (Ron Vacarro 1945 - 1971)
Comparing boats by displacement is a good basis. The CD25D and Flicka are similar in size by weight, a much better comparison than length.
They are not similar in cost. For the price of a used Flicka, maybe you should be comparing the Flicka to a CD28 or CD30.
The CD28 is a wonderful and capable boat. With good sails, she moves well in light air, and is very easy to single hand. The CD30 is similar to the CD28, but usually cutter rigged and wheel steered. And, if you like the CD25D interior with the huge head up front in place of a V berth, you'll also find that in the CD30 B plan interior.
I've looked at Flickas at boat shows. I suspect the 25D is a better boat for the money. More waterline, somewhat more headroom, and a more private head make it more of a "normal" boat - The Flicka has always seemed to be a curiosity. I have found my 25D to be seakindly. A 25D to Catalina would be a piece of cake in almost any weather.
If you are going to carry female crew, the more private head in the 25D would be a big plus.
________ DUALNOTE
________ Honda ST1300
Last edited by Bob Luby on Feb 14th, '11, 10:26, edited 2 times in total.
A 'Flicka' may be sailed or rolled across the sea and arrive in the same time and condition....whereas the 25D must be sailed there!
;)
Didereaux- San Leon, TX
last owner of CD-25 #183 "Spring Gail"
"I do not attempt to make leopards change their spots...after I have skinned them, they are free to grow 'em back or not, as they see fit!" Didereaux 2007
Ok guys I get it the Cape Dory is the boat to buy more boat for the money. My problem which is better the 25d or 26 with an outboard. i like the simplicity of the out board but the 25D with the enclosed head is nice. Can both boats handle 20 to 25 knot winds. I am assuming they are easily single handed.
I should also let everyone know I had a Dana had to sell it I needed the money. I screwed up should have left the wife.
If you intend to go out in ocean swells the in board diesel is the way to go. Outboards cavitate at the top of the swells and you'll be carrying gasoline. Also with the in board diesel you'll find that motor sailing is a good option at times. Your range with the diesel will be much better also. I figure 250 miles easily for Seraph, our 25D, with the Yanmar 1GM.
Good luck. All you mentioned are good boats. Condition should mean a lot.
