Beneteau First 29 vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 29 | 1984 Cape Dory 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1995–2000 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 29 and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Beneteau First 29 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 29 measures 8.90m (29.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.95m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 is 1.16m longer than the Beneteau First 29. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 29 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.88 and 39.5 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 Beneteau First 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 29 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29 and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 29 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L of water capacity and 50L 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 Beneteau First 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 29 · 1984 Cape Dory 33