1990 Beneteau First 235 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison
1990 Beneteau First 235
1978 C&C 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Beneteau First 235 | 1978 C&C 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1978–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Canada |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.18 m (23.6 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) |
| Ballast | 567 kg (1,250 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 7 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 19 L (5.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Beneteau First 235 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 measures 7.18m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1978 C&C 24 is 0.14m longer than the 1990 Beneteau First 235.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 24.0 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.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.88). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1990 Beneteau First 235 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 C&C 24 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 1990 Beneteau First 235 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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Or view individual specs: 1990 Beneteau First 235 · 1978 C&C 24