Is it Possible to Take a Cape Dory 25 Around the World ?

[Freeranger]

I know the Allegra and it is one solid boat but a CD is a different story and around the world?
Come on,,, We don't know a guy ability that needs to asks strangers if...
If you want to talk small I am all for it but this thread should not send a message to beginners that leaky small non fixed keels are bullet proof VWs for around the world first timers.
He is just feeling out and will likely not go anywhere in the short term but this thread will be here a long time and I for one will not let stupid stand for brave and frugal.
We just don't know.
If you need to ask, then you shouldn't go.
Even with a year to prep, it's not enough if all you got to lean on is the complete idiot who taught you everything you know.
Let's not echo such enthusiasm.
The answer is not yes or no and the consequences very serious.

[Weyalan]

Short answer; If you need to ask the question, then the answer is "no", regardless of the condition / size of the boat.

[Freeranger]

What I disagree with is bureaucrats like those lovelies down under ;-)
Telling people what they can't do with their lives and boats as they choose.

But yeah, I think as far as advice goes, you have been correct and I was wrong.
I thought that was already in the thread.
But advice is advised and law is another debate,,,
It's a shame they don't allow acrimony in here. I have heard volumes on the subject but as a blackbelt in smartasstim it would be difficult to draw a line and the neutered need to be protected from the real.
I rather enjoy some banter myself but the TOS reads like...
Wait, I feel someone tapping on my shoulder.
......(seems I am on the borderline). Better go.

[Weyalan]

Originally Posted by Freeranger

What I disagree with is bureaucrats like those lovelies down under ;-)
Telling people what they can't do with their lives and boats as they choose.

I wasn't saying that it couldn't be done. Obviously, it can. What I was saying is that if you need to ask, on an Internet forum, whether or not you can sail around the world (whatever the boat), then you are probably not ready to sail around the world.

[roger.waite]

Originally Posted by Weyalan

Short answer; If you need to ask the question, then the answer is "no", regardless of the condition / size of the boat.

I can happily sign up to that advice.

When you are experienced enough to make the judgement, you will know whether the boat and the person are up to the job.

The rest of the thread pales into insignificance ...

[Freeranger]

It matters little what size boat, sailing in general is work disguised as play.
Around the world is like a trophy hunted by gluttons for grief. Those who do it three or for times must be too bored to find a life or to abrasive to find a nitch somewhere to settle in.
Having personally know a handful of people who killed themselves, at least as many murdered by psychos, a dozen killed by drugs, half as many killed by trains, 10 times that killed by lack of doing anything to increase their blood flow and too many to count on wars that mattered not a bit.
Strange as it seems, I've only known a few who drown...
When I am on the ocean I feel relatively safe in comparison to being in close prox to the general population.
I don't want to go around the world so I am fine to get away in a CD or any other boat that gets me far from the maddening crowd.

[redcobra]

Having owned a Cape Dory 25 (1975) and having been off shore in a blow in a Cal 39 I would never try to take a CD25 offshore. The freeboard is too low (I believe that you would be easily swamped), the rigging is not strong enough and the outboard in the well (I had a 9.9hp long shaft Evinrude) is not powerful enough for any heavy seaway. If you want that type boat for offshore I would look at an Alberg 30 (which I also had). Just my $0.02.

[olegunny]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Our hull leaks so I have to push the bilge button for 10 seconds once per month.

If you guys want to cruise the world on a 1960's 6 footer that leaks like a sieve with no wire then do so. But encouraging it is tantamount to .... well, I still think of the encouragement given to that woman with no sailing experience in her 20 foot boat that lasted one night at sea, hit a storm, locked herself out of the cabin and lost every cent she saved in her life doing so and then tried to sell the suicide boat for nearly US$100k!

Look, if some people really need to go out and risk their life and hurt and/or destroy the lives of their love ones then so be it. But I won't encourage it. Go back to work till you can afford a proper boat.

Mark

What is a proper boat? After 65 years of sailing i think it might depend on her owners.

[CastOff]

Originally Posted by Tropic Cat

It's theoretically possible.

Donna Lange did it in a 28 footer
Donna Lange the Musician, the Sailor

And another chap from South Africa did it on a Montgomery 17 named 'Strawzanna' or some such name He lfet California for South Africa via Tahiti, and last I heard was he had made Tahiti on that sweet little Lyle Hess design

[Curmudgeon]

There's an old aviation joke: there are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but very, very few old, bold pilots.

Donna Lange did it on a Southern Cross 28. You could take a CD 25D (the one designed by Arlberg with the inboard diesel) around, but attempting it in a CD 25 would be suicidal.

[rtbates]

You're talking about the outboard powered 25, not the inboard diesel 25D, correct?

IF the answer is yes, then I'd say it would be highly doubtful.

Take it out in 30kts and see what it feles like...

Then 40... You'll soon know the answer I assure you....

Go to the CD board and you'll find lots of CD info http://www.capedory.org/board/viewforum.php?f=1