1981 Pearson 303 vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
1984 C&C 37+
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1984 C&C 37+ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | William Shaw | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1984 C&C 37+ was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1984 C&C 37+ is 2.14m longer than the 1981 Pearson 303. The 1984 C&C 37+ displaces approximately 71% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 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 1984 C&C 37+ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 303 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 1984 C&C 37+ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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: 1981 Pearson 303 · 1984 C&C 37+