What do you guys think about this Cape Dory 26 on ebay:
CAPE DORY 26 SLOOP , 1985 in Sailboats | eBay Motors

 

from the pictures, it looks like a really nice, clean, well maintained boat. Looks like it would be worth a look.

 

The Cape Dory 26 on ebay looks excellent. I agree with the owner regarding the outboard. Honda outboards are great. However, you won't get the range of a diesel, or the battery charge. And you've got gasoline right next to your hot engine...yikes!

The Carl Albert Designed Cape Dory is an excellent boat...extremely rugged, built to take anything, and beautifully finished. The full keel design is meant for the ocean.

HOWEVER...this is a pretty small boat for that kind of money. For example, there is an O'Day 30 on ebay for $5k, with an inboard yanmar. Do you want to have a boat thats already done up, or some good bones and add your own equipment?

IMHO, in this economy, the cape dory is way overpriced for an older boat. And although I had a honda on the back of my C&C25 for years, I was pretty happy to get an inboard diesel on my current Pearson 30. FYI, my pearson30 has a good diesel, all new standing rigging, chart plotter, new sails, etc...and cost a small fraction of the Cape Dory on ebay. Also, florida is the place where boats are really really cheap (its the bottom of the hill, so to speak).

So, YES, you would be very happy with the cape dory, provided you are alone or are extremely friendly with your crew. No way around it...its a small boat. But if money is a concern...keep looking.

 

Good posts... thanks guys!
Since most likely I will be sailing solo, I have to keep that in mind as well... small is beautiful when you are alone. I'm used to camping in my 20 foot Mirage, on top of a layer of gear and supplies. Money is definitely an issue but I want a solid boat that is already in good shape when it comes to all the important components - it costs way too much money to re-do all of them. Much cheaper to buy a boat that already has what you need.
This boat caught my eye because it is on a trailer and I can store it at home inland until I'm ready for the big trip (in about 2 years).

Another question:
Would you think this CD26 is safe enough for the Mona Passage and a Caribbean cruise all the way? This is stage 2 of my long term plans.

 

I think just about any of the Cape Dory boats will take you anywhere you want to go. Our 27 has been at least as far as the BVIs and has made the Mona Passage, but she was at the hands of someone that was very experienced. Now she's in the hands of a few morons Any of the Cape Dory boats are capable, it's more a matter of your skill. You can search the CDSOA boards and find people that have made fairly significant passages in almost all the boats.

As for this 26, I'd feel rotten buying her in the shape she's in and letting her sit in the back yard for 2 years. That seems like a real shame, considering she's ready to sail as is. I know you said you didn't want a project, but why not spend less on the acquisition and outfit her the way you want across the 2 year period? It seems like a shame to take a seaworthy and ready boat out of the water for 2 years to sit, especially for that kind of $$. You may end up shelling out a little more $$ to fixup the project, but provided it's nothing serious, I doubt you'd be investing a lot more. Our CD27 has definitely been a project and we've paid more to get her up to shape than we could have if we bought one already in good condition, but we learned a LOT about the boat, have all new components in her, and know just about everything backwards and forwards about her components. I spent more doing it, but the experience was worth it. The benefit of this will probably vary on your experience level, though. I just hate to see a boat like that sitting

Given your requirements, I'd seriously consider a Flicka 20 as well, especially if it's just you.

 

if that boat is half the condition is looks to be in... it will easily take you to the bahamas and back. Alberg designed some wonderful boats that are slow and "wet" by today's standards, but were meant to be sea kindly out in the open ocean.

 

I'd go for it. See if you can coordinate to see it in person. Even though it's listed on ebay, you may be able to negotiate price and get a couple grand off.

 

That would be the plan if I decided to go for it at this time.
A while back on ebay there was this really nice Contest 31 for sale for under 10 grand. I was SO tempted to buy it, but I felt it would have been a premature move on my part. That boat did not sell at that auction (no bids) and I'm hoping it will surface again. I love that design because it is so seaworthy and still has a moderate draft (4.6').

 

I have plenty of space in my yard, but trucking it in would be both expensive and tricky (hard to offload from an 18-wheeler). I could have it dropped in my neighbor's yard which has a much better access but I would hate to impose on him like that for so long.

