Dufour 32 Classic vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison
1971 C&C 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1971 C&C 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1971–1975 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Canada |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 1.47m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 80% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 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 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L 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 1971 C&C 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 32 Classic 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: Dufour 32 Classic · 1971 C&C 27