CD 27 engine upgrade

[DAVIDPERRY]

If you are looking for a CD 27 with an original engine, the early boats (1977-1979) had a single cyl. YSM or YSB Yanmar 8hp diesel . I still have a 1978 with this engine, and 5.5 knots is attained, still, after only 1 rebuild.
Sometime in 1979 Cape Dory installed the 1GM Yanmar, which had 7 hp, and didn't have nearly the power of the old 8. this continued for a couple of years until they started to install the 2GM Yanmar with 12 hp. about 1981 - 1982 +/-. A much better choice.
In 1983, Cape Dory made a Westerbeke 13, 2cyl diesel standard, and this was the case through the end of the model run in 1984.
When looking for one of the CD27's the engines are not always clearly stated by the broker or owner, and the engine changes were not always made to coincide with a model year change. So you have to ask, particularly if you are going a distance to see a boat. It is easy to see if the engine has 1 cylinder or 2, and Yanmars are gray, Westerbekes are red!

[cbmike]

DavidPerry - thanks for the comprehensive review of the engine options! I haven't seen any with the 2GM Yanmar with 12 hp or the Westerbeke near me (MD eastern shore or Annapolis) yet, but will keep looking.

[MHBsailor]

Bear in mind that the 3200 lb Cape Dory 22D came with a 6.5 HP Yanmar 1GM. Maybe they couldn't find anything smaller at the time, but the extra power is nice when going head-to-wind against an adverse tide.