Cape Dory Boats: Are They Worth The Money?

Cape Dory Yachts was a Massachusetts-based builder of sailboats, powerboats, and pleasure trawlers, which operated from 1963 to 1992. The company was founded by Andrew Vavolotis in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and later moved to Taunton, Massachusetts, where it produced thousands of boats. Cape Dory Yachts built boats ranging from 10 to 45 feet in length, and its boats were known for their traditional, sturdy, and conservative designs. The Cape Dory 28, for example, was designed by Carl Alberg and features a full-length keel, relatively low freeboard, and a well-proportioned trunk cabin. The Cape Dory 30, on the other hand, was the largest boat in the company's fleet when it entered production in 1976 and was designed as a traditional-looking, long-keel cruising boat. So, is Cape Dory a good boat?

Cape Dory boats are built to last

The Cape Dory boats are built with safety in mind. One owner says that they feel “as safe in that boat as any I've owned". The boats are also built to last, with another owner saying that people "grab up the old ones when they come up for sale and pull the decks and replace the tank with a cold tar epoxied one and keep going. They are tanks!”.

The boats are also praised for their performance. One owner says that their boat has a “soft landing” and “nothing rattles when I am running it hard”. Another owner says that their boat has a “smooth DRY ride”. The boats are also described as having a “great ride”, being “stable”, and “fast”.

The Cape Dory boats are also a great value. One owner says that they are a “good value for an offshore boat on a budget”. Another owner says that the boats are a “great value”.

They are a good option for fishing

Cape Dory boats are a good option for fishing. They are built for the purpose of fishing and are designed to last with little structural issue. They are built to be safe and get you home.

The Cape Horn 27 XS, for example, is a serious fishing boat with 25 rod holders included as standard. It also has a 42-gallon live well and a seven-foot-long, 700-quart fish box. The hull is designed to be dry, with reverse chines to throw spray down and away, and a flare to keep water from being blown back into your face.

The Cape Horn 31T is another model that is a cold-blooded, cold-hearted fish-killing machine. It has a wide-open attitude with every inch dedicated to fishing space. It comes with a 60-gallon live well, a 26-gallon well in the transom, a raw water washdown, 26 rod holders, and a seven-foot-long, 700-quart fishbox.

The Cape Horn boats are also known for their tough build. They have thick hulls and are heavy, decent-riding boats. The hulls are made of very thick glass, and the boats are strong, rugged, and no-nonsense.

Overall, Cape Horn boats are a good option for fishing, offering a range of features and a durable construction.

They are a good value for an offshore boat

Cape Horn boats are a great value for money option for those looking for an offshore boat. They are built for the purpose of fishing and are designed to last. One of their unique selling points is that they are overbuilt, with very thick glass hulls, making them extremely durable and safe.

While the Cape Horn boats may not have the fancy finishes of some of their competitors, they are still good-looking boats. The hulls are well-designed, with a wave-splitting entry and a more voluminous upper portion, resulting in a dry ride. The boats are also efficient, with good fuel mileage, and have impressive speed capabilities.

In terms of fishing features, the Cape Horn boats excel. They have ample rod holders, large livewells, and spacious fishboxes. The boats also offer good storage options and comfortable seating, making them suitable for both fishing and family outings.

The Cape Horn boats are also easy to manoeuvre and handle well in various weather conditions. They provide a smooth and stable ride, even in rough waters, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a safe and reliable offshore fishing boat.

Overall, the Cape Horn boats offer a fantastic package for the price. They may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end boats, but they are well-built, rugged, and provide excellent value for money for those seeking a sturdy and capable offshore fishing vessel.

They are heavy and have a decent ride

Cape Horn boats are built for the purpose of fishing, with safety in mind. They are heavy, decent riding boats that are built to last.

The Cape Horn is a sturdy, no-frills boat. It is described as a "tank" by some users, owing to its solid build and ability to withstand tough conditions. It is a safe option for those seeking a reliable boat for fishing, with one user stating that they felt as safe in that boat as any I've owned.

The boat is described as having a soft landing and a dry, stable ride. It is a good option for those seeking a boat for fishing in the canyons, with one user commenting that they had a smooth, dry ride on their trips to the canyons.

The Cape Horn is a good value option for an offshore boat, with thick glass hulls and a rugged build. While the fit and finish may not be as refined as some other brands, the Cape Horn is a strong and reliable choice.

The weight of the boat is concentrated towards the back, with the console and other furnishings kept sleek and streamlined to maximise deck space. This does mean that there is less room in the stern when fishing, but overall, the boat provides a comfortable and spacious fishing experience.

Overall, the Cape Horn is a heavy, well-built boat with a decent ride. It is a reliable and safe choice for fishing, particularly in tougher conditions, and offers good value for money.

They are strong and no-nonsense boats

Cape Horn boats are built for strength and resilience. They are designed to be tough, no-nonsense boats that will last for years with little structural issue.

The Cape Horn boats are described as "tanks" and "rock solid". They are "overbuilt", with "thick ass hulls" that are "very thick glass". One owner describes how, after 12 years, their boat had "not a stress crack to be found". Another owner says that, after 20 years, their boat "rides like it did the first year I got her".

The boats are built for fishing and safety. They are described as "fishing machines", with plenty of rod holders and other piscatorial perks. They are built to make sure you get home, with safety in mind. One owner says that they felt "as safe in that boat as any I've owned".

The boats are also designed to be efficient. One owner says that, with a full tank of fuel, their boat could take 3-4 people off-shore fishing in reasonable conditions. Another owner says that, with twin Yamaha F200 outboards, their boat got 2.2 mpg at 38 mph.

The Cape Horn boats are not designed to be luxurious. They are described as "utilitarian", with "hardly any bells and whistles". They are "not pretty", and "won't impress people at sand bars". However, they are good value for an offshore boat on a budget.

Frequently asked questions