Year of construction vs. Model Year

Bill Cochrane · Post by **Bill Cochrane** » Apr 8th, '06, 08:31

Does anyone know for sure how the "model year" in the Cape Dory hull number sequence relates to actual construction dates? I know that my HIN (CPDT0114M84D) indicates model year 1984, and build date of November. (Build month is the last letter, with A being August, B September, and so forth.)

I would guess that this means she was built (or started, anyone know?) in November '83, but would like to confirm.

The USCG documentation shows "year built" as 1984 but I'm not at all sure that's correct.

Reason for the question: I'm having the mast restepped and want to place a coin from, among others, the year she was built.

Thanks, Bill

Parfait's Provider · Post by **Parfait's Provider** » Apr 8th, '06, 10:05

I would bet that CD was no different than most other manufacturers and that they put the latest date they could on the hull. That being the case, Nov. 1984 would be when they were about ready to ship, not when they laid up the hull.

There are a couple of experts out there in cyberland, maybe they will prove me wrong.

mahalocd36 · Post by **mahalocd36** » Apr 8th, '06, 10:47

I think Mahalo has the same issue if I remember correctly - the vin indicates late 89 but the year on doc is 90 and she's refered to as an 1990. I guess I assumed that's when it was started.

To cover yourself, put coins from both years under the mast

RayDewick · Post by **RayDewick** » Apr 8th, '06, 10:58

Since the number is molded into the hull I would assume the number corresponds to the day the hull was molded and the entire number would be reset with the next hull.

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Apr 8th, '06, 17:37

I think our boats are kind of like cars in that the next years models come out before the new year arrives. The day the hull is molded is not the date set in the hull. When looking through all the original paper work for our boat, which is an early 1984 model, I found that it was delivered to the broker late in 1983. If your boat has a November date it may have been started in 1983 or 1984 as I do not know how long it was taking Cape Dory to turn out a finished boat at that time. I think it is safe to say your boat was not started late in 1984. An 84 coin would still bring you very good luck. Simply owning a Cape Dory of any year is very good fortune, Steve.

dwdisbennett · Post by **dwdisbennett** » Apr 9th, '06, 08:43

By law any vessel made after June can be considered the next model year, and is reflected in the last 2 digits of the hull number. A boat recieved at a dealership in august of this year will be a 2007 model and will have 07 as the last 2 digits.

David Perry · Post by **David Perry** » Apr 11th, '06, 11:05

Bill, your Cape Dory 36 was shipped from Cape Dory on Feb 6,1984 to West River Yacht Sales, in Galesville, MD. At that time the boats were being shipped within days of their being completed, thus you can expect that she was completed in 1984, and that the "keel was layed" in 1983. I hope that this is helpful

Bill Cochrane · Post by **Bill Cochrane** » Apr 11th, '06, 17:41

Thanks much, and yes, very helpful. Am I correct that you worked for Cape Dory and now Robin Hood? Welcome to the board...Great to hear from you!

I bought her in 1998 from the original owner. Beautiful boat, beautiful workmanship.

Regards, Bill

The Cape Dory Board