CD 27 or CD 28

[Scott Surprise]

What are the plus and minus of each boat. Which would be the better boat. I have cocerns over the engine in the CD 28

[Bill Goldsmith]

This comparison has been written about extensively on the board. I might suggest you search to read prior comments to get a fuller feeling about the two models. Some observations:

Some say a 27 is a big 25D and a 28 is a small 30. I'm not sure what that means, but there may be some subjective truth there.

Amenities are quite similar. Following are some differences: 27 has two fixed settees; 28 has one pullout to a "double." 27 gives you legroom to lie down on the port settee by tucking legs under the stove. It does work! 28 cockpit extends to the stern, while the 27 has an aft lazarette. This does make them look different. Headroom on the 27 is only an honest 5'11" while the 28 gives you more. Engine access is better on the 27 (I think) because the top step removes to give you some top access to the engine. I'm not as familiar with the 28 setup but I think it's more difficult to get access. Alot depends on the engine model. The 27 displaces 7500 while the 28 displaces 9000. That is a significant difference. 28 has club footed jib (unless rig has been changed) while the 27 has standard jid/headsail arrangement. Many 28s and 27s have been altered to a roller furling headsail setup. Hard to say one is *better*. They are both Cape Dorys and share a very similar feeling. Depends on your mix of needs and preferences.

What are the plus and minus of each boat. Which would be the better boat. I have cocerns over the engine in the CD 28

goldy@bestweb.net

[Lyn Heiges]

What are the plus and minus of each boat. Which would be the better boat. I have cocerns over the engine in the CD 28

Scott,

I presently own both a 1980 CD27 and a 1981 CD28. The CD27 has the original Yanmar YSM-8 which is a very reliable engine and although discontinued in production (superceded by the 1GM series of single-cylinder engines), parts immediately available through Yanmar dealers and a central parts location near Chicago. The CD28 has a replacement engine for the original Volvo which is a Yanmar 2GM20F two-cylinder engine. It is a current model engine although this is a 1993 version. Previously I have had Volvo-Penta engines and did find parts support difficult. I had contacts in Sweden who were no better than I in getting parts. I ended up giving a friend who had a similar Volvo-Penta in his boat my block of iron for parts (if he was lucky). Yanmar has world-wide parts availability and seems to support out-of-production engines extremely well.

As for the two boats, there are pros and cons for each. I have owned the CD27 for 14+ years and she has served me well. FYI, she is presently for sale in the Baltimore area. I was going to transport her to Florida from Maryland, but by the time I calculated the expenses of this and shopped around for another one, I found a CD28 which was about break-even priced. That is not to say that I am not paying insurance on two CDs, upkeep, slip fees in Maryland, etc.

Anyway, Cape Dory seemed to have a break-point in interior design philosophy between the CD27 (and smaller CDs) and the CD28 (and larger CDs). Both deigns are fine and between these two vessels, the resulting volume is about equal. Overall, storage is easier to get to and "dig in" on the CD27.

Engine access is about 10 times better and you can easily get all around the YSM-8 (or YSM-12 in later runs) and the transmission on the CD27!! Biggest problem on the CD28 and makes check-ups difficult!

There is more fresh (potable) water carried on the CD28 which takes up valuable storage space. Not a big issue unless you are going on extended cruises.

There is a 6-gallon engine and/or electric hot-water heater on the CD28 and a shower, but is this of real necessity unless you are on the hook and not able to go into a yacht club or other marina with showers?

There is more storage for sails, etc. in the cockpit lazarettes on the CD27 (has 3 vs. 2) plus no water heater buried in the starboard lazarette to contend with.

The CD28 has a self-tending jib boom attached to the deck near the bow for a club-footed jib. It is a great invention, but many owners have removed them to use roller-furling systems and clear the deck for other uses or to make it "cleaner".

The CD28 has a bowsprit, but how often are you Capt. Hornblower? Good for holding the anchor(s), but something else sticking out in close quarters.

Sailing characteristics are about the same and the heavier displacement of the CD28 does what Sir. Issac Newton declared in his Three Laws of Physics regarding a body at rest, a body in motion and equal actions and opposite reactions. The CD28 is much less forgiving due to greater weight when docking, etc.

The CD28 has slightly more headroom, if you're 6-foot, 3-inches (like me) a second hatch in the main cabin area and slightly more beam.

They are both great boats and I love them both. I plan to keep the CD28 for the rest of my life, but who knows? I said that about the CD27 and now I am going to split with her! I'm sure it'll be another CD if I do it again, but larger or smaller? Only time will tell!

Hope I've given you some insight! Contact me if I can be of help!

Sincerely,
Lyn Heiges
CD28 MOON CHILD
CD27 GUILLEMOT



lheiges@compuserve.com

[Tom Vanco]

Scott,

I don't know about the 27 but I can say that last year I bought a 1983 CD 28 and have found the boat great. I sail on Lake Erie. Erie has a lot of rough weather with steep choppy seas. As you have read from the other 28 owner she weights 9000lb. That means that she is not a dragster, But she does sail VERY WELL. That weight cuts through steep seas and doesn't cause the boat to jump around.

My last boat was a lighter displacement that would catch the light breezes and excellerate well. But that came at a cost in Erie's 4 and 5 foot"chop".
Fast is a relative term. The CD 28 is as fast as any other 28 foot boat, once she gets up to speed. She just won't get there as fast. But then again she will not lose the speed as fast as the lighter boat either. This is a plus in light fluky winds.

I am now a firm believer in heavy displacement boat.

I have the Volvo MD7-B. It starts first time EVERY time. And it just runs and runs. Yes Volvo parts are more expensive but these engines are designed to run forever. Keep the oil and fuel clean and you shouldn't have any problems.

I wouldn't pass up a good boat because it has a volvo engine in it. Volvo makes a good engine.


Tom

s/v ANNIE