CAPE DORY 270
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.25 ft |
| LWL | 20.75 ft |
| Beam | 9.42 ft |
| Draft | 7 ft/ 3 ft min |
| Displacement | 8,380 lb |
| Ballast | 3,249.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.6 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 412.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 220.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 374.7 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 270
A later version was called the HADLEY 27.
Designed by Dieter Empacher and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) between 1984 and 1986, the Cape Dory 270 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruiser with only 21 hulls produced. Its substantial 8380.0 lb displacement and 3249.8 lb ballast reflect the builder's reputation for solid, safe construction.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize seakindliness and comfort over speed, particularly those seeking a manageable cutter rig for short-handed sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.86 and a high D/L ratio of 418.74, the Cape Dory 270 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering a stable platform that handles heavy weather with confidence.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-1980s heavy-displacement cutters like the Cape Dory 30 or Island Packet 32, these boats share a focus on stability and comfort ratios (28.76) rather than planing performance.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 3 systems for the CAPE DORY 270, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 270? 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 4 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 270?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Westerbeke, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 270
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