1967 Columbia 43 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison

1967 Columbia 431967 Columbia 43
VS
1987 Cape Dory 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1967 Columbia 431987 Cape Dory 40
General
ManufacturerColumbiaCape Dory
Year1967–19731987–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerWilliam TrippCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA13.11 m (43.0 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)8,618 kg (18,999 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area71.0 m² (764 ft²)64.5 m² (694 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)284 L (75.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1967 Columbia 43
16.05
1987 Cape Dory 40
15.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1967 Columbia 43
42.86
1987 Cape Dory 40
42.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1967 Columbia 43
0.67
1987 Cape Dory 40
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1967 Columbia 43
24.24
1987 Cape Dory 40
22.29

Detailed Comparison

The 1967 Columbia 43 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1967 Columbia 43 is a classic design by Columbia from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1967 Columbia 43 was penned by William Tripp. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 1967 Columbia 43 measures 13.11m (43.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1967 Columbia 43 is 0.92m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 1967 Columbia 43 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1967 Columbia 43 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.05 and 71.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1967 Columbia 43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1967 Columbia 43 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1967 Columbia 43 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1967 Columbia 43 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1967 Columbia 43 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 1967 Columbia 43 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1967 Columbia 43 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1967 Columbia 43 · 1987 Cape Dory 40