1975 Cape Dory 28 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison

1975 Cape Dory 28
VS
1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Cape Dory 281978 C&C 24
General
ManufacturerCape DoryC&C Yachts
Year1975–19831978–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerCarl AlbergCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA8.53 m (28.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL6.55 m (21.5 ft)6.10 m (20.0 ft)
Beam2.69 m (8.8 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.5 m² (361 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Cape Dory 28
15.76
1978 C&C 24
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Cape Dory 28
42.87
1978 C&C 24
40.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Cape Dory 28
0.73
1978 C&C 24
0.85
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Cape Dory 28
25.59
1978 C&C 24
16.77

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is 1.21m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 displaces approximately 112% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.76 and 33.5 m² of sail area. The 1978 C&C 24, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Cape Dory 28 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 1978 C&C 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1975 Cape Dory 28 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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