1986 J/28 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

1986 J/28
VS
1971 C&C 271971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 J/281971 C&C 27
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsC&C Yachts
Year1986–19901971–1975
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerRod JohnstoneCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA8.66 m (28.4 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area37.6 m² (405 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 J/28
18.59
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 J/28
46.17
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 J/28
0.85
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 J/28
17.20
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 J/28 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1986 J/28 measures 8.66m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1986 J/28 is 0.43m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The 1986 J/28 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1986 J/28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 37.6 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1986 J/28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1986 J/28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1986 J/28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1971 C&C 27 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 1986 J/28 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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