1992 J/32 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

1992 J/32 1992 J/32
VS
1971 C&C 27 1971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1992 J/32 1971 C&C 27
General
Manufacturer J/Boats C&C Yachts
Year 1992–1997 1971–1975
Type Sloop Sloop
Country USA Canada
Designer Rod Johnstone Cuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA 9.91 m (32.5 ft) 8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL 8.38 m (27.5 ft) 6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam 3.13 m (10.3 ft) 2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft 1.83 m (6.0 ft) 1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 48.4 m² (521 ft²) 31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 18 HP 10 HP
Fuel Capacity 57 L (15.1 gal) 38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity 76 L (20.1 gal) 57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 6 5
Cabins 2 1

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 J/32
20.00
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 J/32
43.52
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 J/32
0.80
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 J/32
16.59
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 J/32 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 J/32 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1992 J/32 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1992 J/32 measures 9.91m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1992 J/32 is 1.68m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The 1992 J/32 displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 J/32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.00 and 48.4 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1992 J/32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1992 J/32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1992 J/32 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 J/32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1971 C&C 27 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 1992 J/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 1992 J/32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

VS