1942 Nordic Folkboat vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
1942 Nordic Folkboat
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1942 Nordic Folkboat | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nordic | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1942 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | Tord Sunden | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.94 m (19.5 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.18 m (7.2 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.19 m (3.9 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 720 kg (1,587 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 23.0 m² (248 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Wood/Epoxy | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 8 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1942 Nordic Folkboat and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is a classic design by Nordic from Sweden, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat was penned by Tord Sunden. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.18m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 is 0.61m longer than the 1942 Nordic Folkboat. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 displaces approximately 51% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.80 and 23.0 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 1942 Nordic Folkboat has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1942 Nordic Folkboat and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L 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 1942 Nordic Folkboat 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: 1942 Nordic Folkboat · 1978 Cape Dory 270