C&C 131 Information, Review, Specs

The C&C 131 entered production in 2008, marking its place in the brand's long history of innovation, particularly during its later years under the joint venture with Tartan Marine. The design philosophy behind the C&C 131, as articulated by designer Tim Jackett, was to create a yacht tailored for the "performance minded racer/cruiser." The inherent challenge was to craft a fast racing boat that simultaneously provided comfortable accommodations, a hallmark of C&C's identity as builders of "performance cruisers." While specific variations like a Mark I or Mark II version are not widely noted, the 131 is characterized by its fixed bulb keel and spade rudder, features that contribute to its performance profile. The yacht is equipped with a fractional rig.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 131's design metrics point to a vessel engineered for robust performance and stability. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.44, the C&C 131 boasts a high sail-carrying capacity, suggesting excellent performance, especially in lighter wind conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.40 indicates a significant amount of ballast relative to her overall weight, contributing to good stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a greater force of wind.

Despite its performance orientation, her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 328.97 classifies her as a heavier displacement cruiser for her waterline length. This combination of high SA/D and high D/L suggests a powerful yet substantial boat, designed to be swift without sacrificing the solid feel of a cruiser. Descriptions of the C&C 131 often emphasize its dual nature as a "racer-cruiser type intended to combine race boat performance with cruising comfort." She is "uniquely designed for the performance minded racer/cruiser," aiming for performance optimization while remaining accommodating. It is worth noting that its capsize screening value of 2.02 indicates that it would not be accepted for participation in ocean races.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not provided in the primary data, the C&C 131 is known for its "fully finished interior," designed to offer considerable comfort and functionality for its size. Online reviews and owner discussions highlight a typical three-cabin layout, featuring a spacious main cabin living area that serves as the heart of the yacht. The interior also commonly includes a head with a dedicated stall shower and a full navigation station, underscoring its suitability for extended cruising.

In terms of aesthetics and materials, the interior often features cherry wood, contributing to a warm and traditional yachting ambiance. While one owner noted concerns regarding corrosion and rust on some stainless deck hardware due to a lack of isolation between dissimilar metals, another perspective suggests that the laminate work is "above par" and the construction methods adhered to "accepted marine standards," with an accommodating interior overall. The yacht is equipped with a 341-liter (90 US gallons) freshwater capacity, which supports comfortable living aboard for several days. [1,

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of C&C yachts generally appreciate their reputation for being fast and well-built, supported by an active and strong owner community. They are often lauded for their ability to handle challenging conditions effectively. Specific to the C&C 131, feedback indicates satisfaction with the internal construction, describing the laminate work as exceeding typical standards and the overall construction methods as well within accepted marine norms. The interior is frequently praised for its accommodating nature. However, some owners have noted that the quality of external stainless steel deck hardware could be a point of concern, with observations of corrosion and rust potentially due to insufficient isolation between different metals.