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63data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CAPE DORY 10 buyer’s report

CAPE DORY 10

Cape Dory🇺🇸· Design: Andrew C. Vavolotis
$9,967 avg$400 – $28,500 (11 listings)1964–19832,260 built
$100 – $400 est. annual maintenance
DinghymonoGunterVariable

Specifications

Hull

LOA10.5 ft
LWL10 ft
Beam4.08 ft
Draft2 ft/ 0.42 ft min
Displacement150 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL4.2 kn

About the CAPE DORY 10

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Andrew C. Vavolotis and built by Cape Dory from 1964–1983, the Cape Dory 10 is a compact trailerable sailboat with a production run of 2260 hulls. Its small dimensions (10.5 ft LOA, 4.08 ft beam) and light displacement of 150.0 lb define it as a portable day-sailer rather than a cruising vessel.

Best for:
This boat suits single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance, trailerable day-sailer for protected coastal waters and lakes. Its Gunter rig and variable keel options facilitate easy launching and storage, making it ideal for owners with limited dock space.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of only 150.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 3.5, this boat is strictly for protected waters and is not suitable for offshore or bluewater passage making.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include other 10-foot trailerable designs from the same era, such as the O'Day 10 or various Sunfish-class variants, due to their similar LOA, trailerability, and role as introductory or recreational day-sailers.

Performance

Comfort3.5
Capsize3.07
SA/Disp38.6
Disp/Len67

Estimated Value

Medium Confidence
Based on 10 listings
Low
$5,157
Estimated Value
$7,575
High
$9,615
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

14 listings · boat years 19711984 · median $12,000

$0$20k$40k$60kmedian $12,00019701975198019851978 Cape Dory Sloop · $17,500 · Florida, US1984 Cape Dory · $12,000 · North Carolina, US1974 cape dory · $10,000 · New Jersey, US1980 Cape Dory · $15,500 · Louisiana, US1984 Cape Dory · $49,900 · New York, US1978 Cape Dory Sloop · $5,000 · Ohio, US1978 Cape Dory · $7,500 · Massachusetts, US1974 Cape Dory · $9,500 · Wisconsin, US1977 Cape Dory Sloop · $19,895 · Louisiana, US1978 Cape Dory · $5,500 · North Carolina, US1982 Cape Dory · $12,500 · Virginia, US1975 Cape Dory 1975 · $6,350 · New York, US1979 Cape Dory · $28,500 · Florida, US1971 Cape Dory · $400 · LA, USAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 10.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$100 – $400
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

7 reported issues across 5 systems for the CAPE DORY 10, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

3 critical4 minor
Structural3Hull1Keel1Electrical1Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 10? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Westerbeke — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 10

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