2003 Dufour 34 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison
2003 Dufour 34
1978 C&C 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dufour 34 | 1978 C&C 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1978–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Canada |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 7 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 19 L (5.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dufour 34 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dufour 34 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.37m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 2003 Dufour 34 is 2.98m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 2003 Dufour 34 displaces approximately 267% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Dufour 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 52.5 m² of sail area. The 1978 C&C 24, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dufour 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Dufour 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Dufour 34 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 1978 C&C 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Dufour 34 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
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2003 Dufour 34 · 1978 C&C 24