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Sailboat Specifications

Cape Dory 40

Cutter · Long Keel

Designed by Carl Alberg · Built by Cape Dory Yachts (Usa) · First built 1984

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LOA 40.17 ft  ·  Beam 11.67 ft  ·  Displacement 19,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 778.00 ft²  ·  Cutter  ·  Long Keel
About the Cape Dory 40 Sailboat

Built during Cape Dory's heyday from 1984 to 1990, this substantial cruiser represents the culmination of designer Carl Alberg's traditional approach to offshore sailing yachts. With only 16 hulls completed, the Cape Dory 40 remains one of the more exclusive entries in the builder's celebrated lineup of heavy-displacement cruising boats. Alberg's signature design philosophy shines through in the long keel configuration and robust 19,500-pound displacement, creating a seakindly platform that excels in offshore conditions. The cutter rig provides excellent sail handling options for varying weather conditions, while the generous beam of nearly 12 feet ensures comfortable accommodations below. At over 40 feet overall with a 30-foot waterline, she offers impressive interior volume without sacrificing the traditional proportions that made Cape Dory famous. The impressive comfort ratio of 34.57 reflects this yacht's suitability for extended cruising, while the conservative capsize screening formula of 1.74 indicates excellent stability for ocean passages. Hull speed potential of 7.34 knots provides respectable performance under sail. This fiberglass construction combines Alberg's time-tested design principles with Cape Dory's reputation for solid construction, making it an excellent choice for serious cruising sailors seeking a capable, traditional yacht.

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Known Issues View all 8 issues →
High
The deck hardware on Cape Dory boats of this era was typically through-bolted into balsa-cored deck sections. Water intrusion around chainplates, stanchion bases, and cleats causes balsa core rot that can be extensive before it becomes visible. Compression failures around stanchion bases are a known problem.
High
The long keel attachment uses a series of keel bolts that are prone to weeping rust stains in the bilge, indicating corrosion. The bilge sump area around the keel stub should be closely inspected for soft spots or cracking in the laminate, as this junction bears significant stress.
High
Chainplate knees on the Cape Dory 40 are glassed into the hull liner and can develop stress cracks or delamination at the attachment point, particularly on the cap shroud chainplates. The backing structure behind the liner should be inspected, as access is limited and problems are often hidden.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 40.17 ft / 12.24 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
Beam 11.67 ft / 3.56 m
Max Draft 5.70 ft / 1.74 m
Displacement 19,500.00 lb / 8,845 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 778.00 ft² / 72.28 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder Cape Dory Yachts (USA)
First Built 1984
Last Built 1990
Number Built 16
Associations Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association
Related Sailboats Tartan 40 · Island Packet 40 · Sabre 402 · Bristol 40 · Endeavour 40
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cape Dory 40's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Cape Dory 40 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.25. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Cape Dory 40's comfort ratio?

The Cape Dory 40 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 34.57. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Cape Dory 40 safe for offshore sailing?

The Cape Dory 40 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.74. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Cape Dory 40?

The theoretical hull speed of the Cape Dory 40 is 7.34 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Cape Dory 40 weigh?

The Cape Dory 40 has a displacement of 19,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 40.17 ft.

Who designed the Cape Dory 40?

The Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg, first built in 1984.