2003 Hunter 41 AC vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
2003 Hunter 41 AC
1987 Cape Dory 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Hunter 41 AC | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 73.2 m² (788 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Hunter 41 AC and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC measures 12.50m (41.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is 0.31m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC displaces approximately 5% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 73.2 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 2003 Hunter 41 AC has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the 2003 Hunter 41 AC and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L 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 2003 Hunter 41 AC has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Hunter 41 AC offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.