1987 Cape Dory 40 vs 1984 Moody 33 — Comparison
1984 Moody 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Cape Dory 40 | 1984 Moody 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Moody |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | UK |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Bill Dixon |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.40 m (4.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 284 L (75.0 gal) | 140 L (37.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 1984 Moody 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1984 Moody 33 is a 1980s offering from Moody from UK. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1984 Moody 33 was designed by Bill Dixon.
In terms of size, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1984 Moody 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 2.13m longer than the 1984 Moody 33. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 66% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of sail area. The 1984 Moody 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1984 Moody 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 40.4% for the 1984 Moody 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 1984 Moody 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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 1987 Cape Dory 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1987 Cape Dory 40 · 1984 Moody 33