C&C 38-3 Information, Review, Specs

The C&C 38-3 marked a significant evolution in the Canadian builder's lineup, introduced as a completely new C&C 38 model in 1985. During this era, C&C Yachts, despite navigating financial challenges and ownership transitions, continued its commitment to innovative design and construction. The company was celebrated for its "performance cruisers," yachts designed to excel in both racing and comfortable cruising, often featuring rakish lines, lightweight construction, and overall high quality. C&C also pioneered the use of balsa-cored fiberglass hulls, a technique that improved stiffness while reducing weight, setting a standard for many yacht builders that followed.

A notable aspect of the C&C 38-3's design is its availability in multiple keel configurations, offering versatility to suit various sailing preferences and cruising grounds. While the standard version features a fin keel with a substantial 7.5-foot draft, C&C also offered a shallower shoal draft version at 5.0 feet, and a wing keel version drawing 5.5 feet. There was also a unique keel/centerboard option with a board-down draft of 7.75 feet and a board-up draft of 4.92 feet, providing exceptional flexibility for exploring shallow waters while retaining performance. This reflects C&C's adaptive approach to yacht design, catering to a broader market while maintaining core performance characteristics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 38-3 is engineered for engaging performance, balancing speed with stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.9, she possesses ample canvas to perform well in lighter air, while also indicating a powerful boat that will likely demand reefing as winds increase. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 43.7% is quite high, contributing to her reputation as a "very stable / stiff" vessel capable of standing up to a significant breeze. This stability means she can carry her sail longer and maintain a more comfortable motion in a seaway.

Her displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 213.8, places her squarely in the category of a moderate displacement performance cruiser. This figure suggests a boat that is neither excessively light (which can be twitchy) nor overly heavy (which can be sluggish), striking a desirable balance for both speed and comfortable cruising. Owners and reviewers often praise the C&C 38-3 for its "excellent sailing characteristics" and its ability to offer "the perfect combination of cruising comfort and sailing performance." Her design incorporates a "large, comfortable cockpit" and "wide side decks for ease of sail handling," enhancing the overall sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior diagrams for the C&C 38-3 require detailed visual inspection, the model is known for its "spacious interior" and a layout designed to accommodate up to seven berths across two cabins, a testament to its cruising intentions. Typical for C&C yachts of its era, the interior likely features a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, a dedicated navigation station, and private sleeping areas. The general finish quality of C&C yachts was highly regarded, often incorporating warm wood trim alongside easy-to-maintain fiberglass surfaces. Ventilation would typically be provided through deck hatches and portlights, ensuring comfort at anchor. While specifics on head clearance are not available in the provided data, a boat of this size usually offers standing headroom in key areas, though some older C&C designs (like the Landfall 38, sharing hull molds with an earlier 38 series) have been noted to have tight spaces in the head compartment. Owners should consult detailed reviews or inspect specific vessels for precise interior configurations and headroom.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of C&C 38-3s often speak highly of their boats, frequently praising their robust construction and the blend of spirited performance with cruising comfort. The strong C&C owners' community is a testament to the enduring appeal and quality of these vessels. Many find the boats to be well-built and capable of handling various conditions with a comfortable motion.

However, as with any vessel of its age, certain common maintenance considerations are often mentioned in owner forums. Recurring issues cited can include concerns about "soft decks" (particularly in balsa-cored decks, which was a standard C&C practice), and potential problems with the "keel to hull seam." Owners are also advised to closely inspect chainplates for any signs of leaking, which can lead to core saturation. While spider cracks in the gel coat are often just cosmetic, more significant "dis-bonding" in cored composite areas, though less common, is something to be aware of and should be thoroughly checked during a pre-purchase survey. Despite these potential age-related issues, the active market for used C&C 38-3s and the dedicated owner support highlight the lasting value and enjoyability of this classic performance cruiser.