I am strongly considering the purchase of a CD 27 or 28 and would like some objective opinions from any folks who would like to give them....I have heard that the 28 has a lot more room than the 27 but that the 27 sails considerably better...maybe because of 1500 lbs. less weight?? I have looked at 28s and liked them, but haven't yet looked at a 27.....but would like to. Any info provided on either will be appreciated....Thanks!
cstalker@cheshire.net
CD 27 vs. 28
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Neil Gordon
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
I looked at both the 27 and the 28, but have only sailed the 28. Yes, there's a big difference on the inside. But I also have friends that spent much of the summer cruising a 27 with a teenage daughter and did just fine.
There's been lots of discussion about whether the 27 is a better sailor... with no conclusion.
Either is a great boat. What sort of sailing will you be doing?
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
There's been lots of discussion about whether the 27 is a better sailor... with no conclusion.
Either is a great boat. What sort of sailing will you be doing?
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Bill Goldsmith
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
I have had a 27 for three seasons and can offer the following observations:
The 28 is larger inside, but not materially. By that I mean they are basically the same layout with opposing settees in the salon, a head on the port side just forward of the salon and a hanging locker opposing (some differences exist--I believe some 28s have a sink opposite in the locker area). My 27 has no sink in the head at all. The 28 has a pullout settee to sleep 3 in the salon (one double and a single) whereas the 27 does not. The headroom makes a difference as well. I am just shy of 6' (about 5' 11 1/2" and cannot stand in the middle of the main salon with boat shoes on in my 27 without cocking my head just a little. However, on my neighbor's 28 I can stand without that limitation.
Another interesting difference: On the 27 they snuck alot of little galley storage areas back underneath the bridge deck and cockpit. For me it's just a bit awkward to reach back there (but not for my wife who is just 5'.) On the 28 the galley is probably alot less awkward expecially for taller folks.
The cockpits are about the same with one major difference: On the 27 there is a lazarette hatch aft of the cockpit that reveals a huge locker. I can store my spare anchor and rode, extra dock lines, a manual bilge pump, and four 8 in dia. fenders (without deflating) in there and still get the cover closed. All without asking guests to stand up to get to the cockpit seat lockers. I really like that feature (the 28 does not have it). It also makes a really nice steering seat in calm weather when you don't need alot of leverage on the tiller.
I cannot comment on sailing characteristics as I have only visited my neighbor's 28 at the dock. However I am led to believe that they are very, very similar under sail with perhaps a slight edge in light air for the 27. However, the 28 has more sail area and a longer LWL so I have to believe that the 28 has the edge. This is an ongoing source of debate on this board.
Rigging-wise the only notable differences that come to mind are: The 28 forestay is attached to the bowsprit, secured by a bobstay, allowing for a bit more sail area forward of the mast. On the 27 the forestay is attached to the stemhead. Also on the 28 most were delivered with a club-footed jib boom to allow for easy tacking, but I believe many owners have removed this feature in favor of roller-furled genoa sails.
That's all I can think of for now--Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either model--just find one that suits your personal needs the best and go sailing!!
All the best
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 # 173 (1980)
Second Chance
Another difference: On the 28 there is a deck hatch in the main salon whereas on the 27 the only hatch is in the v-berth. I am not sure if there is much of a difference ventilation-wise because of all the opening ports on both models, but is worth a note.
goldy@bestweb.net
The 28 is larger inside, but not materially. By that I mean they are basically the same layout with opposing settees in the salon, a head on the port side just forward of the salon and a hanging locker opposing (some differences exist--I believe some 28s have a sink opposite in the locker area). My 27 has no sink in the head at all. The 28 has a pullout settee to sleep 3 in the salon (one double and a single) whereas the 27 does not. The headroom makes a difference as well. I am just shy of 6' (about 5' 11 1/2" and cannot stand in the middle of the main salon with boat shoes on in my 27 without cocking my head just a little. However, on my neighbor's 28 I can stand without that limitation.
Another interesting difference: On the 27 they snuck alot of little galley storage areas back underneath the bridge deck and cockpit. For me it's just a bit awkward to reach back there (but not for my wife who is just 5'.) On the 28 the galley is probably alot less awkward expecially for taller folks.
