2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison

2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
VS
1987 Cape Dory 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2010 X-Yachts Xc 351987 Cape Dory 40
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsCape Dory
Year2010–20161987–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA10.57 m (34.7 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL9.20 m (30.2 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)8,618 kg (18,999 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)64.5 m² (694 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity70 L (18.5 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)284 L (75.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
16.37
1987 Cape Dory 40
15.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
36.21
1987 Cape Dory 40
42.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
0.75
1987 Cape Dory 40
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
19.28
1987 Cape Dory 40
22.29

Detailed Comparison

The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 measures 10.57m (34.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 1.62m longer than the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 49% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.37 and 52.0 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 X-Yachts Xc 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) 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 36.2% for the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 70L 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 X-Yachts Xc 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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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