1975 Cape Dory 28 vs Hunter 36 — Comparison
Hunter 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Cape Dory 28 | Hunter 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Hunter |
| Year | 1975–1983 | 1996–2001 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Cape Dory 28 and Hunter 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the Hunter 36 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Hunter 36 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Hunter 36 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.56m beam. The Hunter 36 is 2.29m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory 28. The Hunter 36 displaces approximately 86% 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 Hunter 36, with an SA/D of 17.43 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 36 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 Hunter 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 39.2% for the Hunter 36, 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 Hunter 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L 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 Hunter 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hunter 36 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 1975 Cape Dory 28 · Hunter 36