 

You might want to check with boat transport services before you jump to conclusions. There are hydraulic trailers that can back under a boat, pick it up, and drive down the interstate, and then drop it off in your yard. You supply the jack stands/cradle.

Our boat yard uses such a trailer to pick up a boat at the travelift and then shoe horn it in the yard for winter storage in places a travelift wouldn't fit.

It may not be as expensive as you think to have it delivered to you. Otherwise, you'd need your own trailer and may need to hire a suitable tow vehicle to haul it. When you go off on your adventure, you would likely have to pay to store the trailer or sell it.

 

As to 'project' boats... a friend of mine got burned really bad on a boat like that. After he was done he ended up spending 3 times as much as what a similar boat would cost, not counting hundreds upon hundreds of hours he put into it himself. I don't want to make the same mistake. I would prefer to just add stuff I'm going to need anyway, like extra water storage and wind vane steering that most boats on my list just don't have.

 

You'll pay more in the long run, but the way I see it, I'm getting a lot of experience and intimate knowledge of those systems that I wouldn't have otherwise.

Also, consider that most of the components on our boat (a 1977) are over 35 years old at this point. I really don't want 35 year old wire and tubing going through something that I'm gonna be sleeping on, so the fact those systems needed stripped out and replaced with new didn't bother me. In other words, sure you'll pay more to finish it, but everything will be new vs very aged. It's worth pointing out on this note that Cape Dory did a horrible job with wiring, it's one of the few areas the boats needed to be rethought. Our wiring was a disaster and stripping it out was a chore, but one I'm glad that I did.

That was our way of thinking, some people may disagree, but that's how we view it. It's all a matter of perspective and opinion. On boats this size, you aren't talking about an extreme expense with most systems anyway, as you get larger I can see the costs racking up.

I should point out that I'm not trying to convert you to our way of thinking, it's perfectly reasonable to not want a project. They are a lot of time and investment, but I chose to do it for various personal reasons, two of which I've mentioned already, but also that there are some things I don't want to leave to someone else to do, wiring being a big one. I like being involved and doing things myself as much as possible, so the work doesn't really bother me.

I have plenty of space in my yard, but trucking it in would be both expensive and tricky (hard to offload from an 18-wheeler). I could have it dropped in my neighbor's yard which has a much better access but I would hate to impose on him like that for so long.

Will the cost of shipping and blocking exceed that of a trailer? I don't know, but worth considering.

 

Watkins 27....im currently writing this from Long Island Bahamas....this is my second trip from delaware to bahamas on this boat...solid build, plenty of room with a 10ft beam, inboard yanmar 2qm15, 3'8" draft, usually see 5-6kts under sail in 10-15kt winds...anymore info check out our blog,Great Mysterious
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Bought a Watkins 27 last fall, and have been following the Great Mysterious blog since. Great writing, great pictures. (What did happen when the GM went offshore in Georgia, though?)

The boat I purchased had been well-maintained and pretty much similarly equipped to GM (Yanmar 2GM; roller jib; autopilot; pedestal; radar & sonar; newer full-battened main; hot/cold; electric fridge; inverter; shore hook-ups; new cushions and dodger; etc) and I kind of fell into it for under $5k, including tax and fees. (Unlike the GM though, no Why-Not davits or bimini top - where did the GM get hers?)

For the money, the Watkins seem pretty sturdy but particularly unloved by the market.
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Now, for those looking for other Bahamas-worthy offerings:

I got mine at a Mass Maritime auction, which is a hit-or-miss thing. The twice-a-year auction usually has a lot of interesting boats. Last auction there were several asking-six-figure 50-foot-plus boats they parked in Marion harbor for the event, and apparently sold. Current inventory listing is here: maritime.edu/apps/boats/ (since I'm new the forum won't allow live links on this post)-- but it will expand substantially as the spring auction date approaches. The listed prices are just their 'blue book/suggested retail' and for the auction there is an unpublished 'reserve' somewhere below these numbers.

The current listings that do not have asterisks are those that failed to sell at the last auction - the unpublished reserves were not met - and those boats are still lingering since last Fall (i.e., make an offer).

