1977 Cape Dory 22 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
1977 Cape Dory 22
1978 Cape Dory 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1977 Cape Dory 22 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1977–1983 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.18 m (17.0 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 0.91 m (3.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 454 kg (1,001 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 18.2 m² (196 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 7 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1977 Cape Dory 22 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.13m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 is 1.52m longer than the 1977 Cape Dory 22. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 displaces approximately 150% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.48 and 18.2 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 1977 Cape Dory 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). 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 1977 Cape Dory 22 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 19L 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 1977 Cape Dory 22 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.