Cape Dory 25 Headroom

[moonlightmesa]

I'm new here, so I'm not sure if this topic has come up or not. I'm thinking of taking a road trip to Wisconsin (from Arizona) to buy a 1978 Cape Dory 25. It's a long way to drive! Does anyone know if the 1978 model has standing headroom, or is it the under 5' model? the photos make it look like it's respectable headroom, but... I like the boat tremendously, but I won't make the trip if it's under 5'.

Thank you.

Becky

[Drew13440]

CD 25 does not have standing headroom (for average, or averagely short, people). There is a Cape Dory 25D that is a different animal - be sure what you're looking at. The "regular" CD 25's are all over the place, don't drive to WI to look at one. Great boats, poke around here some:

Welcome to the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association's Home Page

[moonlightmesa]

I am so bummed about this. I love the looks of the boat...why in the world would they make it so user-unfriendly in the interior?

I've owned a Cal 2-34 and lived aboard and traveled close to 25,000 miles on it, and I've owned a 42' gaff-rigged schooner, so I pretty much know sailing, but I've never owned a trailerable sailboat and I really want one now that I live in Arizona (can't wait to get out of here in July and August!!)

I've heard the Ariel 26 is a nice, trailerable sailboat. Any ideas? I really don't want a diesel engine again. I'll be coastal cruising, San Juans, Great Lakes, etc. Maybe down into Baja in the winter months.

Darn! I'm so disappointed!

[Drew13440]

If you want a Dory, look at the 26. Most are set up with outboards and there is 6' standing headroom. If you can find one, you'll likely have to have a trailer custom made, unfortunately. But they're really nice boats, IMO.

[moonlightmesa]

Thank you. I'll check some out. I may still go with the 25 despite the headroom, or lack thereof. Do you know the specific exact headroom on the 25?

Becky

[Drew13440]

I don't, sorry. I just remember being in one and bent over. I'm 5'10". I'd go to the owners' association website I posted and register for their forum. There are no questions that will stump them, that is for sure. And they have a sub-forum for buying/selling boats and gear, too. Good luck!