The cockpits are about the same with one major difference: On the 27 there is a lazarette hatch aft of the cockpit that reveals a huge locker. I can store my spare anchor and rode, extra dock lines, a manual bilge pump, and four 8 in dia. fenders (without deflating) in there and still get the cover closed. All without asking guests to stand up to get to the cockpit seat lockers. I really like that feature (the 28 does not have it). It also makes a really nice steering seat in calm weather when you don't need alot of leverage on the tiller.
I cannot comment on sailing characteristics as I have only visited my neighbor's 28 at the dock. However I am led to believe that they are very, very similar under sail with perhaps a slight edge in light air for the 27. However, the 28 has more sail area and a longer LWL so I have to believe that the 28 has the edge. This is an ongoing source of debate on this board.
Rigging-wise the only notable differences that come to mind are: The 28 forestay is attached to the bowsprit, secured by a bobstay, allowing for a bit more sail area forward of the mast. On the 27 the forestay is attached to the stemhead. Also on the 28 most were delivered with a club-footed jib boom to allow for easy tacking, but I believe many owners have removed this feature in favor of roller-furled genoa sails.
That's all I can think of for now--Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either model--just find one that suits your personal needs the best and go sailing!!
All the best
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 # 173 (1980)
Second Chance
Another difference: On the 28 there is a deck hatch in the main salon whereas on the 27 the only hatch is in the v-berth. I am not sure if there is much of a difference ventilation-wise because of all the opening ports on both models, but is worth a note.
Clay Stalker wrote: I am strongly considering the purchase of a CD 27 or 28 and would like some objective opinions from any folks who would like to give them....I have heard that the 28 has a lot more room than the 27 but that the 27 sails considerably better...maybe because of 1500 lbs. less weight?? I have looked at 28s and liked them, but haven't yet looked at a 27.....but would like to. Any info provided on either will be appreciated....Thanks!
goldy@bestweb.net
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John M
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
Bill,
You did an OUTSTANDING comparison between the CD27 and the CD28.
John
CD28 #346
Intrepid
johnmartin55@hotmail.com
You did an OUTSTANDING comparison between the CD27 and the CD28.
John
CD28 #346
Intrepid
johnmartin55@hotmail.com
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Clay Stalker
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
Neil- I presently sail a 1985 Quickstep 24 out of Apponaug Harbor Marina in Warwick, Rhode Island. I am trying to sell the Quickstep, which I truly love but she's just getting too small....I am actively looking for a CD 27 or 28, maybe even a 30 if the price is right, and would prefer a 1982 or later if possible....Thanks everyone for the great comments....Clay StalkerNeil Gordon wrote: I looked at both the 27 and the 28, but have only sailed the 28. Yes, there's a big difference on the inside. But I also have friends that spent much of the summer cruising a 27 with a teenage daughter and did just fine.
There's been lots of discussion about whether the 27 is a better sailor... with no conclusion.
Either is a great boat. What sort of sailing will you be doing?
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
cstalker@cheshire.net
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Richard G
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
Never sailed the 28, own a 27 and think that she is prettier. No great help in your choice, only my very predjudiced opinion.
aldajon@aol.com
aldajon@aol.com
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Bill
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
Have looked at a 28 and a friend owns a 27...I agree that the 27 has a prettier lines.......
IMHO.
Bill
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
IMHO.
Bill
Richard G wrote: Never sailed the 28, own a 27 and think that she is prettier. No great help in your choice, only my very predjudiced opinion.
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
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Carol Faber
Re: CD 27 vs. 28
I want to add a couple of comments to Bill's very complete note. My husband and I sail a 1982 CD 28, spending almost a month each summer cruising/living aboard. Now that I've read the comments about the 27, I think we wouldn't trade, even if the 27 did prove to have a slight sailing edge, and here's why.
The opposing berths in the main salon are labled "CD 28/30" which I assume means the 27s are probably a bit shorter. My husband is 6'2" and we've found the V-berth is just a bit too cramped in the foot area for us to share, so we always pull out the double. In a 27, then, we'd have to sleep separately.
Having a sink in the head is nice. For instance, I can brush my teeth while my husband does the dishes. Our hanging locker is behind the head and has plenty of room for all our pants, shirts, jackets, etc. for a month, so the sink replacing the 27's locker space isn't a problem.
Our galley storage sounds very similar to the 27's. We, too, have bins under the bridge deck, but for me (I'm 5'7") that's not a problem.
