1984 Cape Dory 33 vs 1976 C&C 33 — Comparison

1984 Cape Dory 33
VS
1976 C&C 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Cape Dory 331976 C&C 33
General
ManufacturerCape DoryC&C Yachts
Year1984–19901976–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerCarl AlbergCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.12 m (10.2 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.45 m (4.8 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
1976 C&C 33
15.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
1976 C&C 33
45.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
1976 C&C 33
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98
1976 C&C 33
18.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 1976 C&C 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1976 C&C 33 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1976 C&C 33 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.12m, compared to the 1976 C&C 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.31 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 C&C 33, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1976 C&C 33 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1976 C&C 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 45.0% for the 1976 C&C 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1976 C&C 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Cape Dory 33 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 1976 C&C 33 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1976 C&C 33 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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