My Cape Dory 28 - Entropy II
I've had several people ask me if I liked my 28 ft. Cape Dory and would I recommend others to buy one.
Here's my answer.
I have had my Cape Dory 28 for 8 years and have been very happy with it.
They made the 28 from about 1974-1987. I have a 1983
hull # 358. They did a few design changes over the years so the 1980's may
be considered a little better bet. There are lots of bargains
out in the boat market today. I kept the original rig - a club footed
working jib for brisk to heavy winds and a 140% genoa for light winds. The
hanked on sails are a little work ( vs a furling headsail) but they really
sail very well. The working jib is a single sheet which make short tacking
easy. If you're not up to the work you may want to get a boat that has been
converted to a self furling head sail. The Cape Dory 28 is a very sweet
sailor -9000# displacement with a Carl Alberg design hull makes for a
comfortable ride in various weather conditions.She may not be the fastest
but she's a cruiser that points well and is easy
to sail.I even have a tri-radial spinaker on mine. The compromise is the 9
ft beam means a modest interior with about 6 ft headroom. My boat is
powered by a Volvo MD 7B diesel (18 hp) which is a great work horse but a
little loud and slightly smokey.I would consider buying a larger sailboat but I
like the one I have too much.
Below is the original spec and description from the manufacture.
Specifications
| L.O.A.: |
28' 1 3/4 " |
| L.W.L.: |
22' 2 1/2" |
| Beam: |
8' 10 1/2" |
| Draft: |
4' 0" |
| Displacement: |
9000 lbs. |
| Ballast: |
3500 lbs |
| Sail Area: |
404 sq. ft. |
| Mast Height: |
40 1/2' |
| Designer: |
Carl Alberg |
| Years Built |
1974 - 1987 |
| Nr. Built |
388 |
The Cape Dory 28 offers her owner more practical cruising features combined
in one design than other yachts of her size ... features such as a self-tending
club footed jib for effortless windward sailing ... a bowsprit that incorporates
an anchor roller ... and a large Volvo Diesel that adds safety and dependability.
These features, when combined with the famous Alberg full keel and moderate,
well-distributed sail plan result in a yacht that is easily handled by
a minimum of crew. Her hefty displacement of 9,000 pounds, and her long
keel with attached rudder allow the Cape Dory 28 to hold her course in
a seaway. These features mean comfortable motion, stiffness, and security
to all aboard. Other standard equipment such as bronze opening ports, lightning
ground system, bronze seacocks on all thru-hull fittings and solid bronze
hardware, reflect the determination of Cape Dory to supply a cruising boat
of the highest standards.
Take a close look at the Cape Dory 28. We think you'll agree she is
the answer to a cruising family’s dreams.
