Dufour 365 Grand Large vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison

Dufour 365 Grand Large
VS
1984 Cape Dory 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 365 Grand Large1984 Cape Dory 33
General
ManufacturerDufourCape Dory
Year2003–20071984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerUmberto FelciCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL9.72 m (31.9 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam3.52 m (11.5 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.5 m² (619 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity210 L (55.5 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
17.50
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
30.33
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
0.77
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 365 Grand Large
17.21
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 365 Grand Large and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Dufour 365 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the Dufour 365 Grand Large measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.52m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is 0.91m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The Dufour 365 Grand Large displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 365 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.50 and 57.5 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 365 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 365 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 365 Grand Large and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 365 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L of water capacity and 120L 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 365 Grand Large 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 365 Grand Large 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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