1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1975–1980 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Crealock | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 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 | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 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 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is 2.13m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II displaces approximately 92% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 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 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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 1978 Cape Dory 270 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 Columbia 34 Mk II has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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: 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II · 1978 Cape Dory 270