Hi all,
I am considering purchasing a CD25. I plan on single handed sailing the cape (cape Cod in Mass) and the islands this summer. I am considering taking the summer (or more) off from work and living on the boat. What has attracted me to the CD 25 is its lines and reported stability and seaworthyness. I have years of sailing experience, grew up near Mystic CT and sailed with my dad on his 36 ft choy lee.
With that said, I have a few issues. I am considering an autopilot (sailing alone I figure it will come in handy). Any suggestions on manufactures, set-ups, pro's, con's and the like would be great.
Also, with the OB in the well, what options do I have to keep the batterys charged? I am thinking a flex solar panel, or a wind powered charging system. Or, I have heard of OB's with alternators, but wonder if that would be enough. Running the OB to charge the battery makes me cringe. comments?
As far as summering on the boat, I dont need much room, and adding a few feet to any boat adds $$$$ to the cost. The CD25 seems like a good compromise. Also with the engine hidden, easy to service and sipping gas, it looks economical too. Any things I should look out for or areas on a CD 25 that could spell "don't buy this boat"? I am looking at 1974 to 1978 CD25's.
As I narrowed my search for a boat, I have come to the following conclusions: an outboard hanging off the back of a sailboat has to be one of the uglyist sights known to man, and there are alot of UGLY used sailboats in the 24-28 ft range.
Thanks to all who reply. Post here or email me direct: dbeck26@hotmail.com
Thanks
dbeck26@hotmail.com
CD25, autopilot, and electrical query
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Mike Wankum
Re: CD25, autopilot, and electrical query
Dave:
You might want to consider a 25D. It is a marginally larger vessel, but much more spacious inside. 6' Headroom, full head, and an inboard diesel. 25ds are harder to find (Cape Dory built just 184 of them.), and a bit more expensive, but you'll find a few of them for sale at any given time.
Practiacl Sailor has reviews of both the 25 and 25d. You can get the fax sheet from them, or many libraries have the two volume book that includes many other boats.
If you'd like, you can see my 25d. Just drop me an email, I'm in Scituate, MA.
Mike
mwankum@tribune.com
You might want to consider a 25D. It is a marginally larger vessel, but much more spacious inside. 6' Headroom, full head, and an inboard diesel. 25ds are harder to find (Cape Dory built just 184 of them.), and a bit more expensive, but you'll find a few of them for sale at any given time.
Practiacl Sailor has reviews of both the 25 and 25d. You can get the fax sheet from them, or many libraries have the two volume book that includes many other boats.
If you'd like, you can see my 25d. Just drop me an email, I'm in Scituate, MA.
Mike
mwankum@tribune.com
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Jim
Re: CD25, autopilot, and electrical query
I have only owned my 81 CD25 for one year. As I have 3 and 6 year old daughters that I daysail and cruise with. I am mostly single handed (actually it is more like one hand tied behind my back!)
I bought the 81 because of the 6 bronze openning ports and the bridge deck (not available on earlier models) I do not think I could live on board in the summer without that extra ventilation. If the non standing headroom is not an issue for you I think the 25 would be great. There are of course other considerations such as refrigeration and sewage but if you are at a dock or a marina with great facilities they can be worked out.
I have a 100% jib on a roller furler and lazy jacks on the main. I lead the main halyard and jiffy reefing line to a stopper on the aft port cabin top. I have a nissan 8 horse with an alternator.
I just was on a 2 day trip last week. Thursday was 15-20 knots on Block Island sound with 6-8 foot waves. It was great! Friday was rain with no wind. I would not think of using an auto pilot while the sailing is good but for the no wind days when you have to get somewhere I am considering a Simrad tiller pilot which draws less than 1 amp so the engine will cover the load.
I prefer things to be simple so if I am going to have an auxilliary I prefer the outboard. If I were going to live aboard I would probably get a CD 26. More headroom and an Outboard in a well. Your best bet of course is to go for test sails and kick the tires.
jmyers@styluscentral.com
I bought the 81 because of the 6 bronze openning ports and the bridge deck (not available on earlier models) I do not think I could live on board in the summer without that extra ventilation. If the non standing headroom is not an issue for you I think the 25 would be great. There are of course other considerations such as refrigeration and sewage but if you are at a dock or a marina with great facilities they can be worked out.
I have a 100% jib on a roller furler and lazy jacks on the main. I lead the main halyard and jiffy reefing line to a stopper on the aft port cabin top. I have a nissan 8 horse with an alternator.
I just was on a 2 day trip last week. Thursday was 15-20 knots on Block Island sound with 6-8 foot waves. It was great! Friday was rain with no wind. I would not think of using an auto pilot while the sailing is good but for the no wind days when you have to get somewhere I am considering a Simrad tiller pilot which draws less than 1 amp so the engine will cover the load.
I prefer things to be simple so if I am going to have an auxilliary I prefer the outboard. If I were going to live aboard I would probably get a CD 26. More headroom and an Outboard in a well. Your best bet of course is to go for test sails and kick the tires.
jmyers@styluscentral.com