Really Need Advice, Will This Dory Meet Our Needs?

[nimbex1970]

Thanks in advance. We live in Orlando, will put our girl in either Titusville or Tampa (have a few more marinas to check out).

Our sailing experience is only on Lake Erie, in a Catalina, some on a Hunter. (about 200 hours, few storms). Our goals are to purchase a boat to keep ten years (buy smart for expanding needs). We would only sail her two to three days a week, a few overnights then expand to the Bahamas as we adjust to non great lakes sailing and then increase the time on the water.

The manual windlass and sail age are my initial concerns, however, my question is more to the point of is this more boat then we need? For the two of us, she is in our price range... but of course for about 30 feet, only touching the tips of deep water... is this too much?

I have received too much non expert advice, "buy a Catalina, save the $$", however the quality of a boat is important to keep with a ten year plan that wants to expand further into the Caribbean, nothing further.

thanks so much for any feedback.

1984 Cape Dory 31 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Vasco]

Looks like a nice boat. A manual windlass should not be a problem. Don't know your age but many folks with a manual windlass find it's quicker to get the hook up by hand. Sails you'll have to look at to determine how good they are. Eight years is not a lot.

[sailpower]

Originally Posted by nimbex1970

Thanks in advance. We live in Orlando, will put our girl in either Titusville or Tampa (have a few more marinas to check out).

Our sailing experience is only on Lake Erie, in a Catalina, some on a Hunter. (about 200 hours, few storms). Our goals are to purchase a boat to keep ten years (buy smart for expanding needs). We would only sail her two to three days a week, a few overnights then expand to the Bahamas as we adjust to non great lakes sailing and then increase the time on the water.

The manual windlass and sail age are my initial concerns, however, my question is more to the point of is this more boat then we need? For the two of us, she is in our price range... but of course for about 30 feet, only touching the tips of deep water... is this too much?

I have received too much non expert advice, "buy a Catalina, save the $$", however the quality of a boat is important to keep with a ten year plan that wants to expand further into the Caribbean, nothing further.

thanks so much for any feedback.

1984 Cape Dory 31 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Pretty boat. If the reason not to consider a Catalina is "quality" you might consider rethinking that. Based on your parameters a production boat should do fine and perhaps with more comfort?

For the price of the CD I am a big fan of the Pearson 365's from 76-83. 50 gallons of fuel, 150 gallons of water, stall shower, nice cockpit, etc. Most of the 81-83 models have real teak interiors.

Good luck.

[Cheechako]

I think that type a boat is great for your purpose. That particular one is grossly overpriced though. MAYBE at half that. The CD30 may be a lot better for the price difference. they seem to run $15k-$25k. There were CD 36's listed not too long ago for less than the price of that 31 footer.
You might look at a Island Packet 31 also.
The manual windlass on the 30 footer I cruised years ago worked fine. Electric is nice but at about 30 feet.. may not be worth it. There were times I wished I had one though... retrieval is fact when it's electric, the bow is pitching and you are trying to get the heck out of there!

[nimbex1970]

thanks vasco.. I'm 44, partner is 53... my experience with manual windlass was on a racing sloop, Hunter I believe and I did a poor job in the few races we sailed on... my only thoughts on it.. my quick skill is not there.

Appreciate the feedback, I think this Dory is beautiful, considering the trip to check her out.

[nimbex1970]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I think that type a boat is great for your purpose. That particular one is grossly overpriced though. MAYBE at half that.

Thanks Cheechako, we have allotted $50k including taxes, survey, haul out and transportation. My significant other agrees with you on the price, I may have made the mistake of falling in love with boat porn, but now being ready to buy, I have become a touch itchy to get on the water.

I really appreciate the feedback. The Dory's are pricey, I'll look into sailpowers suggestions, the fuel and water storage look appealing for a few days sailing time. I have no Pearson exp. but research continues again.

We don't require tank quality, but for a ten year purchase, want to make it a solid one, hoping our skills and boat may take us a bit further than the Bahamas, eventually.

Appreciate your input.

[Cheechako]

Well.... I may have overstated the price thing.... apparently the 31's are valued higher than I thought... still maybe not that high! 28's and 30's are a great value.
The problem with buying boats is sellers start out THINKING their particular boat is special... the starting price is high... then 1-2 years later, with several price ruductions....reality sinks in ... but by that time you've moved on..

[onestepcsy37]

The boat is greatly overpriced. You can buy a hell of a lot more boat for 50k. Keep looking. But tell the broker its worth 30k to you. Cape Dory 28's can be had for under 15k. So how does 3 feet more triple the price?

[sailpower]

Ask your broker to pull up the specs of the cutter in VA that just sold in September for 25K.


Length
Boats Year Codes Listed US$ Sold US$ Location


31' Cape Dory 31 1984 S U SD FG 39,950 (06/14) 25,000 (09/14) VA, USA

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by sailpower

Ask your broker to pull up the specs of the cutter in VA that just sold in September for 25K.


Length
Boats Year Codes Listed US$ Sold US$ Location


31' Cape Dory 31 1984 S U SD FG 39,950 (06/14) 25,000 (09/14) VA, USA

Perfect for negotiating!

[Orion Jim]

Price is always negotiable but overall quality and upgrades/improvements should be taken into account. I advise you to look at the Cape Dory, then look at a couple others on your short list. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[nimbex1970]

again, thank you all, my sig. other has agreed with you all on the price. Interestingly, I may need a different broker .

Ok, I'm back at the search keeping the Dory in mind as no one has outright objected to anything but the price.

You are all worth a million

[The Garbone]

As for Marinas I think it matters were in Orlando you are.

We live in Sanford an keep our boat in Titusville, as it is only 45 minutes away. Price is good but the sailing is on the poor side as it is a few hours south or north until things open up or you can go outside.

Port Canaveral is pretty nice and from Cocoa south the ICW gets a little better for sailing.

As for worrying about sails at your price point for a 30ish boat you can have new ones made locally. There is a good loft in Cocoa.


Gary

[lesterbutch]

For all it's worth, way back when i owned a marina on the CT River, our policy and the general feeling in the buyers market at the time was, start your negotiation by offering 1/2 the asking price and bargin with the seller from there.

[Terra Nova]

If anyone made me a 1/2-price offer, I would not give them the courtesy of a reply. But, on the linked Cape Dory, 1/2 of asking price would make it worthwhile.

OP--the Cape Dory you found looks like a good design choice, except this particular boat likely requires a complete refit. Look at how the varnish is peeling on both interior and exterior, and there are water stains on the interior, where leaks have been left unchecked. Re-varnishing is something you'll learn to do yourself, so not a big deal. But this level of neglect greatly devalues the boat, in my eyes. This is a fixer-upper, not a cream puff, which is what I recommend that you try to locate. A boat in this condition will end up costing you in excess of twice what you pay for it. Don't waste your money chasing after dogs.

Do your own due diligence, rather than rely on a broker you don't know, and who doesn't know you, to do that for you. If you find a true cream puff, be prepared to jump on it, whether it is for sale by owner or just listed with any broker. Any offer you make must be contingent on a successful sea trial and hull survey (at least, perhaps add rig and engine, if questionable), and of course the title check/transfer. Before investing in the expensive haulout and survey, it is cheap insurance to have a diver inspect the bottom for blisters or irregularities/damage. At haulout, if you complete the purchase, there will no doubt be a costly list of things you'll want to take care of while in dry-dock. So be prepared.