1978 C&C 24 vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison

1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24
VS
1972 Ericson 321972 Ericson 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 C&C 241972 Ericson 32
General
ManufacturerC&C YachtsEricson
Year1978–19831972–1978
TypeSloopSloop
CountryCanadaUSA
DesignerCuthbertson & CassianBruce King
Dimensions
LOA7.32 m (24.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL6.10 m (20.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam2.44 m (8.0 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast612 kg (1,349 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area24.0 m² (258 ft²)39.0 m² (420 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine7 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity19 L (5.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 C&C 24
18.64
1972 Ericson 32
14.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 C&C 24
40.88
1972 Ericson 32
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 C&C 24
0.85
1972 Ericson 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 C&C 24
16.77
1972 Ericson 32
21.98

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 C&C 24 and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 1978 C&C 24 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 1978 C&C 24 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1972 Ericson 32 is 2.43m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1972 Ericson 32 displaces approximately 188% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 C&C 24 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ericson 32, with an SA/D of 14.97 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 C&C 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24 and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 C&C 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 19L of fuel. The 1972 Ericson 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Ericson 32 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 1972 Ericson 32 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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