Intrepid 9 M Information, Review, Specs

The Intrepid 9 M entered production in 1979, during an era when Cape Dory Yachts, founded by Andrew Vavolotis, was celebrated for its unwavering commitment to traditional design and sturdy, solid fiberglass construction. The company’s ethos, as detailed in its builder history, emphasized quality components—even going so far as to establish Spartan Marine for hardware manufacturing—ensuring reliability and durability in its vessels. However, the Intrepid 9 M, also known as the Intrepid 30, marked a strategic design evolution for the builder.

While many of Cape Dory’s iconic models were the product of Carl Alberg's full-keel designs, the Intrepid 9 M was designed by Jim Kyle and Rolf van der Sleen. This design was noted as a revised and updated version of the Intrepid 28, which itself was based on the Grampian 28. A significant departure from Cape Dory's traditional offerings was the Intrepid 9 M's fin keel, a feature that signaled a move towards enhanced agility and potentially improved performance, contrasting with the inherent directional stability of a full keel. This design choice aimed to broaden the appeal of Intrepid sailboats to those seeking a more responsive sailing experience, while still retaining the build quality synonymous with Cape Dory. Production for the Intrepid 9 M concluded in 1981, with a limited run of just 40 boats, making it a unique, albeit short-lived, chapter in the builder's legacy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Intrepid 9 M's design translates into a moderate and capable sailing performance, particularly suited for coastal cruising. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.33, she is not intended as a light-air performer, and some owners have noted that the boat can be "piggish in light air". However, this moderate sail plan also suggests a boat that can stand up to a breeze comfortably.

Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 40.26% indicates a good level of inherent stiffness, allowing her to carry sail well and provide a stable platform even in heavier conditions. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 228.7 places the Intrepid 9 M in the medium-heavy cruiser category. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly motion that contributes to a comfortable ride, a characteristic further supported by a high comfort ratio noted in one review. The fin keel, a key design element, provides more agility and responsiveness compared to traditional full-keel designs. Coupled with a skeg-hung rudder, the Intrepid 9 M offers a good balance of maneuverability and directional stability, with the skeg providing protection for the rudder. Owners generally appreciate its handling characteristics, particularly its ability to perform well upwind.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed diagrams of the Intrepid 9 M's interior layout are scarce in available information, owner discussions suggest that the interiors of Intrepid models, as a division of Cape Dory, were generally "a bit nicer" than some of the builder's other "regular boats" of the time. This implies a comfortable and relatively well-finished living space, in keeping with Cape Dory's reputation for quality craftsmanship.

Typically for a vessel of its size and era, one would expect a functional layout designed for cruising comfort. This would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a compact galley, and an enclosed head. The solid fiberglass hull construction common to Cape Dory boats would have provided a robust foundation for the interior fit-out. Ventilation and storage would have been addressed with deck hatches and various lockers, designed for weekending and coastal voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Intrepid 9 M generally express satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting the inherent strengths associated with Cape Dory's construction quality. Many describe their boats as "sound" and appreciate the robust build that was a hallmark of the manufacturer. The use of a bolt-on lead keel, in contrast to encapsulated ballast found in some other Cape Dory models, is sometimes cited by owners as a more secure and costly design feature.

Common strengths frequently mentioned include the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle various sea conditions comfortably. The fin keel design, while a departure from Cape Dory's norm, is appreciated for contributing to the boat's agility on the water. However, some owners have noted that the Intrepid 9 M can be "piggish in light air", suggesting it performs better with a decent breeze. Another minor point of contention mentioned is the placement of winches on the mast, which can make single-handed sailing more challenging. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment among owners is positive, with many enjoying the sailing experience offered by this unique Cape Dory derivative.