Visit our Popular Forums

piteng · 30-08-2021, 19:10

Hi all

Trying to decide on purchase between a Dufour 12000 CT 45' ketch with fin keel/ skegged rudder, glued on teak deck, center cockpit with aft stateroom, 2 heads and 2nd helm in the saloon; and a Cape Dory 40' cutter with full keel, grp deck, more traditional layout of qtr/ v berths, and 1 head

Both are of similar age in the 80's, pricing per size, equip, and optional/ required upgrades and refit

My goal is in 5 yrs do blue water passage with first 1-4 yrs of local coastal cruising; all with a crew of 2, me and SO

Appreciate any thoughts and advise on which may be "best" choice in high level terms; ie should the choice be based on Dufour vs Cape Dory, or level of accommodations, or just preference?

Thx
Paul

Orion Jim · 30-08-2021, 19:51

I met the original owners of a Cape Dory 40 in Bermuda a few years back. They had cruised Europe, the Med, and the Caribbean extensively and had nothing but good to say. That would be my choice. That being said whichever you decide is best for you bear in mind that regular maintenance and upgrades are required to keep any boat seaworthy. Don’t buy a money pit. Ensure your choice does not require immediate maintenance or upgrades as that requires a substantial outlay of boat units on top of the purchase price. Electronics more than a couple years old are throwaways. Freshwater, diesel, and holding tank integrity is a must. A new diesel runs 20 grand plus, new sails nearly the same.

piteng · 30-08-2021, 21:19

Thx for recommends Orion Jim

I expect any 30/40 yr old boat to be somewhat of a upgrade project wise as long as the basic bones are in good order and budgeting for that. Also have set aside additional budget for passage refit in due time

So my real question is, should the CD or Dufour be the candidate for this endeavour?

Btw, do I see a CD in your s/v photos? Kudos if yes and see where you're coming from

LittleWing77 · 31-08-2021, 05:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by piteng

By the way, do I see a Cape Dory in your s/v photos? Kudos if yes - and I see where you're coming from

Jim has a friggin' GORGEOUS Cape Dory!

If I remember correctly, he may have pictures of her in his Forum Gallery, but he has, on occasion, posted a pic as part of a thread... Jim?

Fair winds, piteng

LittleWing77

P.S. Either boat - whichever is in better shape and engine with low hours and not an Atomic 4... that'd be my vote. Also watch out the the Dufour's keel has not oxidized (I believe that's the term - or something like). We had a new Member, JonVonOrient, about a year ago who encountered this problem with his new-to-him Dufour:

My First Sailboat
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...at-240139.html

Orion Jim · 31-08-2021, 07:26

This is Orion in St. George’s Bermuda shortly after arrival two years ago. I have singlehanded there five times to date.

piteng · 31-08-2021, 08:53

yeah she's a beaut
is it another CD 40?

Scubaseas · 31-08-2021, 09:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by piteng

Hi all

Trying to decide on purchase between a Dufour 12000 CT 45' ketch with fin keel/ skegged rudder, glued on teak deck, center cockpit with aft stateroom, 2 heads and 2nd helm in the saloon; and a Cape Dory 40' cutter with full keel, grp deck, more traditional layout of qtr/ v berths, and 1 head

Both are of similar age in the 80's, pricing per size, equip, and optional/ required upgrades and refit

My goal is in 5 yrs do blue water passage with first 1-4 yrs of local coastal cruising; all with a crew of 2, me and SO

Appreciate any thoughts and advise on which may be "best" choice in high level terms; ie should the choice be based on Dufour vs Cape Dory, or level of accommodations, or just preference?

Thx
Paul

Ask your SO for their input. Personally I'd go the Cape Dory. Maybe not as much room as the Dufour for storage but might have better motion at sea. Plus I alsways liked the CD lines. Plus prefer cutter over ketch offshore.

piteng · 31-08-2021, 11:19

thx for input

seem the Dufour's comfort ratio is slightly higher than the CD
probably because it's longer by 5 ft and heavier by about 7,000 lbs
i do like the CD as think have better reputation, but the separate stateroom and pilot house is a great layout

LittleWing77 · 31-08-2021, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by piteng

Thx for input.

Seems the Dufour's comfort ratio is slightly higher than the CD - probably because it's longer by 5 ft and heavier by about 7,000 lbs.

I do like the CD, as I think they have a better reputation, but the separate stateroom and pilothouse is a great layout.

Sounds like you're leaning toward the Dufour, which is fine. They're pretty nice boats. Ultimately, you've gotta love the boat you buy. And a sailor loves what he loves!

Just get a survey and make your offer contingent upon the survey + sea trial not revealing any dealbreakers...

My caveat to you would be: Remember to be cautious in this market. I'm seeing a trend of project boats being represented as more than they are, as some of these sellers are effectively putting lipstick on a pig in an attempt at a money-grab.

You do NOT want to be saddled with a project boat! You want to go sailing.

Fair winds,

LittleWing77

LittleWing77 · 31-08-2021, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

This is Orion in St. George’s Bermuda shortly after arrival two years ago. I have singlehanded there five times to date.

Uhhhhh. O WHY did I request a picture?

Just GORegous, Jim.

We're drooling up here in TO!

LittleWing77

gonesail · 31-08-2021, 14:42

the teak decks alone would make me run to the cape dory.

piteng · 31-08-2021, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Sounds like you're leaning toward the Dufour, which is fine. They're pretty nice boats. Ultimately, you've gotta love the boat you buy. And a sailor loves what he loves!

Just get a survey and make your offer contingent upon the survey + sea trial not revealing any dealbreakers...

My caveat to you would be: Remember to be cautious in this market. I'm seeing a trend of project boats being represented as more than they are, as some of these sellers are effectively putting lipstick on a pig in an attempt at a money-grab.

You do NOT want to be saddled with a project boat! You want to go sailing.

Fair winds,

LittleWing77

yes agreed- i actually walked down the aisle with a tayana 37 last month but the survey turned south- 100% wet decks so sadly had to abandon ship as was not interested in doing a project.
then same surveyor actually recommended i look at the dufour which is through reputable broker so feel a little safer than the CD, which is with a private seller with some timing issues.

piteng · 31-08-2021, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonesail

the teak decks alone would make me run to the cape dory.

yes if teak were screwed down to cored deck but in this case it's a glue down so my understanding, it's like an area rug. though i do know they still need to be maintained