1975 Cape Dory 28 vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison
1975 Cape Dory 28
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Cape Dory 28 | 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Wauquiez |
| Year | 1975–1983 | 1988–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Jean-Marie Finot |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 47.0 m² (506 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 90 L (23.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.
In terms of size, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is 1.68m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory 28. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur displaces approximately 71% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.76 and 33.5 m² of sail area. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Cape Dory 28 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 1975 Cape Dory 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.