1993 Najad 360 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison

1993 Najad 3601993 Najad 360
VS
1987 Cape Dory 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Najad 3601987 Cape Dory 40
General
ManufacturerNajadCape Dory
Year1993–20021987–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,500 kg (14,330 lbs)8,618 kg (18,999 lbs)
Ballast2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)64.5 m² (694 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)284 L (75.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Najad 360
16.04
1987 Cape Dory 40
15.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Najad 360
41.54
1987 Cape Dory 40
42.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Najad 360
0.73
1987 Cape Dory 40
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Najad 360
20.68
1987 Cape Dory 40
22.29

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Najad 360 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Najad 360 is a 1990s design by Najad from Sweden, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1993 Najad 360 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 1993 Najad 360 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 1.22m longer than the 1993 Najad 360. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1993 Najad 360 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.04 and 55.0 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 1993 Najad 360 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1993 Najad 360 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.7) 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 41.5% for the 1993 Najad 360 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1993 Najad 360 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L 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 1993 Najad 360 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: 1993 Najad 360 · 1987 Cape Dory 40