Dufour 32 Classic vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1984 Cape Dory 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is 0.36m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Cape Dory 33, with an SA/D of 15.31 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 Cape Dory 33 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 32 Classic 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: Dufour 32 Classic · 1984 Cape Dory 33