1984 Cape Dory 33 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison

1984 Cape Dory 33
VS
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 372008 Beneteau Oceanis 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Cape Dory 332008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
General
ManufacturerCape DoryBeneteau
Year1984–19902008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerCarl AlbergFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)11.35 m (37.2 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)9.93 m (32.6 ft)
Beam3.12 m (10.2 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.45 m (4.8 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)6,680 kg (14,727 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)59.0 m² (635 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
29.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.63

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.12m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 1.29m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 34% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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: 1984 Cape Dory 33 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37