If nothing else, it's an interesting list to follow from time to time. Plus, the proceeds go to a good cause.

 

ALBERG 30. Drafts 4.25 empty. Very safe boat. You can get them for less then $10,000 with a good running yanmar or westerbeke. Not a very wide beam or high freeboard but that helps with its seaworthiness.

 

I am pretty much set on a Westerly Centaur - 26 feet and twin keel
CENTAUR 26 (WESTERLY) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
What are the things to watch for when buying this particular boat?
Your comments are always deeply appreciated. I have learned a lot here.
Thanks!
Kris

 

Read a Voayge for Madmen. The Westerlys started out all right on the Atlantic long way's crossing, but showed where they needed to be beefed up a month in to getting beat up out there. Any Glass production boat can use some beefing IMOP. I added a lot of of epoxy and Glass to my 1965 Soverel and I'm not done yet.

 

I just sold a Bristol 27 that other than bottom paint was ready to go. atom bomb, 130 on harkin roller, typical b27 main sheet arrangement, whisker pole, recent standing rigging, servicable to new running rigging, anchors, rodes, fenders, dock lines, blah blah blah- 4500.

that was a pretty sweet bahamas boat- 4 foot draft, nice low freeboard= way fun and easy to swim/dive from. TONS of storage space, great for a couple with the dinnette, not as great for a couple of buddies or a couple with a kid. there isn't a boat made with an icebox that is suitable for the bahamas, ice is too expensive to justify unless there is fresh fish to keep for a few days. so you may want a fridge.

I met a french canuck guy and his wife in a pretty awesome centaur, really well done remodel inside, made for a far bigger boat on the inside than my B27- I have no idea about the stock ones however, interior. I don't like the cockpit in the westerly as well as some others, the combings really. same on the Albin Vega and the Contessa, it seems to enclose you abit more, and you lose some of the advantages of the easy access afforded by the lowfreeboard.

Tartan 27 with its shoal draft, Keel/ CB arrangement would be about perfect too.

My new pearson Renegade is getting towards 4'6" draft, which is as deep a boat as I want there. and doesn't have the storage space of the Bristol 27, it also accelerates a bit quicker, and tacks easier- especially with a dink in tow- which you will tow it occasionally even if you swear you never will...

 

My new pearson Renegade is getting towards 4'6" draft, which is as deep a boat as I want there. and doesn't have the storage space of the Bristol 27, it also accelerates a bit quicker, and tacks easier- especially with a dink in tow- which you will tow it occasionally even if you swear you never will...

Speaking of dinks...
Has anybody seen a set up where a light dink is stored on a special rig over the cockpit? I know, it is a lot of weight hanging over your noggin, but it is so tempting to try...

 

I don see where there would be room- there's a boom there already... And Davits off the stern on a little boat is a travesty. Rolled up on the foredeck, with outboard stowed below in the cabin is the way to go with a small boat. Every other way has too dramatic effect on sailing ability in a little boat, loading the ass down, clogging the entire foredeck, etc etc.

 

Currently I use a kayak as my dink, but stowing it on my current 20 foot Mirage is always a major pain. Usually I put a cover on it and tow it behind me but I always worry about losing it or flooding it in rough weather. I also carry my 14 foot stand up paddle board with me, tied to the stays or fore deck. That makes for a lot of clutter but provides a lot of fun once anchored somewhere. I'm working on some system of tying my board on top of my kayak.

 

A decent size quarter berth can house the SuP and paddle. And a surf board or two with it. The kayak on a side deck of a weatherly wouldn't be great, making it difficult to get forward etc- but it wouldn't be a deal breaker either.

 

Anyone think a Nonsuch 30 would be good for the Bahamas?

 

Yes. The SD version especially. Sweet interior layout with an aft head. Plenty of cockpit to hang out in. Cruises at 5-6. Has plenty of storage. Easy to singlehand. I still like a sloop though.

 

Yeah, I'm a Huckleberry fin sailor myself, him and jethro, I find a nice piece if 3/8 line makes a handy belt with a 100 and one uses.

