Hunter 240 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Hunter 240
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 240 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 476 kg (1,049 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 22.5 m² (242 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 8 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 240 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 240 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Hunter 240 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Hunter 240 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 is 0.91m longer than the Hunter 240. 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 Hunter 240 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.62 and 22.5 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 Hunter 240 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 240 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.88). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the Hunter 240 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 240 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 19L 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 Hunter 240 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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Or view individual specs: Hunter 240 · 1978 Cape Dory 270