Cape Dory 22 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cape Dory 22 was in production from 1981 to 1985, emerging from the Massachusetts-based Cape Dory Yachts, founded by Andrew Vavolotis. The company gained a sterling reputation for its dedication to durable, solid fiberglass construction and a clear vision for vessels that offered both quality and reliability. Central to the Cape Dory identity was the influential design philosophy of Carl Alberg, who designed at least ten models for the builder, including the Cape Dory 22. Alberg was known for creating boats with long, graceful overhangs, low freeboard, and an emphasis on ease of handling, intending them to be comfortable family cruisers rather than pure racers. The builder's ethos during this period favored full-keel designs, contributing to exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states.

While the Cape Dory 22 shares a lineage with the popular Typhoon Senior, it distinguishes itself with a unique rig and minor structural differences. Discussions among owners often highlight comparisons between the Cape Dory 22, the 22D variant, and the Typhoon Senior, indicating a family of closely related designs that appealed to a similar market segment. The 22D, for instance, featured distinct interior layouts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to Cape Dory's design philosophy, the 22-foot full-keel monohull is celebrated for its seaworthiness and stable handling characteristics. Owners have noted the Cape Dory 22's ability to handle rougher conditions, with some describing it as "dryer and faster than the Typhoon" in breezes exceeding 12 knots. With its masthead sloop rig, featuring a total sail area of 240 square feet, the boat is designed for straightforward and predictable performance. Its substantial displacement of 3200 pounds, combined with a 1400-pound ballast, contributes to a solid feel on the water, instilling confidence in its crew. The long keel, a hallmark of Cape Dory designs, provides excellent directional stability, making for a "sea-kindly motion" and a comfortable ride, particularly for a boat of its size. This design emphasis prioritizes a secure and enjoyable sailing experience over high-performance racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cape Dory 22 is typical of a small traditional cruiser of its era, designed for compactness and functionality rather than spaciousness. As expected for a vessel of just over 22 feet in length, it does not feature standing headroom within the cabin. The layout generally includes a V-berth forward, which serves as the primary sleeping area, followed by a small salon area with short settees that, while functional for seating, can be challenging for sleeping due to their length. Storage is typically found beneath the berths and possibly in small lockers. The finish quality generally reflects Cape Dory's reputation for solid construction, often utilizing traditional wood trim alongside fiberglass liners. Ventilation is usually provided by an overhead hatch and portlights. Given its size, the Cape Dory 22 is best suited for day sails and weekend excursions, offering basic but robust shelter for a small crew.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cape Dory 22 frequently praise its solid construction and traditional aesthetics, which are consistent with the Cape Dory brand's overall reputation. The boat's robust build quality means that many units remain actively sailed and easily insurable decades after their production. Enthusiasts appreciate its "sea-kindly motion" and reliable handling, making it a favored choice for those who value a secure and comfortable ride over modern performance metrics. While its compact interior, particularly the short settees, can be a limitation for extended trips, owners generally regard the Cape Dory 22 as a well-built and charming pocket cruiser that delivers a classic sailing experience.