Cape Henry 21
Home built GRP over plywood. Dudley Dix designed gaff rigged cutter.

I was planning to built a boat to use in retirement. I had chosen the Dudley Dix Cape Henry 21 for its swing keel shoal draft trailer ability, gaff rig, stepping mast, and reputation for seaworthyness. I had a budget, a 5 year plan, and a space for the build in my garage. I had a color picked out, knew I wanted Gambel and Hunter of Camden ME to make the sails, and planned out my interior and cockpit configuration. I started the project by hand digging a 40ft trench and having an electrician run 100amps of power to my garage. I was on my way!
Before I continue, it should be known that these boats are all hand built individually. They exist all over the world in comparatively small numbers but no 2 have ever been in the same place at the same time. I had never actually seen one in person myself but had reviewed many builders blogs and videos.
Imagine then my surprise one day early in 2021, when looking through Craigslist I came across a listing for a Cape Henry 21. I was supervising a project at the USCG station in Gloucester MA, and the boat was only 30 minutes away in Swampscott. The add featured pictures from the designer web site but no photos of the boat for sale. I quickly contacted the seller, who had listed the boat the previous evening. We arranged to meet at the boat that afternoon.
On the ride to the marina I imagined what I might see. I thought about what it would take to compel me to buy a boat I had planned so carefully to build myself. What compromises would I be willing to make, what were my deal breakers? The price was right, it was only 1 season launched, it was the owners 3rd build. I knew, if it was blue, I was in trouble.
The boat was wrapped entirely in a green tarp when I arrived and met the builder/owner. He explained his reason for selling was that he needed a boat with a full head and had already purchased a 38 footer. We unwrapped the boat together.
It was blue, the exact blue I had chosen to paint my boat. The interior and cockpit were exactly as I had planned to build. The motor was outboard, there was a boom gallows, the deck was cream and rails and bowsprit bright, all as I planned to do. The jib and genoa were furled on CDI foils which is how I wanted it, even though it was an unorthodox choice. The main connected to the mast with bent oak hoops, 2 reefs, and all sails from the loft in Camden, where I had planned to go.
So there I was, sitting in the exact boat I wanted to build and hoped to have in 5 years. I could have it now and sail the 5 years I thought. ” So what’s stopping you from writing the check?”, the builder playfully asked. I wanted to talk to someone about the decision. Not act impulsively. But I didn’t know anyone who wouldn’t ask me the same question the builder asked. I answered
I needed to at least trade my car in for a vehicle that could tow a bigger boat. “I’ll bring it to your house Saturday” he offered. I had the check waiting.