1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison
1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter
1978 C&C 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter | 1978 C&C 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1976–1983 | 1978–1983 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 7 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 19 L (5.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 1978 C&C 24 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter is 1.82m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter displaces approximately 173% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.99 and 40.2 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 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 44.4% for the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter 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 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter 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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Or view individual specs: 1976 Cape Dory 30 Cutter · 1978 C&C 24