2015 ClubSwan 36 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 ClubSwan 36 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nautor Swan | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2015 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Finland | USA |
| Designer | Juan Kouyoumdjian | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.00 m (36.1 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was penned by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 measures 11.00m (36.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 2.77m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 displaces approximately 76% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Cape Dory 270, with an SA/D of 14.60 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 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: 2015 ClubSwan 36 · 1978 Cape Dory 270