1970 Irwin 34 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Irwin 34 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1970–1978 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.9 m² (516 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Irwin 34 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Irwin 34 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1970 Irwin 34 was penned by Ted Irwin. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1970 Irwin 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 1.83m longer than the 1970 Irwin 34. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Irwin 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.73 and 47.9 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 1970 Irwin 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Irwin 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1970 Irwin 34 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Irwin 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L 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 Irwin 34 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 1970 Irwin 34 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1970 Irwin 34 · 1987 Cape Dory 40