1988 C&C 32 vs 1985 Nonsuch 26 — Comparison
1988 C&C 32
1985 Nonsuch 26
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 C&C 32 | 1985 Nonsuch 26 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | C&C Yachts | Nonsuch |
| Year | 1988–1993 | 1985–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Other |
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Designer | Cuthbertson & Cassian | Mark Ellis |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,996 kg (4,400 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.8 m² (493 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 C&C 32 and 1985 Nonsuch 26 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1988 C&C 32 is a 1980s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the 1985 Nonsuch 26 is a 1980s offering from Nonsuch from Canada. The 1988 C&C 32 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 was designed by Mark Ellis.
In terms of size, the 1988 C&C 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1985 Nonsuch 26 at 7.92m (26.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1988 C&C 32 is 1.83m longer than the 1985 Nonsuch 26. The 1988 C&C 32 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 C&C 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.98 and 45.8 m² of sail area. The 1985 Nonsuch 26, with an SA/D of 15.47 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1988 C&C 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 C&C 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1985 Nonsuch 26 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 44.0% for the 1988 C&C 32 and 36.4% for the 1985 Nonsuch 26, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 C&C 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The 1985 Nonsuch 26 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Nonsuch 26 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 1988 C&C 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1988 C&C 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.