Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
VS
1984 Cape Dory 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 36001984 Cape Dory 33
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCape Dory
Year20161984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA10.94 m (35.9 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
20.92
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
37.25
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
0.83
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
13.53
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 measures 10.94m (35.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is 0.88m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.92 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Cape Dory 33, with an SA/D of 15.31 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Cape Dory 33 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 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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