Jeanneau Sun 2000 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Jeanneau Sun 2000
1978 Cape Dory 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Jeanneau Sun 2000 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2001–2008 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Daniel Andrieu | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.08 m (19.9 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.45 m (17.9 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.10 m (3.6 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 700 kg (1,543 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 200 kg (441 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 17.5 m² (188 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Lifting | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 4 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 3 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Jeanneau Sun 2000 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun 2000 is a 2000s design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Jeanneau Sun 2000 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun 2000 measures 6.08m (19.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.30m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 is 2.15m longer than the Jeanneau Sun 2000. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 displaces approximately 289% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun 2000 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 22.57 and 17.5 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 Jeanneau Sun 2000 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun 2000 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.04). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the Jeanneau Sun 2000 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun 2000 provides 3 berths in 1 cabin with 15L of water capacity and unspecified fuel capacity. 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 Jeanneau Sun 2000 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.