CAPE DORY 25
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.83 ft |
| LWL | 18 ft |
| Beam | 7.25 ft |
| Draft | 3 ft |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb |
| Ballast | 1,700 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 27.58 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 273.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 124.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 211 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 25
Same hull as the earlier GREENWICH 24 from Allied Boat Co. but with different deck and coachroof. Not to be confused with the somewhat later CAPE DORY 25D (1981), also from Cape Dory Yachts but an entirely different design.
Designed by George Stadel and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) from 1973–1982, the Cape Dory 25 is a robust, full-keel sloop with 845 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 4000.0 lb and full/long keel configuration prioritize stability and seakeeping over speed, making it a classic example of the 'heavy cruiser' philosophy.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekenders who prioritize safety, ease of single-handed handling, and low maintenance over high-performance sailing. It is well-suited for owners seeking a stable, forgiving platform for protected waters and short offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 306.19, a capsize ratio of 1.83, and a full/long keel, the Cape Dory 25 is capable of short offshore passages but is best suited for coastal cruising due to its moderate size and heavy, stable hull form.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 2-36 and O'Day 23, which share similar full-keel, heavy-displacement characteristics from the same era. These vessels are comparable due to their emphasis on comfort, stability, and ease of handling rather than racing performance.
Performance
Liveaboard Score
How suitable the CAPE DORY 25is for living aboard full-time, by crew. “Not recommended” means the design is too cramped for that crew — not just short on length.
- ✓Affordable to own & maintain
- ✓Shoal draft — easy anchoring & outdoor living
- ✓Sea-kindly & settled at anchor
- !Cramped interior / low headroom
- !Basic sanitation & poor ventilation
- !Limited water, fuel & power
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
40 listings · boat years 1972–1981 · median $7,000
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 24.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
34 reported issues across 9 systems for the CAPE DORY 25, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 25? 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 34 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 25?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Atomic 4, Kubota — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 25
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…