1979 Westerly Fulmar vs 1976 C&C 33 — Comparison

1979 Westerly Fulmar1979 Westerly Fulmar
VS
1976 C&C 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Westerly Fulmar1976 C&C 33
General
ManufacturerWesterlyC&C Yachts
Year1979–19861976–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUKCanada
DesignerEd DuboisCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL8.00 m (26.2 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.07 m (3.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area36.0 m² (388 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeBilgeFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity136 L (35.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Westerly Fulmar
12.53
1976 C&C 33
15.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Westerly Fulmar
36.35
1976 C&C 33
45.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Westerly Fulmar
0.75
1976 C&C 33
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Westerly Fulmar
22.41
1976 C&C 33
18.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Westerly Fulmar and 1976 C&C 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s design by Westerly from UK, while the 1976 C&C 33 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was penned by Ed Dubois. The 1976 C&C 33 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1979 Westerly Fulmar measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1976 C&C 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1976 C&C 33 is 0.31m longer than the 1979 Westerly Fulmar. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 Westerly Fulmar has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 12.53 and 36.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 C&C 33, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1976 C&C 33 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1976 C&C 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar and 45.0% for the 1976 C&C 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 Westerly Fulmar provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The 1976 C&C 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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 1976 C&C 33 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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