1981 Pearson 36 vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 36 | 1984 Cape Dory 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1981–1985 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,124 kg (13,501 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.6 m² (555 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 36 and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1981 Pearson 36 is 0.61m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 1981 Pearson 36 displaces approximately 23% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.66 and 51.6 m² of sail area. The 1984 Cape Dory 33, with an SA/D of 15.31 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1981 Pearson 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 Cape Dory 33 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 1981 Pearson 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 1981 Pearson 36 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: 1981 Pearson 36 · 1984 Cape Dory 33