Need help newbee

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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doubleb
Posts: 119
Joined: Oct 23rd, '06, 10:59
Location: 1981 CD33 Air Raid #49Jax. Fl

Need help newbee

Post by doubleb »

Hello all.
Sailingdog @ Sailnet.com recommended this site to me.
I am not the proud owner of a Cape Dory yet, But Sailingdog thinks if I have any questions, you have the answers.
My self and the wife would like to try our hand at sailing, We do not have anybody we hang out with that sails they are all power boats/fishing/ski. Fast, fast and faster.
I am located in North central Florida about an hour from the East Coast.
I am getting to that 50 year old stage and she is not far behind, We both work. I work a rotating 12 hour schedule and she a 9 to 5 M-F office professional.
I am looking for a first boat (trainer/keeper) for weekend cruises mostly for now, just some relax play & time on the water. I am as green as they get but trainable. I have looked at the, I sell boats.com, used boats.com, Sailboat trader and then some for a while now. I have only laid hands an feet on a few boats to date.
Can you say confused?
I have located a Cape Dory 25, 1977 full keel w/outboard. (In well) Boat seems to be in good shape for a 30 year old boat. Best I can tell. It can be left where it is if I buy the boat, Slip fee is reasonable located on the St Johns river. The owner is willing to give a few lessons to help get me started.
My question is.
Any info on The cape Dory good or bad would be helpful, and does anybody know a surveyor in the Jacksonville area that knows the CD’s
And is 25’ too big to learn on?
Thank you,
Dbl-b
Dick Barthel
Posts: 901
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 10:29
Location: Dream Weaver, CD25D, Noank, CT

Welcome to the board

Post by Dick Barthel »

Dbl B:

A 25 would be a great boat to learn on. Try to do a little reading and take a few lessons. We've had posts in the past on this board that suggest it is very hard to find a place for a boat in Florida so that's a big plus for you already. There is a tremenous amount of info on this board in the archives so don't be afraid to try the search feature. Don't be afraid to ask questions either.

Good luck.

Dick
Carl Thunberg
Posts: 1300
Joined: Nov 21st, '05, 08:20
Location: CD28 Cruiser "Loon" Poorhouse Cove, ME

RE: Your First Boat

Post by Carl Thunberg »

Hi Double B:

From what information you've told us, it's hard to tell where this interest will lead you. You may decide this isn't for you, or it could go the other way, and you and your wife may decide the cruising life is for you. Consider this a first boat. If you can get it for an attractive price and a survey confirms that the boat is in good condition, then by all means go for it. The CD25 is not too big to learn on and it's big enough to grow into. The outboard simplifies things, too. The lack of headroom tends to make it less desirable for long-term cruising.

Carl
CDSOA Commodore - Member No. 725

"The more I expand the island of my knowledge, the more I expand the shoreline of my wonder"
Sir Isaac Newton
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doubleb
Posts: 119
Joined: Oct 23rd, '06, 10:59
Location: 1981 CD33 Air Raid #49Jax. Fl

Post by doubleb »

Hey guy’s thanks for the response.
Carl you mention a fair price and a good survey, What do you consider a fair price? I now with out seeing the boat it’s hard to make that call and some of the prices I have been seeing on all boats are staggering. A 22’ Catalina I can get for $13,000 And a 30’ something for peanuts. It doesn’t make sense?
I don’t see a lot of CD’s listed but from what I have read on the internet, and I mean I have read a lot say the CD’s are secure boats.
This one is in fair condition. It needs a little TLC (don’t they all) some of the electronics do not work lights and such, radio works and no depth finder. Other than that I did jump around on deck and it was very stable and firm. Rigging all looks secure. Hull clean, The sails are a couple of years old say’s the owner.
The headroom does concern me but I don’t plan on staying below deck for long periods of time, right now. And yes it comes with a nice place to slip it at a good price.
I was just trying to get a feel for fair prices based on what I know.

I am too meet the owner this weekend and take the boat out, I want to see it under sail & power.

Hey I have to go for now. Any information I can get is great. I don’t want to buy the first one I see but I don’t want to pass up a good starter deal.

Thanks
Brian
Carl Thunberg
Posts: 1300
Joined: Nov 21st, '05, 08:20
Location: CD28 Cruiser "Loon" Poorhouse Cove, ME

Condition, Condition, Condition

Post by Carl Thunberg »

Brian,

There are several reasons for prices being all over the map. When it comes to boats, condition is everything. The expensive Catalina you mentioned may be in perfect condition, with new sails and well equipped with the latest electronics. It could also mean the current owner has an unrealistic idea of value or just isn't that motivated to sell their baby. The opposite is also true. That 30-foot boat you mentioned for peanuts may have been neglected, in poor condition, or the owner may just be highly motivated to sell.

Carl
CDSOA Commodore - Member No. 725

"The more I expand the island of my knowledge, the more I expand the shoreline of my wonder"
Sir Isaac Newton
Ron M.
Posts: 1037
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 11:32
Location: CD30c Harwich,Ma.

