2010 Dehler 32 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Dehler 32 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.16 m (10.4 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Dehler 32 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Dehler 32 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2010 Dehler 32 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2010 Dehler 32 measures 9.90m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.16m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 2.29m longer than the 2010 Dehler 32. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 96% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Dehler 32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.06 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2010 Dehler 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Dehler 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2010 Dehler 32 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Dehler 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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 2010 Dehler 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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: 2010 Dehler 32 · 1987 Cape Dory 40