1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison

1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
VS
1984 Cape Dory 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC1984 Cape Dory 33
General
ManufacturerBeneteauCape Dory
Year1998–20031984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerGroupe FinotCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,100 kg (15,653 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area59.0 m² (635 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
16.23
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
35.21
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
0.76
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
19.82
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC was penned by Groupe Finot. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is 0.91m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC displaces approximately 42% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.23 and 59.0 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 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.2% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L 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 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC 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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