1984 Cape Dory 33 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

1984 Cape Dory 33
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Cape Dory 331982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerCape DoryFreedom
Year1984–19901982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerCarl AlbergGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.12 m (10.2 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.45 m (4.8 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.12m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is 1.53m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.31 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1982 Freedom 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 Cape Dory 33 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L 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 1982 Freedom 28 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: 1984 Cape Dory 33 · 1982 Freedom 28