1978 C&C 24 vs 1977 Cal 33 — Comparison

1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24
VS
1977 Cal 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 C&C 241977 Cal 33
General
ManufacturerC&C YachtsCal
Year1978–19831977–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryCanadaUSA
DesignerCuthbertson & CassianBill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA7.32 m (24.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL6.10 m (20.0 ft)8.08 m (26.5 ft)
Beam2.44 m (8.0 ft)3.20 m (10.5 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)
Ballast612 kg (1,349 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area24.0 m² (258 ft²)43.0 m² (463 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine7 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity19 L (5.0 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Water Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 C&C 24
18.64
1977 Cal 33
14.53
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 C&C 24
40.88
1977 Cal 33
41.74
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 C&C 24
0.85
1977 Cal 33
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 C&C 24
16.77
1977 Cal 33
22.63

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 C&C 24 and 1977 Cal 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the 1977 Cal 33 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1978 C&C 24 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The 1977 Cal 33 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 1978 C&C 24 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 1977 Cal 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1977 Cal 33 is 2.74m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1977 Cal 33 displaces approximately 248% 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 1977 Cal 33, with an SA/D of 14.53 and 43.0 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 1977 Cal 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24 and 41.7% for the 1977 Cal 33, 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 1977 Cal 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1977 Cal 33 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 Cal 33 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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