1987 Cape Dory 40 vs 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS — Comparison

1987 Cape Dory 40
VS
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1987 Cape Dory 402007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
General
ManufacturerCape DoryJeanneau
Year1987–19922007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerCarl AlbergPhilippe Briand
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)12.00 m (39.4 ft)
Beam3.66 m (12.0 ft)4.30 m (14.1 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,618 kg (18,999 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area64.5 m² (694 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Water Capacity284 L (75.0 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1987 Cape Dory 40
15.59
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1987 Cape Dory 40
42.11
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
33.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1987 Cape Dory 40
0.72
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1987 Cape Dory 40
22.29
2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS
14.75

Detailed Comparison

The 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS was designed by Philippe Briand.

In terms of size, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.30m beam. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS is 1.53m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS displaces approximately 22% 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 33.3% for the 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 180L 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 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2007 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS 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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