1987 Beneteau First 38 vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison
1984 C&C 37+
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | 1984 C&C 37+ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Canada |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1984 C&C 37+ was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 0.30m longer than the 1984 C&C 37+. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.00 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 C&C 37+, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 1987 Beneteau First 38 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · 1984 C&C 37+