1981 Cape Dory 28

$12,500

Used

Boat in Toddville, MD 21672 US

builtBuilt in 1981
Year the boat was built
model

28

Boat model
engine

--

Engine type and count
length

28.1 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

--

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Length Overall
28.08ft
Length at Waterline
22.17ft
Beam
8.67ft
Max Draft
4ft
Displacement
9000lb
Ballast
3500lb
Cabins
2
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
60gal
Fuel Tanks
13gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
monohull
Summary
Lovely Cape Dory 28 Sloop rig with Roller furling head sail, Engine replaced with a Yanmar dsl, Updated interior cushions, Lewmar Self-tailing primary winches. Great starter vessel. Owners willing to listen to all offers.
Exterior/Interior Accommodations
  • What draws one to the Cape Dory are her lines altogether typical of Carl Alberg, including a graceful sheer that sweeps forward from a counter stern to a teak bowsprit. Teak grabrails and eyebrows accentuate the fine proportions of the long trunk cabin, and easily navigable side decks connect the generous cockpit to the fair-sized foredeck. A full keel and a keel-hung rudder complete the profile.
  • Details below complement the traditional exterior. Solid teak and teak veneer are abundant, and bronze, in the through-hulls and the eight opening ports, is everywhere it should be.
  • Above the saloon settees, narrow shelves hold books; beneath each settee lies a 30-gallon water tank. More storage spaces are located behind the seatbacks. The starboard settee serves as a single berth, as does the Port side settee. A teak table swings down from the bulkhead and unfolds between the settees. The saloon has about 6 feet of headroom, and two opening hatches overhead help keep the air moving through it.
  • The head is forward of the saloon and contains a hanging wet locker and a small sink to starboard. The marine toilet is installed below the waterline, so all valves must be closed when it’s not in use and is opposite the sink to port. A folding door separates the head from the V-berth, which covers various compartments. A cushioned plywood insert fills the V to create a double berth, forward of which a panel opens to the anchor locker.
  • The companionway, its top step on the countertop next to the single stainless-steel sink, bisects the galley, between a spacious icebox to starboard and an alcohol stove to port. Under the companionway stairs is the access to the Yanmar dsl engine.


Galley

The galley runs athwarships of the companionway at the aft end of the salon.

  • Single stainless steel sink with pump
  • Large Ice chest to starboard
  • Lockers outboard to starboard
  • Storage compartment under the cutting board to port
  • 2 burner alcohol stove to port
  • Lockers outboard to port as well
Rigging
  • Aluminum spar stepped on deck
  • Roller furling for the headsail
  • Main sail is not original, not sure of the age but has seen little use
  • Headsail is not original, not sure of the age but has seen little use
  • Lewmar #16 Self-tailing Primary winches
Mechanical and Electronics
  • Original Volvo engine was replaced with a Yanmar Dsl. Hours are assumed to be quite low
  • Dual batteries with parallel switch - one house and one starting battery
  • Interior lights
  • Runing lights
  • Standard Horizon VHF Radio
  • Cybernet Marine stereo radio with cassette
  • 2 speakers in the salon
  • Datamarine depthsounder
  • Compass
  • Bilge pump
Deck equipment
  • Teak Bow sprit with anchor roller
  • Danforth anchor with rode
  • Stainless steel bow pulpit with side stanchions and single life lines
  • Stainless steel stern pulpit with swim/boarding ladder
  • Teak cockpit combings
  • Teak toe rails and rub rails
  • Teak eye brows
  • Cowl vent on teak box
  • 8 bronze opening ports
  • Opening hatch in V-berth
  • Skylight in main salon
  • Beige non-skid
  • Cockpit Cushions Navy Blue and look relatively new
Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
7/21/25Initial price$12,500

Overview from around the web 1981 Cape Dory 28

Customers praise the 1981 Cape Dory 28 for its classic design and sturdy construction, highlighting its solid build quality and traditional lines that appeal to sailors who appreciate timeless aesthetics

Many owners appreciate the boat’s comfortable interior layout, which makes it suitable for weekend cruising and longer trips alike. The Cape Dory 28 is often noted for its excellent sailing performance, especially in moderate conditions, with responsive handling and good stability. Reviewers also mention the durability of the materials used, contributing to the boat’s reputation as a reliable and well-crafted vessel. Some users point out that while the boat is easy to manage for single-handed sailing, it also offers ample space for a small crew. Overall, the 1981 Cape Dory 28 enjoys a strong following among cruising enthusiasts who value quality, comfort, and classic styling.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1981 Cape Dory 28 is a classic sailboat known for its solid construction and traditional design. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Sturdy Build: The Cape Dory 28 features a robust fiberglass hull and a full keel, providing excellent durability and stability.

Classic Aesthetics: Its timeless design appeals to sailors who appreciate traditional lines and craftsmanship.

Comfortable Interior: Despite its compact size, the interior is well-laid-out with sufficient headroom and cozy accommodations for cruising.

Good Seaworthiness: The heavy displacement and full keel contribute to a smooth and stable ride, making it suitable for coastal cruising.

Easy Handling: The boat’s design allows for straightforward sail handling, ideal for single-handed or small-crew sailing.

Cons

Moderate Speed: Due to its heavy displacement and full keel, the Cape Dory 28 is not built for speed and may feel sluggish compared to lighter, fin-keel designs.

Limited Space: While comfortable for its size, the interior can feel tight, especially for extended trips or larger crews.

Aging Systems: As a 1981 model, many boats may require updates or maintenance on original equipment like sails, rigging, and electronics.

Limited Headroom: Taller sailors might find the cabin headroom somewhat restrictive.

Traditional Design: The classic lines may not appeal to those seeking a more modern look or performance-oriented features.

Made For

The 1981 Cape Dory 28 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, reliable cruiser with timeless design and solid construction. Perfect for couples or small families, it offers comfortable accommodations for weekend getaways or coastal cruising. Its manageable size and sturdy build make it well-suited for both novice and experienced sailors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and a vessel that performs well in a variety of conditions.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1981 Cape Dory 28. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Cape Dory cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$141.87/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 12,500
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1981 Cape Dory 28. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Cape Dory cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$141.87/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 12,500
OR
%

Contact Brewer Yacht Sales

245 C Street, , Solomons, MD, 20688

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245 C Street
Solomons, MD 20688
Other Information about Brewer Yacht Sales

Brewer Yacht Sales' Solomons office is located at Safe Harbor Zahnisers. Solomons is a picturesque waterfront town nestled where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, Maryland.

Voted "One of the 15 Happiest Seaside Towns in America", Solomons has great attractions all year round including the Taste of Solomons, 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, Solomons Offshore Grand Prix, Screwpile Challenge, Christmas Walk, and Solomons Plein Air Festival. With frequent events and festivals also at Annmarie Sculpture Park and Calvert Marine Museum, you will always find something new and fun to do.

The professional sales staff at Brewer Yacht Sales Solomons are committed to making your boat buying or selling experience an enjoyable one! Our Brewer Yacht Sales brokers have on average twenty years of boating industry experience, and it is their job to make your transaction smooth and worry-free. We want to build long-term relationships with our customers, whether you are transitioning out of your current boat or into your next one.

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