1975 Cape Dory 28 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Cape Dory 28 | Beneteau First 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Beneteau |
| Year | 1975–1983 | 1995–2000 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Bruce Farr |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Cape Dory 28 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.
In terms of size, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The Beneteau First 29 is 0.37m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory 28. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 displaces approximately 2% 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 Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 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 Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, 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 Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L 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 Beneteau First 29 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: 1975 Cape Dory 28 · Beneteau First 29