1973 Tartan 34 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
1973 Tartan 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1973 Tartan 34 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Tartan | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1973–1984 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Sparkman & Stephens | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1973 Tartan 34 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Tartan 34 is a 1970s design by Tartan from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1973 Tartan 34 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1973 Tartan 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1973 Tartan 34 is 2.13m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1973 Tartan 34 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1973 Tartan 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.27 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The 1978 Cape Dory 270, with an SA/D of 14.60 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1973 Tartan 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1973 Tartan 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 45.0% for the 1973 Tartan 34 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1973 Tartan 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Tartan 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 1973 Tartan 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 1973 Tartan 34 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: 1973 Tartan 34 · 1978 Cape Dory 270