- Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
- What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
- Media New media New comments
- Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
- Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
- Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
- Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe
Looking At a Cape Dory 25 and 3 different Balboa 26's
- Thread starter wsmac
- Start date Feb 23, 2017
- Forums for All Owners
- Trailer Sailors
I like the fact that you are focusing on how you are going to use the boat now. I've posted before that folks should buy a boat that fits how they are going to use it now instead of for what they envision for the future. The CD 25 won't scare you. It is a good platform to learn sailing. It is a simple boat in rigging and operation. You don't need to upgrade it to be a modern boat. You can buy it, use it and sell it. Hang on to that slip if you can, however. I've never sailed the Balboa 26.
The Cape Dory is a nice boat. Back when I was sailing a Grampian 26 a couple decades ago, my friend had a CD25, and compared to my Grampian, I'd have to say the CD was slower, and wetter in a chop. Also had an outboard in a well, which looks nice, and may keep the noise level down, but you'll have your prop in the water when you're under sail. That said, it's still a decent boat, and if it fit my needs, I'd consider one. Looks like the Balboa uses a swing keel, while the CD is a full/fixed keel. If I bought a Balboa, the number one project on my to-do list would be to make sure the keel was sound, meaning that at the very least, I'd want to have a good look at the pin for the swing keel. And, if the keel is pitted and rough, remove it from the boat, sandblast it, fair it, epoxy coat it, paint it, and re-install. That keel is darned heavy, by the way. UPDATE EDIT: Looks like Rgranger's posted while I was composing my response....he gives an excellent description on the keel issue. Whatever problems may be lurking in the CD25, at least you don't have an old swing keel that may or may not have received the maintenance it needs. I would also expect a CD25 to sell quicker when the time comes.
One more thing about the Balboa... if you do decide to buy one... make sure you have a keel winch that has a break on it. As I mentioned, the keel weights 1200 lb. So if you accidentally let go of the winch handle while lowering the keel, and you don't have a break, the handle would fly around at an alarming rate... and probably break a finger or two. Also, if you do go with a Balboa, PM me. I have spec sheets for the boat that include the rig and the keel cables etc. and I can send you all of that stuff. I might even still have the jiffy reef lines that were on my Balboa that I could put in the mail for you. r
As far as having a trailer.... My use for that is two-fold. With a proper tongue extension for the shoal and full-keel boats, I can see doing my own haul outs for inspection/servicing and on-shore storage if desired, as well as the occasional move to another body of water. . As I type that... I realize I should investigate moving a boat from the Bay to local Lagoons and Lakes... whether that's allowed, and what type of cleaning and inspection I might have to go through. I'm new to all that, but I'm aware of the concern over invasive species.
- This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…
IMAGES
VIDEO