Dufour 32 Classic vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison
1984 C&C 37+
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1984 C&C 37+ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Canada |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1984 C&C 37+ is 1.58m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1984 C&C 37+ displaces approximately 46% 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 1984 C&C 37+, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic 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 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, 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 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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: Dufour 32 Classic · 1984 C&C 37+