Post by Ron M. »

The CD25 is a great boat to learn with, very seakind and forgiving. I had a nice one well appointed in excellent shape (1978), I sold for 8500. about 5 years ago. The interior was teak with ash ceiling. Many 25's have bare bone fiberglass interiors which would affect it's value. Of course condition of overall boat and gear are determining factors.There are usually a few available so check them out, see how they are appointed and fit out. If you find one that interests you have it surveyed. I have seen them for 3000. - 10,000. Good luck and have fun
________
Vaporite solo vaporizer
Last edited by Ron M. on Feb 11th, '11, 05:29, edited 1 time in total.
sanderpjwi
Posts: 8
Joined: Jan 9th, '06, 20:44
Location: 1970 Typhoon "Ginny" and a Corsair F-31
Sturgeon Bay, WI

CD 25 Sales

Post by sanderpjwi »

Doubleb-
For what it is worth, following represents CD25 (outboard) sales on YachtWorld since Jan 2005 (The second $ is the selling price and date):

LengthBoats Year Codes Listed US$ Sold US$ Location
25' Cape Dory Sloop 1981 S U SG FG 10,500 (01/06) 10,200 (08/06) LA, USA
25' Cape Dory 1978 S U SG FG 9,500 (04/04) 8,500 (06/05) MD, USA
25' Cape Dory Sloop 1978 S U SG FG 8,495 (06/05) 8,500 (09/05) CT, USA
25' Cape Dory Sloop 1982 S U SG FG 8,900 (12/05) 8,000 (03/06) ME, USA
25' Cape Dory Cape Dory 25... 1980 S U SG FG 7,900 (07/06) 7,500 (07/06) CT, USA
25' Cape Dory 25 1977 S U SG FG 7,900 (10/05) 7,250 (03/06) NY, USA
25' Cape Dory 1977 S U SG FG 8,900 (07/05) 7,000 (11/05) WI, USA
25' Cape Dory SAILING SLOOP 1978 S U SG FG 7,200 (02/06) 6,500 (09/06) FL, USA
25' Cape Dory 25 1981 S U SG FG 7,000 (12/04) 6,000 (08/05) NY, USA
25' Cape Dory 25 1976 S U SG FG 6,200 (05/05) 6,000 (08/05) NY, USA
25' Cape Dory 1975 S U SG FG 5,500 (10/05) 5,500 (12/05) WA, USA
25' Cape Dory 1976 S U SG FG 5,150 (09/05) 5,000 (05/06) MA, USA
25' Cape Dory 25 1978 S U SG FG 5,000 (06/05) 5,000 (07/05) CA, USA
25' Cape Dory B0057 1977 S U OO FG 5,900 (10/04) 5,000 (08/06) NY, USA
25' Cape Dory 25 1978 S U SG FG 5,900 (06/04) 4,950 (03/05) NY, USA
Regards,
Phil Sanders (part-time broker) 1970 CD Typhoon
chase
Posts: 532
Joined: Jul 22nd, '05, 22:45
Location: "Cheoah" PSC 34

This Old Boat

Post by chase »

Brian,

In a recent thread, John D recommended the book This Old Boat, by Casey. Since then I've read it and I think you could benefit from it's boat buying advice. It also has a lot of great info on restoring your new/old boat.

Everyone's said it -- condition is everything. There are lots of floating singlewide's (not Cape Dory's) out there, take your time and don't worry too much about "deals" disappearing.

Chase
bill2
Posts: 250
Joined: Feb 28th, '06, 17:22
Location: cd - wip
Contact:

starter boat

Post by bill2 »

IMHO -

CD25 is a great starter boat for coastal fla. The older ones in good condition are solid boats while the newer ones in good condition are solid and "saltier" - and a survey will definitely help with the "good" condition part.

She has great sailing qualities - esp coastal - she'll keep you safe
an OB engine ( take it to the repair guy rather than big bucks at the slip )
and despite "short" headroom will give you a chance to cruise w/out spending really big bucks

She's got an ice chest
space for stove
porti potti

You can upgrade her with electronics and amenties as time and $ permit
at "small" boat pricing while you get a feel for and learn your skills and how far you want to go

I would take the time to get the safety gear/lights, sails, engine, anchor and lines working properly so there are no surprises when you do go out

The USCG ( auxiliary ? ) offers some beginning boating courses for power and sail for very reasonable fees if you don't have a friend to show you the basics

Good Luck
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Gary M
Posts: 555
Joined: Jan 14th, '06, 13:01
Location: "ZackLee"
1982 CD22
Marina del Rey, CA

Starter boat

Post by Gary M »

dbl-b
Just a suggestion.
In my marina there is at least one company that not only teaches sailing, they also rent sailboats, from 22's clear up to 30's I believe. Not Cape Dory's by the way.

This might be a great way to start. If you end up loving to sail, you can start looking for your boat, if not, you don't have a boat to sell.

Keep in mind while your renting boats, rental boats often are not maintained in the condition it would be if you owned it and all boats have different sailing characteristics. Obviously we tend to favor the characteristics of Cape Dory's!

