1981 Ericson 30+ vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Ericson 30+ | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Ericson | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bruce King | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 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 | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.7 m² (427 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Ericson 30+ and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Ericson 30+ is a 1980s design by Ericson from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1981 Ericson 30+ was penned by Bruce King. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1981 Ericson 30+ measures 9.14m (30.0ft) 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 1981 Ericson 30+ is 0.91m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1981 Ericson 30+ displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Ericson 30+ has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.79 and 39.7 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 1981 Ericson 30+ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Ericson 30+ offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1981 Ericson 30+ and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Ericson 30+ provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 1981 Ericson 30+ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1981 Ericson 30+ 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: 1981 Ericson 30+ · 1978 Cape Dory 270