1988 C&C 32 vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison

1988 C&C 32
VS
Beneteau First 33.7

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 C&C 32Beneteau First 33.7
General
ManufacturerC&C YachtsBeneteau
Year1988–19932001–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryCanadaFrance
DesignerCuthbertson & CassianJean Berret
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.04 m (32.9 ft)
LWL8.23 m (27.0 ft)8.89 m (29.2 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.32 m (10.9 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)
Ballast1,996 kg (4,400 lbs)1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area45.8 m² (493 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 C&C 32
16.98
Beneteau First 33.7
19.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 C&C 32
44.00
Beneteau First 33.7
35.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 C&C 32
0.79
Beneteau First 33.7
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 C&C 32
18.99
Beneteau First 33.7
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 C&C 32 and Beneteau First 33.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 C&C 32 is a 1980s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 C&C 32 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.

In terms of size, the 1988 C&C 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The Beneteau First 33.7 is 0.29m longer than the 1988 C&C 32. The Beneteau First 33.7 displaces approximately 4% 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 Beneteau First 33.7, with an SA/D of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 33.7 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 Beneteau First 33.7 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 44.0% for the 1988 C&C 32 and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, 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 Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 Beneteau First 33.7 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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