1970 Bristol 32 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
1970 Bristol 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Bristol 32 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1970–1977 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Halsey Herreshoff | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Bristol 32 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Bristol 32 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1970 Bristol 32 was penned by Halsey Herreshoff. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1970 Bristol 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 2.44m longer than the 1970 Bristol 32. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 90% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Bristol 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.91 and 40.2 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 1987 Cape Dory 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Bristol 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 26.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 42.0% for the 1970 Bristol 32 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Bristol 32 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Bristol 32 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 1987 Cape Dory 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1970 Bristol 32 · 1987 Cape Dory 40