1978 Pearson 30 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

1978 Pearson 301978 Pearson 30
VS
1971 C&C 271971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 Pearson 301971 C&C 27
General
ManufacturerPearsonC&C Yachts
Year1978–19831971–1975
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerWilliam ShawCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL7.47 m (24.5 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area39.3 m² (423 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Pearson 30
16.91
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Pearson 30
41.25
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Pearson 30
0.79
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Pearson 30
19.87
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Pearson 30 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Pearson 30 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1978 Pearson 30 was penned by William Shaw. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1978 Pearson 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1978 Pearson 30 is 0.91m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The 1978 Pearson 30 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Pearson 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.91 and 39.3 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 Pearson 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 41.3% for the 1978 Pearson 30 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Pearson 30 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1971 C&C 27 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 1971 C&C 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1978 Pearson 30 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1978 Pearson 30 · 1971 C&C 27