Ahoy There, All!
I'm a week away from squandering my savings on a '78 cutter-rigged, 13hp Volvo Penta, original (worn) running rigging, original (a bit yellowed; stretched main) sails, restorable brightwork, reasonably well cared for, no frills CD30... Hull #87. Her whole life spent in fresh water (No. MI). I'm stepping up from a 23' Dolphin, which makes a 9' beam and 6' cabin height seem like luxury. Until two weeks ago, I knew squat about Cape Dory, except that I loved the hull shape; Had great wind for the sea trial, made her go fast and point well. I've arranged a survey, but in the meantime I'd be interested in any advice-- I might be singing to the choir here, but any thoughts on the wisdom of spending $22K? Good deal, or caveat emptor? What problem areas of the species should I ask the owner about? Is she actually big enough inside for a couple to inhabit for a few weeks' time? Any help would be much appreciated, be it encouragement or warning...
Help! About to take the plunge on a CD30!
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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kevin aubuchon
Re: Help! About to take the plunge on a CD30!
As long as the hull,deck and rigging is good, 22K is a great price! You can always add frills later. Some of the CD30 owners might respond with specific areas to examine. Every CD30 i've seen on the market has been double that price.Geoff Safron wrote: Ahoy There, All!
I'm a week away from squandering my savings on a '78 :cutter-rigged, CD30
CD25 owner,
kevin aubuchon
abuchoko@maritz.com
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Jon Larson
Re: Help! About to take the plunge on a CD30!
Geoff,
First of all, go find the toughest surveyor you can find to check out the boat, he should also be able to give you some advice on the worth of specific boats in your specific area.
The 1970's Cape Dory 30's did drop off in used value quite a bit from the 1980's CD30's. I used to follow this in the BUC books of used boat prices. I never fully understood this, but I do know that quite a lot of teak and storage space was added to the later CD30's that wasn't in the early ones....the first CD30 I was ever in only had a few teak floor boards, not the full teak and holly sole, for example. But, it's the same basic boat built to the same design, etc, etc. If the boat is in good shape, or if the price allows for whatever defects may be there, then go for it. But do have it surveyed!!
The only real repair I've done on my CD30 was to replace the original White Oak bowsprit which had rotted out where the bowsprit had overlapped the deck. I don't think it was properly sealed when the boat was built. I've also, pro forma, replaced all the standing rigging on the boat (a 1981) as the blustery conditions here on the Bay typically call for a rigging replacement every 10 to 15 years. I did have my original main recut, that cost was nominal and made quite a difference in PERI's ability to point and you might wish to consider that.
Good luck, do let all who follow these discussions know how you make out!!
Jon Larson
Cape Dory 30 PERI
San Francisco Bay
jon9@ix.netcom.com
First of all, go find the toughest surveyor you can find to check out the boat, he should also be able to give you some advice on the worth of specific boats in your specific area.
The 1970's Cape Dory 30's did drop off in used value quite a bit from the 1980's CD30's. I used to follow this in the BUC books of used boat prices. I never fully understood this, but I do know that quite a lot of teak and storage space was added to the later CD30's that wasn't in the early ones....the first CD30 I was ever in only had a few teak floor boards, not the full teak and holly sole, for example. But, it's the same basic boat built to the same design, etc, etc. If the boat is in good shape, or if the price allows for whatever defects may be there, then go for it. But do have it surveyed!!
The only real repair I've done on my CD30 was to replace the original White Oak bowsprit which had rotted out where the bowsprit had overlapped the deck. I don't think it was properly sealed when the boat was built. I've also, pro forma, replaced all the standing rigging on the boat (a 1981) as the blustery conditions here on the Bay typically call for a rigging replacement every 10 to 15 years. I did have my original main recut, that cost was nominal and made quite a difference in PERI's ability to point and you might wish to consider that.
Good luck, do let all who follow these discussions know how you make out!!
Jon Larson
Cape Dory 30 PERI
San Francisco Bay
Geoff Safron wrote: Ahoy There, All!
I'm a week away from squandering my savings on a '78 cutter-rigged, 13hp Volvo Penta, original (worn) running rigging, original (a bit yellowed; stretched main) sails, restorable brightwork, reasonably well cared for, no frills CD30... Hull #87. Her whole life spent in fresh water (No. MI). I'm stepping up from a 23' Dolphin, which makes a 9' beam and 6' cabin height seem like luxury. Until two weeks ago, I knew squat about Cape Dory, except that I loved the hull shape; Had great wind for the sea trial, made her go fast and point well. I've arranged a survey, but in the meantime I'd be interested in any advice-- I might be singing to the choir here, but any thoughts on the wisdom of spending $22K? Good deal, or caveat emptor? What problem areas of the species should I ask the owner about? Is she actually big enough inside for a couple to inhabit for a few weeks' time? Any help would be much appreciated, be it encouragement or warning...
jon9@ix.netcom.com
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Olli Wendelin
Re: Help! About to take the plunge on a CD30!
Geoff,Geoff Safron wrote: Ahoy There, All!
I'm a week away from squandering my savings
This summer I purchased a 1977 CD30 ketch, hull #36. Have enjoyed it every weekend since. Definately worth the money.
