1986 J/28 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison

1986 J/28
VS
1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 J/281978 C&C 24
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsC&C Yachts
Year1986–19901978–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerRod JohnstoneCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA8.66 m (28.4 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)6.10 m (20.0 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area37.6 m² (405 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 J/28
18.59
1978 C&C 24
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 J/28
46.17
1978 C&C 24
40.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 J/28
0.85
1978 C&C 24
0.85
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 J/28
17.20
1978 C&C 24
16.77

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 J/28 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1978 C&C 24 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 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1986 J/28 is 1.34m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1986 J/28 displaces approximately 97% 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 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 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 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, 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 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 J/28 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 1986 J/28 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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