Dufour 45E vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison

Dufour 45EDufour 45E
VS
1984 C&C 37+1984 C&C 37+

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 45E1984 C&C 37+
General
ManufacturerDufourC&C Yachts
Year2008–20111984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceCanada
DesignerUmberto FelciCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA13.80 m (45.3 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL11.90 m (39.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area88.0 m² (947 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity380 L (100.4 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 45E
18.64
1984 C&C 37+
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 45E
30.48
1984 C&C 37+
41.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 45E
0.77
1984 C&C 37+
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 45E
15.34
1984 C&C 37+
19.46

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 45E and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 45E is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Dufour 45E was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1984 C&C 37+ was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Dufour 45E measures 13.80m (45.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The Dufour 45E is 2.52m longer than the 1984 C&C 37+. The Dufour 45E displaces approximately 60% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 45E has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 C&C 37+, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 45E has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 45E offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.5% for the Dufour 45E and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 45E provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 45E has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 45E 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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