Hanse 315 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 315 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2010–2016 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.55 m (28.1 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.15 m (10.3 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 41.5 m² (447 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 85 L (22.5 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hanse 315 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 315 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Hanse 315 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Hanse 315 measures 9.65m (31.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.15m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The Hanse 315 is 1.42m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The Hanse 315 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 315 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 41.5 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 Hanse 315 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hanse 315 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the Hanse 315 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 315 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 85L 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 Hanse 315 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: Hanse 315 · 1978 Cape Dory 270