Finally, I love our club jib. Every now and then my husband makes noises about switching to roller furling, but I remind him about possible jamming (which has happened to us on charter boats with RF). His reply is always that as long as I'm willing to go forward to make headsail changes, he's content to keep the club. The self-tacking capability is really wonderful.
I guess one thing to consider is what type of sailing you plan to do. The extra room below is great for cruising, but if you plan primarily to go out on day sails or weekends, then maybe you don't need so much space. You can probably get a nice 27 for less money than a 28.
Good luck!
Carol Faber
Evensong, CD 28 Hull #319
Grand Traverse Bay, MI
fabers@traverse.com
The opposing berths in the main salon are labled "CD 28/30" which I assume means the 27s are probably a bit shorter. My husband is 6'2" and we've found the V-berth is just a bit too cramped in the foot area for us to share, so we always pull out the double. In a 27, then, we'd have to sleep separately.
Having a sink in the head is nice. For instance, I can brush my teeth while my husband does the dishes. Our hanging locker is behind the head and has plenty of room for all our pants, shirts, jackets, etc. for a month, so the sink replacing the 27's locker space isn't a problem.
Our galley storage sounds very similar to the 27's. We, too, have bins under the bridge deck, but for me (I'm 5'7") that's not a problem.
Finally, I love our club jib. Every now and then my husband makes noises about switching to roller furling, but I remind him about possible jamming (which has happened to us on charter boats with RF). His reply is always that as long as I'm willing to go forward to make headsail changes, he's content to keep the club. The self-tacking capability is really wonderful.
I guess one thing to consider is what type of sailing you plan to do. The extra room below is great for cruising, but if you plan primarily to go out on day sails or weekends, then maybe you don't need so much space. You can probably get a nice 27 for less money than a 28.
Good luck!
Carol Faber
Evensong, CD 28 Hull #319
Grand Traverse Bay, MI
Bill Goldsmith wrote: I have had a 27 for three seasons and can offer the following observations:
The 28 is larger inside, but not materially. By that I mean they are basically the same layout with opposing settees in the salon, a head on the port side just forward of the salon and a hanging locker opposing (some differences exist--I believe some 28s have a sink opposite in the locker area). My 27 has no sink in the head at all. The 28 has a pullout settee to sleep 3 in the salon (one double and a single) whereas the 27 does not. The headroom makes a difference as well. I am just shy of 6' (about 5' 11 1/2" and cannot stand in the middle of the main salon with boat shoes on in my 27 without cocking my head just a little. However, on my neighbor's 28 I can stand without that limitation.
Another interesting difference: On the 27 they snuck alot of little galley storage areas back underneath the bridge deck and cockpit. For me it's just a bit awkward to reach back there (but not for my wife who is just 5'.) On the 28 the galley is probably alot less awkward expecially for taller folks.
The cockpits are about the same with one major difference: On the 27 there is a lazarette hatch aft of the cockpit that reveals a huge locker. I can store my spare anchor and rode, extra dock lines, a manual bilge pump, and four 8 in dia. fenders (without deflating) in there and still get the cover closed. All without asking guests to stand up to get to the cockpit seat lockers. I really like that feature (the 28 does not have it). It also makes a really nice steering seat in calm weather when you don't need alot of leverage on the tiller.
I cannot comment on sailing characteristics as I have only visited my neighbor's 28 at the dock. However I am led to believe that they are very, very similar under sail with perhaps a slight edge in light air for the 27. However, the 28 has more sail area and a longer LWL so I have to believe that the 28 has the edge. This is an ongoing source of debate on this board.
Rigging-wise the only notable differences that come to mind are: The 28 forestay is attached to the bowsprit, secured by a bobstay, allowing for a bit more sail area forward of the mast. On the 27 the forestay is attached to the stemhead. Also on the 28 most were delivered with a club-footed jib boom to allow for easy tacking, but I believe many owners have removed this feature in favor of roller-furled genoa sails.
That's all I can think of for now--Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either model--just find one that suits your personal needs the best and go sailing!!
All the best
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 # 173 (1980)
Second Chance
Another difference: On the 28 there is a deck hatch in the main salon whereas on the 27 the only hatch is in the v-berth. I am not sure if there is much of a difference ventilation-wise because of all the opening ports on both models, but is worth a note.
fabers@traverse.com