1987 Cape Dory 40 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Cape Dory 40 | 1997 Tartan 3700 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Tartan |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1997–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) | 7,031 kg (15,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 284 L (75.0 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 0.91m longer than the 1997 Tartan 3700. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 23% 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 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, 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 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L 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 1997 Tartan 3700 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 · 1997 Tartan 3700