 

Huck was a big inspiration for my early river adventures
Have you read the book Papillon? That guy had some incredible sea adventures. Some question whether they were really his, but I believe him. The power of human spirit is incredible.

 

Back to the topic, I just read on the Mantus anchor thread that some dude is sailing around the Bahamas on a 12 foot boat.

 

Yea... I looked at the pictures of similar micro-cruisers and it made me reflect on some parts of my anatomy...

 

Yeah, I remember my buddy's, it would bob up and down instead go forward.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with a bristol centerboarder. An old flush deck Cal 29 is a good one to, roomy below.

 

If I had to put together a list of boats to the Bahamas on a very tight budget, my first choice for the title "best (small and inexpensive) boat to cruise the Bahamas" would be a Tartan 27.

Other than that, off the top of my head, I would consider centerboard versions of boats like the 1960's Morgan 24-25, Morgan Tigercub 28 (somewhat rare but I saw one recently listed on Yachtworld), The far less desirable Morgan 28, the Dolphin 24, the Halsey Herreshoff designed Bristol 26, Seafarer Polaris 26 or the similar Sailmaster 26.

 

If I had to put together a list of boats to the Bahamas on a very tight budget, my first choice for the title "best (small and inexpensive) boat to cruise the Bahamas" would be a Tartan 27.

Other than that, off the top of my head, I would consider centerboard versions of boats like the 1960's Morgan 24-25, Morgan Tigercub 28 (somewhat rare but I saw one recently listed on Yachtworld), The far less desirable Morgan 28, the Dolphin 24, the Halsey Herreshoff designed Bristol 26, Seafarer Polaris 26 or the similar Sailmaster 26.

Yes, T27 is on my list as well, and there are many of them available.
Interesting that you are not including the Cape Dory boats... reasons?
Why is Morgan 28 far less desirable than M24/25?
What is your take on Bristol 29.9 and 32 - both CB versions - for Bahama cruising? They are harder to fit into my price range but are rather tempting.

 

More to the point what makes the tigercub superior than the 28? I don't know much abou it- other than its "got the look". I've go a line on a m28 that I might get to work on and flip.

 

To respond to some of the questions above....
I have generally not been a fan of the Cape Dories. I don't like the way they sail. They generally are not well rounded designs. They tend to be undercanvased and not stand up to the sail area that they have. I don't like their motion which tends to be rolly and in the case of the Alberg designs, with their silly short waterlines, pitch and not deal well with chop, or carrying excess weight.

The Morgan 28 was more full ended than the Tigercub, and had a deck plan that I never liked on a boat this size. The wedge forward broke up the deck and did not produce as much useful headroom as a trunk cabin. I have not sailed these boats but they supposedly were the basis for the Morgan IO 28 which I have sailed and don't think much of.

I am not a fan of either the Bristol 32 or 29.9. On the broad spectrum between really great design and next to useless and ill-conceived, the Bristol 32 falls very close to the useless end of the spectrum in my mind. The Pearson Vanguard was a much better boat all around and it wasn't that great a boat.

While I know there are folks who really love their 29.9's, I never thought they were a very good design compared to Halsey Herreschoff's other designs for Bristol. I particularly liked his 33/34.

Another boat for your list might be the Irwin 28. And if you find one at a price you can afford, the C&C Corvette 30 was a very nice design. One of my favorites from that time.

Respectfully,
Jeff

 

What about a redwing. But for the dinette/galley port starboard thing- they are intriguing. But I can't deal with that interior- unless it has a quarter berth that works as seating too.

That's a pretty slow 30 footer too. I think I would prefer a pearson 30.

My bristol 27 was great- in 15 knots with the genoa rolled up to about 100%. But it didn't go well enough in light air- though it was fun flying the asym- and was just too tender to accelerate in big air. But for all that- and having to backwind the jib to tack- it was a lot of fun to sail- and you can sail her pretty fearlessly if you don't get her overpowered. Part of the fun was the balancing act. I know that sounds like many qualifiers.

 

Thanks for the input, Jeff. The C&C Corvette does look like a great boat for my purpose, but they are hard to find and some have their CB glassed over, which is a shame IMO.