Intrepid 9M? advice requested.

[Dave H]

The space below deck on the Intrepid 9M has been looking very appealing to me of late. And I'm thinking of going to look at one for sale locally this Sat. I am seeking advice from anyone who has experience with this design.

I like the look of the skeg on the rudder, but I wonder about the fin keel. I see they were made by Cape Dory from 79 to 81, and 40 were built. The description talks about lots of space for tall people, and room for gear. The one for sale locally has wheel steering. I see that there is an anchor locker in the foredeck. Does anyone know if a 22 lb Delta will fit in the locker. Does an anchor locker preclude having a windlass?

The big news on "Puffin" (my Ty Senior) this year was a great pair of knee pads. But by haul-out time, I have worn the knee pads out. My interests are daysailing and cruising with 1,2, or 3. I am located on the South Shore of Lake Superior in the vicinity of the Apostle Islands.

Thank-you. any comments would be most welcome.

[harveyr933]

Hi Dave, The headroom in the 9 Meter is good as long as you're under 6 feet, I'm 6' 2" and have to bend slightly. I doubt the Delta anchor would fit into the anchor locker since it's fairly shallow....maybe 10 inches deep and may not work for a windlass although I don't know that for sure.
The keel on the Intrepid allows for more agility for the boat but won't hold a course as well as the full keel models. My boat is a 1980 model and is holding up well structurally. There are the normal amount of gel coat cracks but little else. Last Spring I had the upper rudder bearing replaced for binding. While the yard was in there they checked the rudder port and found it very worn....said they didn't know why it wasn't leaking.
In addition, the motor, probably a Volvo MD-7, will likely be close to the end of it's useful life. Mine was having heating issues and I replaced it with a Betamarine 16 two years ago. It made life good.

[Dave H]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your reply. I apologize for the slow reply. I got very busy looking at boats. After looking at several, I made an offer on the Intrepid 9M, and the seller accepted my offer! So next spring I will have her hauled from Afton, MN to Washburn, Wi. Washburn is on the South Shore of Lake Superior, just across Chequamegon Bay from Ashland, and pretty close to the Apostle Islands. I am very happy about the new boat. Thanks again for your comments. Very helpful. I think the Intrepid 9M fits all of my criteria very well.

Dave

[harveyr933]

Congratulations Dave,
I hope you'll be happy with the boat and should find it every bit as well built as the full keel Alberg designed Cape Dory models. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

[Paul D.]

Congrats Dave, look forward to seeing you out on the water next season.