any difference in dna of Alberg 37 and cd 36 ?

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

Moderator: Jim Walsh

Post Reply
joe baltar
Posts: 5
Joined: Feb 6th, '05, 23:19

any difference in dna of Alberg 37 and cd 36 ?

Post by joe baltar »

Can someone walk me through important differences between these two models. What did Cape Dory do differently in building their boats
as opposed to comparable Alberg models.? thank you.joeb
Paul D.
Posts: 1273
Joined: Feb 6th, '05, 20:52
Location: CD 33 Femme du Nord, Lake Superior

CD 36 vs Alberg 37

Post by Paul D. »

Joe,

Having been on and sailed both of these boats I can comment a little on their similarities and differences.

The 37 was built by Whitby in Canada and by most opinions well-built and solid. I cannot tell you the difference in layup schedules but the hulls are pretty similarly built. There will be differences in the chainplate configuation and hull to deck joints somewhat but I have not heard of major problems with either.

The finishing, interior and motor set ups will differ with the Whitby boats being nicely built with solid woods but planer below. The CD's used more plywood in the construction of the interiors.

We looked at a 37 that was a '68 and had loads of hull crazing and needed a complete sanding and repaint or gel coat. CD's won't have that problem nor the newer Whitby's either I suspect. The old 37's had the biggest roller style boom made and had a big mainsail I found difficult to hoist. Some had the old wire rope halyards too which I cannot love. She moved well in light air, if a bit ponderous in motion. The thing would be great in a blow. The interior also was set up with a galley on the starbd side and two quarterberths which we didn't like. Plenty of room though.

There is a really nice 37 in the Apostle Islands, near us that I always admire, very simple, clean and well designed and built with nothing extra, a real sailor's boat. It is a sloop as were most 37's I reckon.

The CD36 will have many comments here. My brother's '84 is a real beauty. I like that ten opening ports, the Alberg has bigger but fixed ports so if ventilation is important to you, the 36 wins here. I think it uses space below more effectively too. With the 36 you would gain all the advantage of this board and the hundreds of 36 sailors - a big part of our decision to go with a CD 33 instead of a Seasprite 34 (money and availability were factors too though).

That is my humble opinion. I like both of these boats as they are from the same pedigree, good, solid sailors with good solid reputations.

Paul
Post Reply