1987 Cape Dory 40 vs 2001 Tartan 4100 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Cape Dory 40 | 2001 Tartan 4100 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Tartan |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2001–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) | 75.0 m² (807 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 284 L (75.0 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 2001 Tartan 4100 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 2001 Tartan 4100 is a 2000s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 2001 Tartan 4100 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 2001 Tartan 4100 at 12.50m (41.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2001 Tartan 4100 is 0.31m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 2001 Tartan 4100 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of sail area. The 2001 Tartan 4100, with an SA/D of 16.96 and 75.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2001 Tartan 4100 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2001 Tartan 4100 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40 and 40.5% for the 2001 Tartan 4100, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Cape Dory 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 2001 Tartan 4100 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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 2001 Tartan 4100 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: 1987 Cape Dory 40 · 2001 Tartan 4100