1990 Morgan 38 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
1990 Morgan 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Morgan 38 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Morgan | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Brewer | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.8 m² (665 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Morgan 38 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1990 Morgan 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 0.61m longer than the 1990 Morgan 38. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Morgan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.41 and 61.8 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 1990 Morgan 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Morgan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Morgan 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L 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 1990 Morgan 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1990 Morgan 38 · 1987 Cape Dory 40