2016 Dehler 30 OD vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Dehler 30 OD | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2016 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 35 L (9.2 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.98m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is 1.22m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD displaces approximately 36% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.54 and 46.0 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 35L 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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: 2016 Dehler 30 OD · 1978 Cape Dory 270