1995 J/80 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 J/80 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1995 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.49 m (4.9 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 499 kg (1,100 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 32.0 m² (344 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | — | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | — | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 2 | 4 |
| Cabins | — | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 J/80 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 J/80 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1995 J/80 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1995 J/80 measures 8.00m (26.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 is 0.23m longer than the 1995 J/80. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 J/80 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.50 and 32.0 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 1995 J/80 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 J/80 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.90). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 1995 J/80 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 J/80 provides 2 berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel capacity. 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 1995 J/80 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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: 1995 J/80 · 1978 Cape Dory 270