1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison

1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
VS
1984 Cape Dory 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 Hallberg-Rassy 291984 Cape Dory 33
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyCape Dory
Year1994–20031984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerOlle EnderleinCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA8.85 m (29.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL7.70 m (25.3 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam3.02 m (9.9 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.50 m (4.9 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area38.0 m² (409 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
16.14
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
40.54
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
0.78
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
20.16
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was penned by Olle Enderlein. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 measures 8.85m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.02m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is 1.21m longer than the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.14 and 38.0 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 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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