1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

1997 Dufour 30 Classic
VS
1971 C&C 271971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Dufour 30 Classic1971 C&C 27
General
ManufacturerDufourC&C Yachts
Year1997–20031971–1975
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceCanada
DesignerUmberto FelciCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA9.15 m (30.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL7.80 m (25.6 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam3.10 m (10.2 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area40.0 m² (431 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity50 L (13.2 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
16.69
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
36.84
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
0.80
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
19.22
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is 0.92m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic displaces approximately 52% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 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 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) 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 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L 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 1971 C&C 27 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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