Hunter 33 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Hunter 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 33 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1988–1994 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Hunter Design Team | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 48.0 m² (517 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 33 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 33 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Hunter 33 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Hunter 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 2.13m longer than the Hunter 33. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 81% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 33 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.23 and 48.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 33 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 33 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Hunter 33 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L 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 Hunter 33 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.
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Or view individual specs: Hunter 33 · 1987 Cape Dory 40