1977 Cape Dory 22 vs Hunter 31 — Comparison
Hunter 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1977 Cape Dory 22 | Hunter 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Hunter |
| Year | 1977–1983 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.18 m (17.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 0.91 m (3.0 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 454 kg (1,001 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 18.2 m² (196 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 7 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1977 Cape Dory 22 and Hunter 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the Hunter 31 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1977 Cape Dory 22 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Hunter 31 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.13m, compared to the Hunter 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The Hunter 31 is 2.74m longer than the 1977 Cape Dory 22. The Hunter 31 displaces approximately 275% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.48 and 18.2 m² of sail area. The Hunter 31, with an SA/D of 17.51 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Hunter 31 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1977 Cape Dory 22 and 38.9% for the Hunter 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1977 Cape Dory 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 23L of water capacity and 19L of fuel. The Hunter 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1977 Cape Dory 22 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 31 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 31 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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Or view individual specs: 1977 Cape Dory 22 · Hunter 31