1972 Islander 24 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison

1972 Islander 241972 Islander 24
VS
1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1972 Islander 241978 C&C 24
General
ManufacturerIslanderC&C Yachts
Year1972–19771978–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerAlan GurneyCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA7.32 m (24.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL5.94 m (19.5 ft)6.10 m (20.0 ft)
Beam2.36 m (7.7 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.14 m (3.7 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)
Ballast635 kg (1,400 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area23.5 m² (253 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine7 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity23 L (6.1 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths44
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1972 Islander 24
17.55
1978 C&C 24
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1972 Islander 24
39.99
1978 C&C 24
40.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1972 Islander 24
0.81
1978 C&C 24
0.85
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1972 Islander 24
19.26
1978 C&C 24
16.77

Detailed Comparison

The 1972 Islander 24 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Islander 24 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1972 Islander 24 was penned by Alan Gurney. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1972 Islander 24 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.36m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1972 Islander 24 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1972 Islander 24 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.55 and 23.5 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 1972 Islander 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Islander 24 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1972 Islander 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 23L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Islander 24 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: 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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