Cape Dory Typhoon (Weekender) Information, Review, Specs

Boat drawing
Make
Weekender
Model
Cape Dory Typhoon
Number Built
1982
Production Year(s)
1967 - 1986

The search results provide a good amount of information.

Key findings from search results:

  • Designer Philosophy: Carl Alberg designed the Typhoon in 1960, and Cape Dory introduced it in 1967. Alberg's designs are known for being heavier but easy to sail in a seaway. The Typhoon epitomizes the brand's ability to offer a stable and pleasing sailing experience in a compact package.
  • Production Variations: "Newer models are likely to have a slightly different rig". There isn't a clear MkI/MkII distinction mentioned in the search results, but it does say "many variations in 40 years of production". The Weekender model specifically has a slightly larger sail area than the Daysailer and includes a cuddy cabin.
  • Sailing Performance and Handling: "well mannered" sailing performance. "handles well and is stiff in a blow". Known for sturdiness. Owners feel "secure on the little Ty". Often described as a "blast from the past" or a "pint-sized classic". It's a "classic, comfortable family cruiser".
  • Accommodations and Layout: The Weekender has a cuddy cabin with a V-berth and two quarter berths. Accommodations are "spacious for little people". Limited headroom as expected for an 18-foot boat. Search results mention "interior that allowed flexible", suggesting basic but functional.
  • Owner's Perspectives: Owners praise its solid construction and stability. Common problems include "moderate to severe problems in both" (referring to a general review, not specific issues). One forum mentions looking for leaks around hardware or rudder issues. Owners often restore these boats. Many appreciate them as a "good first sailboat" or for "day sailing and racing".

I have enough information to proceed with writing the article, remembering to skip the performance ratios and to integrate the information from both the and the builder article, along with the search results.

Structure outline:

  • Introduction: Combine LOA, LWL, production years, builder and designer info, and the "most successful model" note from and builder article. Emphasize its role as a stable small cruiser/day sailer.
  • History and Design: Use production years (1967-1986 from-1985 from builder/search), builder (Andrew Vavolotis, Cape Dory Yachts), designer (Carl Alberg, designed in 1960). Discuss Alberg's philosophy of stable, sea-kindly boats and Cape Dory's robust fiberglass construction and full-keel commitment. Mention the Weekender vs. Daysailer and general production variations.
  • Sailing Performance and Handling: Focus on qualitative descriptions: "well mannered," "stiff in a blow," "secure," "stable and pleasing" 1, 2, 8, builder article. Refer to the long keel (from) for directional stability and comfortable motion (from builder article).
  • Accommodations and Layout: Detail the cuddy cabin, V-berth, and two quarter berths. Emphasize "spacious for little people" and the basic, functional nature suitable for a weekender.
  • Owner's Perspectives: Synthesize common praises (sturdiness, stability, good first boat) and potential issues (leaks around hardware, general wear on older boats, requiring restoration).

I will now write the article.

InfoView listings

Measurements

Construction & Hull

Construction Material
Fiberglass (Solid)
Hull Type
Monohull Sailboat
Keel Type
Long
Rudder
1x —
Ballast
900 lbs (Lead)
Displacement
2000 lbs
Water Capacity
-
Fuel Capacity
-

Engine

Engine Make
Engine Model
Engine Type
Engine HP
Engine Count
1
Drive Type
Fuel Type
Hover over a measurement
IJPE FS LOALWL

Rig & Sails

Rig Type
Fractional Sloop
P (Main Luff)
22 ft
E (Main Foot)
8.75 ft
I (Foretriangle Height)
19.08 ft
J (Foretriangle Base)
6.17 ft
Forestay Length (est)
20.05 ft
Main Sail Area
96.25 sqft
Foretriangle Sail Area
58.86 sqft
Total Sail Area (Reported)
160 sqft
Total Sail Area (Calc)
155.11 sqft

Dimensions

LOA
18.5 ft
LWL
13.5 ft
Beam
6.29 ft
Draft
2.58 ft
Max Headroom
-
Air Draft
-

Calculations

Hull Speed
4.92 kn
Pounds per Inch Immersion
303.41