1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Wauquiez | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1988–1998 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean-Marie Finot | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.0 m² (506 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 170 L (44.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was penned by Jean-Marie Finot. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur measures 10.21m (33.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is 1.98m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.43 and 47.0 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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: 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur · 1978 Cape Dory 270