1988 C&C 32 vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
1988 C&C 32
Dufour 36 Classic
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 C&C 32 | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | C&C Yachts | Dufour |
| Year | 1988–1993 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Canada | France |
| Designer | Cuthbertson & Cassian | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,996 kg (4,400 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.8 m² (493 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 C&C 32 and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 C&C 32 is a 1980s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1988 C&C 32 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The Dufour 36 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1988 C&C 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Dufour 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 1.15m longer than the 1988 C&C 32. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 37% 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 Dufour 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 36 Classic 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 Dufour 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 44.0% for the 1988 C&C 32 and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic, 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 Dufour 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 C&C 32 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 Dufour 36 Classic 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.