1984 Cape Dory 33 vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison
1984 Cape Dory 33
1984 C&C 37+
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1984 Cape Dory 33 | 1984 C&C 37+ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1984–1990 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1984 C&C 37+ is 1.22m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 1984 C&C 37+ displaces approximately 32% 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 1984 C&C 37+, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, 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 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L 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 1984 C&C 37+ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1984 C&C 37+ offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.