2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2005–2009 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.85 m (42.2 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.12 m (36.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.02 m (13.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,700 kg (19,180 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 73.0 m² (786 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 measures 12.85m (42.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.02m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 is 0.66m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.53 and 73.0 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 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 32.2% for the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 140L 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 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 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: 2005 Beneteau Oceanis 423 · 1987 Cape Dory 40