1984 Cape Dory 33 vs 1988 Moody 36 — Comparison

1984 Cape Dory 33
VS
1988 Moody 361988 Moody 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Cape Dory 331988 Moody 36
General
ManufacturerCape DoryMoody
Year1984–19901988–1993
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerCarl AlbergBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.12 m (10.2 ft)3.51 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.45 m (4.8 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)54.0 m² (581 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
1988 Moody 36
15.29
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
1988 Moody 36
39.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
1988 Moody 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98
1988 Moody 36
20.90

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 1988 Moody 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1988 Moody 36 is a 1980s offering from Moody from UK. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1988 Moody 36 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.12m, compared to the 1988 Moody 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1988 Moody 36 is 0.91m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 1988 Moody 36 displaces approximately 36% 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 1988 Moody 36, with an SA/D of 15.29 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1984 Cape Dory 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 1988 Moody 36 has a comfort ratio of 20.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 39.7% for the 1988 Moody 36, 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 1988 Moody 36 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L 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 Cape Dory 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 1988 Moody 36 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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