How bluewater capable is the Cape Dory 25?

[bryan062087]

Looking for some informative/honest input on how bluewater capable a Cape Dory 25 is or could be (with modifications).

Is the hull design sound/seaworthy? It is not an Alberg design like the 25d. How much of a pounding can the hull take? Any problem with stress, spider cracks? Whats the longevity of the fiberglass construction like?

Is the outboard motor and no option for an inboard diesel a huge limiting factor?

Is the rigging and mast strength acceptable or strong enough only for daysailing and mild weather conditions.

Is the 3 foot draft too short?

Thanks.

[bryan062087]

Well I think I posted too soon. I found my answer in this thread The Cape Dory Board • View topic - Cape Dory 25 and offshore cruising

In case anyone else is wondering.


However, if anyone has any more opinions I would like to hear them as well.

[deniseO30]

I think the question others here will ask of you first is; Are you "blue water" capable? 3ft draft is not very inspiring to me. It's a small boat! But then, even rowboats have done "blue water"

[celenoglu]

Blue water capable and doing blue water are a lot different. Blue water capability demands a lot of space for water, food and other needs, and a stiff enough boat. A 25 ft boat is hardly blue water capable.

[bryan062087]

What kind of bad weather can the CD 25 take?

Could it survive a knockdown?

[souljour2000]

Originally Posted by celenoglu

Blue water capable and doing blue water are a lot different. Blue water capability demands a lot of space for water, food and other needs, and a stiff enough boat. A 25 ft boat is hardly blue water capable.

I'd venture to say i'd rather be in a Cape Dory 25 with that 3-foot draft in a big force 10 blow than alot of 30-footers that have 5-foot draft fin keel...this is because of the narrow beam and elongated keel of the cape Dory should make her easier to hold her bow into the waves...she won't fall off as much .I have no desire to be in any boat in a force 10 though...should make that clear.

[cupper3]

Originally Posted by celenoglu

Blue water capable and doing blue water are a lot different. Blue water capability demands a lot of space for water, food and other needs, and a stiff enough boat. A 25 ft boat is hardly blue water capable.

Add 2 feet. At least this 27′ Albin-Vega did pretty good. Full story here.

Although, one needs to admit, it kinds of looks a bit ugly at the end.

[Cruiser2B]

There are definitely alot of opinions about what is and what is not "blue water capable".

I suggest you check out this site

Introduction to the junk-rigged Corribee Mingming

21 or 22 ft boat modified for serious offshore work. says he carries stores for 70+ days, no gismos and gadgets, just pure hardcore small boat sailing.

Also check out

sailFar.net

lots of small offshore boats & sailors there too.

As others have mentioned, are you up to offshore work in a 25ft boat?

I am going to try it in an Alberg 30.......I think I am ready

[gbaratta]

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