Cape Dory 33 & Blue Water

[Fabrice Paracuellos]

Hi,

I am looking to get my first blue water boat. Is the Cape Dory 33 a good offshore boat? What should I be concerned about when evaluating a CD 33?

Thanks,

Fabrice Paracuellos



fabricep@home.com

[Ryan Turner]

Hi Fabrice,

The CD33 is a great offshore boat. I've just returned from a three month trip from NC to the Bahamas and much of that sailing was done offshore. We took six days to sail offshore from NC to the Abacos and never once doubted the integrity or ability of the boat. Along the way we encountered a strong cold front which brought 40 knots of wind and large seas. I've never seen the boat perform as well as in those winds. The boat absolutely came alive. I'd not hesitate to take a CD33 across the Atlantic (properly equipped of course). The only downfall may be limited storage and speed. No full keel boat is going to be very fast but then again running aground is not much of a big deal either. Write if you have any specific questions.

Ryan Turner
CD 33 hull no. 100
Oriental, NC



rdtsails@email.msn.com

[Jay Zittrer]

For about the same money as a Cape Dory 33 you can also buy an Alberg 37. These two boats have about the same amount of living space with the 37 having more storage. The 37 should really outsail the CD33 though. The 37 is a surprisingly fast boat particularly for a 16,800lb full keel boat and is available in a yawl rig. There are many opinions on the subject of Yawls and lots of those are favorable for offshore work. Take a look at www.alberg37.org



JZittrer@aol.com