2010 Oyster 475 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
2010 Oyster 475
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Oyster 475 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Oyster | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2010–2018 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | United Kingdom | USA |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.50 m (47.6 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.30 m (40.4 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,100 kg (11,244 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 95.0 m² (1,023 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Oyster 475 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Oyster 475 is a modern design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2010 Oyster 475 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2010 Oyster 475 measures 14.50m (47.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.30m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2010 Oyster 475 is 2.31m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 2010 Oyster 475 displaces approximately 57% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Oyster 475 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.02 and 95.0 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 2010 Oyster 475 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Oyster 475 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 37.8% for the 2010 Oyster 475 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Oyster 475 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 280L 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 2010 Oyster 475 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2010 Oyster 475 · 1987 Cape Dory 40