Another idea is one that I used at one point. I bought a boat that was in high demand in my sailing area so I was reasonably sure I could sell it quick when I found what I was looking for.

Gary
Dick Barthel
Posts: 901
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 10:29
Location: Dream Weaver, CD25D, Noank, CT

Post by Dick Barthel »

Brian,

Have some fun and check out Carter Brey's webpage. He had a CD 25 that was featured in the November/December Good Old Boat magazine. He had a lot of adventures on his 25 and recorded a lot of the action with text and some pictures.

http://pws.prserv.net/cbrey/maryellen.html

Dick
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doubleb
Posts: 119
Joined: Oct 23rd, '06, 10:59
Location: 1981 CD33 Air Raid #49Jax. Fl

Floored

Post by doubleb »

Oh boy.
I did not think I would get this kind of a response for being just a non owner (yet) and a newb.
That’s a lot of info in such a short time. Thanks!
I don’t even own a boat yet and I do already subscribe to “Good Old Boat”.
Sanderpjwi thanks for the pricing. This boat is bare fiberglass inside with wood rails in the cockpit.
His asking price is around 7000. The boat is clean but not that clean. I will hopefully know more after the weekend outing. Then I will decide whether to survey or not. It does have a nice private slip at a good price that comes with it. I can’t put a full keel on a trailer every time, nor do I want too.
I did have a question about, A loaded question I am sure.
I see in the Trader magazine and on line there are not to many CD’s offered for sale. Reason not many made or they are that good and have to keep. Or?
Just an observation on my part.

Have to go now, taking the Mrs. Out for her birthday on a little vacation to St Augistine Fl.
Thanks for all the information. And its nice to know there is still people out there that are willing to help others and don’t take the go figure it out for yourself attitude.
Thanks a lot
Brian
:D
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Zeida
Posts: 600
Joined: May 27th, '05, 07:10
Location: 1982 CD33 "Bandolera II" Hull #73Key Biscayne-Miami, Florida
Contact:

Post by Zeida »

Brian: In 1978 I decided I wanted to get involved in sailing. The first thing I did, BEFORE going out and buying a boat, was to take sailing lessons. Steve & Doris Colgate run a very good sailing school and they may have one of them near Sarasota, FL. I took their seminar for beginner sailors, and then rented small sailboats. I did this for two years in a row. By then I knew the basics of sailing, had read lots of sailing books, good and bad experiences, what and what not to do or look for. When I felt I was sure I wanted a sailboat, then I bought my first CD-25. Yes, it is a great boat to learn on, but you better know the basics of sailing, or even on the 25 things can go wrong.

The boat as you describe it should not be more than $5,000.

Take a week's vacation with your wife and go to the sailing school. It is a BLAST! Lots of fun, very secure, meet lots of new friends, and most of all, learn how to sail.
Zeida
CDSOA Member
Neil Gordon
Posts: 4367
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 17:25
Location: s/v LIQUIDITY, CD28. We sail from Marina Bay on Boston Harbor. Try us on channel 9.
Contact:

USCG courses

Post by Neil Gordon »

bill2 wrote:The USCG ( auxiliary ? ) offers some beginning boating courses for power and sail for very reasonable fees if you don't have a friend to show you the basics
I took the course when I acquired LIQUIDITY ten years ago. It's mostly about safety, which is a very good thing... they teach navigation, weather, rules, etc. They go over all the basics but the course is classroom and study, so you still need to learn to sail.

A sailing school vacation would be great. Community boating would also be fun. Everything you learn, either way, will translate nicely to whatever boat of whatever size you find yourself on later. (That goes from sailboard to full rigged square rigger!)
Fair winds, Neil

s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
Boston, MA

CDSOA member #698
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Ed Haley
Posts: 443
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 18:45
Location: CD10, Sea Dee Dink

Learning to sail

Post by Ed Haley »

Zeida and Neil have the right steps to use in learning the skills necessary to sail your boat correctly and safely so that you enjoy the experience. I would add that the skills learned in sailing classes and USCG courses must be practiced so that the skills proceed into competence. This occurs best on your own boat. Maintenance is another issue that I'm sure you realize.

With the knowledge behind you after taking these classes, the anxiety in the pit of your stomach is lessened a bit as you sail away for the first time in your new boat but it is always there. As your competency builds, the anxiety begins to be barely noticeable after you leave the dock. Less anxiety means more fun.

Remember, that if you purchase a boat you ultimately don't like, it's an easy fix. You'll know more of what you like and want in a boat for having one that is lacking in some way.

I agree with others that a well-maintained CD25 or CD28 is a great beginning boat. If I were you, I would make sure that it is in good condition without having to spend a lot of time bringing it back to bristol condition unless you're like most of us and actually enjoy working on boats.

Buy a Cape Dory. Life's too short to sail around in an ugly boat! :D

<img src="http://lh3.google.com/eghaley/RT9PwGbjA ... imgmax=144">
Cape Dory 10 on Lake Eaton in the Adirondacks
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