Hunter 30 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Hunter 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 30 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Hunter Design Team | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 30 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 30 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Hunter 30 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Hunter 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The Hunter 30 is 0.91m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The Hunter 30 displaces approximately 42% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Cape Dory 270, with an SA/D of 14.60 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the Hunter 30 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hunter 30 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 30 · 1978 Cape Dory 270