CAPE DORY 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40.17 ft |
| LWL | 30 ft |
| Beam | 11.67 ft |
| Draft | 5.7 ft |
| Displacement | 19,500 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 48.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.46 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 43.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.29 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 806.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 426 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 724.2 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 40
The Cape Dory 40 is a heavy-displacement cruising yacht designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) between 1984 and 1990. With a production run of only 16 hulls, this rare vessel embodies the classic Alberg design philosophy, prioritizing seakindliness and structural integrity over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who value a comfortable, motion-dampened ride and robust construction over high-performance sailing metrics.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 19500.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 1.74, and a full/long keel, the Cape Dory 40 is exceptionally well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering superior stability and safety in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cape Dory 36 and 38, which share the same designer and heavy-displacement philosophy, as well as the Alberg 40, which offers similar performance characteristics and build quality from the same era.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the CAPE DORY 40yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a CAPE DORY 40? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CAPE DORY 40?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 40
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…