1988 C&C 32 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 C&C 32 | Beneteau First 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | C&C Yachts | Beneteau |
| Year | 1988–1993 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Canada | France |
| Designer | Cuthbertson & Cassian | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,996 kg (4,400 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.8 m² (493 ft²) | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 C&C 32 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 C&C 32 is a 1980s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 C&C 32 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1988 C&C 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 2.41m longer than the 1988 C&C 32. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 C&C 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.98 and 45.8 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 C&C 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 44.0% for the 1988 C&C 32 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 C&C 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 C&C 32 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 Beneteau First 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 40 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: 1988 C&C 32 · Beneteau First 40