1991 Hunter 33.5 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Hunter 33.5 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.7 m² (546 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 1.83m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · 1978 Cape Dory 270