Cape Dory Typhoon SR Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Typhoon SR are defined by its significant displacement-to-length ratio. Weighing in at approximately 3,200 pounds—nearly 1,200 pounds of which is encapsulated lead ballast—the boat possesses a "big boat" feel that is rare in the 20-foot class. According to technical specifications maintained by the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association, the boat utilizes a full keel that provides exceptional directional stability. This allows the Typhoon SR to track straight with minimal helm correction, a trait that makes it an ideal platform for single-handed sailing.

In light air, the heavy displacement and relatively short waterline (16' 6") mean the SR is not a speed demon; however, as the wind increases, the boat shines. Its narrow 6' 9" beam and deep-V sections allow it to slice through chop without the pounding typical of modern flat-bottomed designs. The fractional rig is easy to tune, and the boat carries its sail well into the mid-teens before requiring a reef. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home when "hooked in" on a beat, showing a level of sea-kindliness that allows for comfortable coastal hops in conditions that would force lighter boats back to the dock.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the standard 19-foot Typhoon, which is primarily an open-cockpit boat with a small cuddy, the Typhoon SR offers a dedicated cruising cabin. The layout is a classic four-berth arrangement: a V-berth forward and two narrow settee berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. While the 22-foot hull limits headroom to "sitting height," the use of teak trim and the quality of the fiberglass joinery provide a sense of traditional luxury.

It is vital for prospective buyers to distinguish the Typhoon SR from its sibling, the Cape Dory 22. While both were designed by Carl Alberg and share a 22-foot length, they are entirely different hulls. The Typhoon SR is a "stretched" version of the 19-foot design with a narrower beam, whereas the Cape Dory 22 is a wider, more modern Alberg design with significantly more interior volume and a more robust galley area. The SR is often viewed as the "purist’s" 22-footer, favoring the slender, low-freeboard lines of a classic 1930s-style cruiser over the utilitarian accommodations found in later models.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While Cape Dory yachts are renowned for their robust "Spartan Marine" bronze hardware and thick hulls, they are not immune to the effects of time. Research into owner communities and technical archives suggests three primary areas for inspection:

1. Chainplate Leaks & Bulkheads: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates pass through the deck and are bolted to internal bulkheads. If the deck seals fail, water can migrate into the plywood bulkheads, leading to rot. Buyers should look for staining or "softness" where the chainplates meet the wood.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Cape Dory used balsa-coring in the decks to save weight and add stiffness. Over decades, poorly bedded hardware (cleats, stanchions, winches) can allow water into the core. A percussion test (tapping with a plastic hammer) is essential to check for delamination.
3. Rudder Play: The bronze gudgeons and pintles that hold the rudder to the trailing edge of the keel are incredibly strong but can develop "slop" or play in the bushings after 50 years of service.
4. Compression Post: Ensure the deck stepped mast has not caused any sagging in the cabin top. While the SR is built heavily, a tired deck core under the mast step can lead to structural deflection.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for this vessel is the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association, an exceptionally active group that maintains a registry of hulls, original brochures, and technical manuals. Their archives include specific "Manuals and Diagrams" for the Typhoon series, which are invaluable for restoration projects. Additionally, the Spartan Marine division in Maine still supports many of the original bronze fittings found on these boats, allowing owners to source authentic replacement hardware.

The Verdict

The Cape Dory Typhoon SR is a "mini-yacht" in the truest sense. It is built for the sailor who values the journey and the aesthetic of a classic Alberg design over the destination or modern amenities. It is a forgiving, stout, and beautiful vessel that remains a benchmark for the American pocket-cruising tradition.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Solid fiberglass hull and high-grade bronze hardware.
• Sea-kindly Motion: Full keel design handles chop and heavy wind with grace.
• Classic Aesthetics: One of the most beautiful 22-footers ever mass-produced.
• Ease of Handling: Simple rig and excellent tracking make it perfect for solo sailors.

Cons:

• Limited Interior Volume: Narrow beam and low freeboard result in cramped accommodations for more than two adults.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement makes it sluggish in winds under 8 knots.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for deck core or bulkhead issues requires a careful pre-purchase survey.