1985 Sabre 32 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
1985 Sabre 32
1978 Cape Dory 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Sabre 32 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1985–1991 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Sabre 32 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1985 Sabre 32 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1985 Sabre 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1985 Sabre 32 is 1.52m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1985 Sabre 32 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Sabre 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.71 and 42.0 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 1985 Sabre 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Sabre 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Sabre 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L 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 1985 Sabre 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Sabre 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.