Dufour 36 Classic vs 1987 C&C 44 — Comparison

Dufour 36 Classic
VS
1987 C&C 44

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 36 Classic1987 C&C 44
General
ManufacturerDufourC&C Yachts
Year1996–20031987–1993
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceCanada
DesignerUmberto FelciCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA10.90 m (35.8 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
Beam3.50 m (11.5 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)10,433 kg (23,001 lbs)
Ballast2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)80.0 m² (861 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity110 L (29.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 36 Classic
17.16
1987 C&C 44
17.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 36 Classic
32.26
1987 C&C 44
41.30
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 36 Classic
0.76
1987 C&C 44
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 36 Classic
17.99
1987 C&C 44
18.72

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 36 Classic and 1987 C&C 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1987 C&C 44 is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1987 C&C 44 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 1987 C&C 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 1987 C&C 44 is 2.51m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The 1987 C&C 44 displaces approximately 68% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 C&C 44, with an SA/D of 17.02 and 80.0 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 Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1987 C&C 44 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 41.3% for the 1987 C&C 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 1987 C&C 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 170L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1987 C&C 44 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: The 1987 C&C 44 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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