2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | USA |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.15 m (33.3 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 X-Yachts Xc 38 · 1987 Cape Dory 40