The price for yours looks good. Have the boat surveyed by the best licenced surveyor you can find. it costs a bit, but you need it for insurance anyway. Try to obtain any material history that you can from the previous owner. Age of rigging? Sails? Last engine overhaul? Pay particular attention to through hull fittings and the balsa cored deck. A boat this age will have lots of little things to fix or improve, but the surveyor can advise of any major problems.
A friend who owns a CD28 recently sailed with me. He was suprised how much difference in size there was between the CD28 and CD30. Also the CD30 rode the waves much smoother.
Olli Wendelin
Cape Dory 30 BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil
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Neil Gordon
Re: Help! About to take the plunge on a CD30!
re: space on a CD30 for a couple for a week...
We have a CD28... two people can live on it forever. We've spent as many as four nites and are still married. <G>
Neil
s/v Sanderling
CD28 #167
We have a CD28... two people can live on it forever. We've spent as many as four nites and are still married. <G>
Neil
s/v Sanderling
CD28 #167
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John
CD30 Plunge
Geoff: We own a CD 30, she is a 1983, hull #271. What can I say but that I'm biased! Actually the 30 is fine for a couples use as you describe, as long as the narrower beam doesn't bother you. I think the only difficulty with the thirty is in the area of the forepeak, the narrower beam does make it a wee bit cramped. This may be due to the folding door. I curse it sometimes. Lets face it, you both will be on deck most of the time so it shouldn't be a major concern. I generally consider the thirty a solid investment as far as a boat is concerned. The greatest handicap of the boat is engine access. This can be rectified though by some modifications to the cockpit sole and the port bulkhead just forward of the fuel tank. We now have very good engine access after doing so. Aside from that I don't really see any other problem with the boat. Ours is fitted out to the hilt and then some. You name it and I think we've probably installed it. Its amazing how much available space ther is in the thirty for equipment, and still retaining almost all storage. I wish at times the thirty had larger cockpit lockers but then she wouldn't have that beautiful Alberg stern that first captured the hearts of most Dory owners. I get compliments all the time like " she's a beautiful boat - what great lines...who makes it? " As for the quality, it speaks for itself. Sail one and you fall in love with its motion and speed for its full keel design. It points very well. Its tank capacities are great for its size and top quality as well. The engine @ 13hp is a little under powered in my opinion, a 18 or 20hp would be a positive improvement. As far as price is concerned I don't know if that is a good price. As others have stated a high quality survey is imperative. Remember though that no one cares about your hard earned dollars more than yourself. Do your homework and learn what to look for! I don't think you will find any terrible problems with a Dory however. I can tell you that if ours were on the market we would be listing at between forty and fifty K, probably at the higher end due to all the upgrades and top quality equipment. I'm sure there isn't another thirty like her anywhere. That has a lot to do with price regardless what brokers have to say. Stay away from BUC prices when it comes to sailboats of any kind. It's a joke! They use a much greater sampling method for arriving at powerboat prices than sail. The book simply doesn't reflect the sail market accurately. Remember they base their prices on sales reports they solicit and they don't solicit many sailboat reports, primarily powerboat reports. That is info from a friend I have in the brokerage business in Florida. Hope that sheds some light for you. If after you buy the 30 and you would like to chat about it or ask questions on what we've done to ours you can reach me at riesimage@juno.com , best of luck; John
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Pat C.
RE: CD30 Plunge
Geoff,
We have owned our CD30 Ketch for about 2 years and we love it.
We've upgraded the Volvo 13hp engine to a Universal 23hp. Sailing in the Gulf Stream and along the Florida coast & Intracoastal, we found that 13hp just wasn't enough. It was expensive, but worth it since we plan to keep this boat for a LONG time. If the engine on the boat you are buying is worn, you may want to take getting a new engine into consideration. If you plan to keep the old one, we know where you can get parts...our old engine is still at the shop (and it has a brand new starter (a story for another time).
As far as staying on the boat for long periods of time, it's been no problem for us (we get along well). We've even toyed with the idea of living aboard. Remember there are tradeoffs. A beamier boat of this length will have more room below, but may not handle rough situations as well. We've been in 6-9' seas, 15kts wind with no problem. She's a stiff, safe boat.
Go
vlnx25b@prodigy.com
We have owned our CD30 Ketch for about 2 years and we love it.
We've upgraded the Volvo 13hp engine to a Universal 23hp. Sailing in the Gulf Stream and along the Florida coast & Intracoastal, we found that 13hp just wasn't enough. It was expensive, but worth it since we plan to keep this boat for a LONG time. If the engine on the boat you are buying is worn, you may want to take getting a new engine into consideration. If you plan to keep the old one, we know where you can get parts...our old engine is still at the shop (and it has a brand new starter (a story for another time).
As far as staying on the boat for long periods of time, it's been no problem for us (we get along well). We've even toyed with the idea of living aboard. Remember there are tradeoffs. A beamier boat of this length will have more room below, but may not handle rough situations as well. We've been in 6-9' seas, 15kts wind with no problem. She's a stiff, safe boat.
Go
vlnx25b@prodigy.com