C&C 38-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

C&C Yachts, founded in 1969 through the amalgamation of prominent Canadian boat builders and designers, quickly earned a reputation for innovation, particularly in its pioneering use of balsa-cored hulls to enhance stiffness while reducing weight. The C&C 38-2, launched in 1975, was a direct evolution of the original C&C 38-1. Its primary design objective was IOR optimization, aiming to deliver competitive racing performance without compromising the comfortable cruising amenities for which C&C was known. A total of 98 examples of the C&C 38-2 were built, highlighting its popularity. While sharing the same hull as the later Landfall 38, the 38-2 featured a deeper keel and taller rig, emphasizing its performance orientation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 38-2 is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration indicative of a performance-oriented design. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.9, she suggests a responsive and capable performer, particularly in light to moderate wind conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.46 indicates significant internal stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and carry her sail area effectively without excessive heeling. This robust stability is a hallmark of C&C's design philosophy, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Measuring just over 37 feet overall with a waterline length of nearly 30 feet, the C&C 38-2's displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 254 places her in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category for a performance cruiser. This translates into a solid, seakindly vessel that is less prone to hobby-horsing in choppy conditions, making her well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore passages alike. Owners often describe the C&C 38-2 as a "moderate weight sailboat which is a good performer" that is "very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability." While optimized for IOR racing, she is also regarded as an "affordable Racer Cruiser set up for either a small crew or able to Single-Hand," balancing speed with ease of handling. However, some anecdotal accounts suggest that IOR designs, including this model, could be challenging to handle downwind in heavy air due to their characteristic hull shapes.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the C&C 38-2 are best explored through owner photos and reviews, C&C Yachts generally prided itself on producing interiors that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, often described as "among the best in the business." Given that the Landfall 38 shares the C&C 38-2's hull, it's reasonable to infer similar interior volume. The Landfall 38, for instance, offered solid six-foot headroom in the forward cabin, allowing for comfortable standing and dressing.

Typical for a performance cruiser of its era, the C&C 38-2's interior likely features a conventional layout. This would generally include a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would typically offer opposing settees or a U-shaped dinette with a drop-leaf table, providing ample seating for dining and socializing. A well-appointed galley, often located to port, and a navigation station to starboard would complete the main cabin. Aft, one or two quarter berths would provide additional sleeping accommodations. C&C interiors of this period commonly showcased a blend of fiberglass liners with warm wood trim and joinery, offering a practical yet inviting atmosphere.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the C&C 38-2, and C&C yachts in general, frequently commend the brand for producing "fast, well-built boats" with a vibrant and supportive community. Many owners praise the C&C 38-2's solid construction and its comfortable, stable motion through a seaway, attributes that make it a reliable choice for extended cruising. Its ability to perform well in races while still offering comfortable cruising accommodations is a consistent theme among owners.

As with any yacht of this vintage, prospective owners should be aware of common maintenance considerations. Recurring issues noted on older C&C models can include soft decks, often due to water ingress around deck fittings, and potential issues with the keel-to-hull seam, though these are typically discoverable during a thorough survey. While "spider cracks" in the gel coat are often cosmetic, they can also indicate underlying issues if not properly addressed. The original Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine, while generally reliable for its time, may require more attention or replacement in older models. Despite these potential concerns, the enduring popularity and active owner community for the C&C 38-2 underscore its fundamental quality and appeal.