1977 Westerly Centaur vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison

1977 Westerly Centaur
VS
1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1977 Westerly Centaur1978 C&C 24
General
ManufacturerWesterlyC&C Yachts
Year1977–19811978–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUKCanada
DesignerLaurent GilesCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA7.92 m (26.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL6.40 m (21.0 ft)6.10 m (20.0 ft)
Beam2.69 m (8.8 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.07 m (3.5 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)
Ballast1,089 kg (2,401 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area26.9 m² (290 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeBilgeFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine13 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1977 Westerly Centaur
14.02
1978 C&C 24
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1977 Westerly Centaur
40.01
1978 C&C 24
40.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1977 Westerly Centaur
0.77
1978 C&C 24
0.85
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1977 Westerly Centaur
23.82
1978 C&C 24
16.77

Detailed Comparison

The 1977 Westerly Centaur and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1977 Westerly Centaur is a 1970s design by Westerly from UK, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1977 Westerly Centaur was penned by Laurent Giles. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1977 Westerly Centaur measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1977 Westerly Centaur is 0.60m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1977 Westerly Centaur displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1977 Westerly Centaur has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.02 and 26.9 m² of sail area. The 1978 C&C 24, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1977 Westerly Centaur offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1977 Westerly Centaur and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1977 Westerly Centaur provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 68L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1977 Westerly Centaur 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 1978 C&C 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1977 Westerly Centaur 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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