2006 Catalina 375 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison

2006 Catalina 3752006 Catalina 375
VS
1987 Cape Dory 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2006 Catalina 3751987 Cape Dory 40
General
ManufacturerCatalinaCape Dory
Year2006–20131987–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)8,618 kg (18,999 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)64.5 m² (694 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)284 L (75.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2006 Catalina 375
16.24
1987 Cape Dory 40
15.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2006 Catalina 375
41.17
1987 Cape Dory 40
42.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2006 Catalina 375
0.75
1987 Cape Dory 40
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2006 Catalina 375
18.62
1987 Cape Dory 40
22.29

Detailed Comparison

The 2006 Catalina 375 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2006 Catalina 375 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2006 Catalina 375 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 2006 Catalina 375 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 0.61m longer than the 2006 Catalina 375. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2006 Catalina 375 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.24 and 62.4 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 2006 Catalina 375 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2006 Catalina 375 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 2006 Catalina 375 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2006 Catalina 375 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L 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 2006 Catalina 375 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 2006 Catalina 375 · 1987 Cape Dory 40