1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1976–1983 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter is 0.91m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.99 and 40.2 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 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 44.4% for the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter 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 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter 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: 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter · 1978 Cape Dory 270