CAPE DORY 22
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 22.33 ft |
| LWL | 16.25 ft |
| Beam | 7.33 ft |
| Draft | 3 ft |
| Displacement | 3,200 lb |
| Ballast | 1,400 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 28 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 249.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 126 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 214.2 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 22
The TYPHOON SR (CAPE DORY) is similar but with a different rig and some other minor details.
Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) from 1981–1985, the Cape Dory 22 is a compact, full-keel sloop with 176 hulls produced. Its reputation for solidity is tempered by critical structural vulnerabilities, particularly regarding deck core integrity and mast step corrosion.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekenders seeking a stable, easy-to-handle package with a 3.0 ft max draft, though it is less ideal for aggressive single-handing due to its heavy displacement of 3200.0 lb and narrow beam.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.99 and a full/long keel, the boat is inherently stable and safe offshore, but its small size and lack of self-righting guarantees make it suitable only for protected coastal passages rather than true bluewater voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the O'Day 23 and Pearson 22 from the same era, these boats share similar dimensions and full-keel layouts, but the Cape Dory distinguishes itself with a higher build quality standard and a more conservative, seakindly design philosophy.
Direct variant of the CAPE DORY 22
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1981–1984 · median $13,000
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 22.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 9 systems for the CAPE DORY 22, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 22? 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 20 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CAPE DORY 22?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 22
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…