C&C 48 Custom Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The C&C 48 Custom was in production from 1973 to 1976, emerging during a period when C&C Yachts, founded in 1969, was quickly establishing its reputation for innovative designs and advanced construction techniques. The C&C Design Group was responsible for the yacht's architecture. C&C Yachts' early success was built upon pioneering the use of balsa-cored fiberglass hulls, a method that provided an optimal balance of stiffness and reduced weight, which was also utilized in the C&C 48 Custom's hull construction. The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized lightweight construction and sleek, "rakish" designs that consistently performed well on the racecourse. While specific design goals for the C&C 48 Custom are not extensively detailed, the overarching C&C philosophy aimed to blend racing prowess with cruising comfort. There is no information to suggest significant variations or marks (e.g., MkI, MkII) during the C&C 48 Custom's relatively short production run, indicating a consistent design throughout its build.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 48 Custom is a masthead sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration typical of performance-oriented yachts of its era. With a sail area of 1104 square feet and a displacement of 28,100 lbs, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) can be calculated. This ratio, coupled with a ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/D) of approximately 0.45 (12,750 lbs ballast / 28,100 lbs displacement), suggests a boat that is relatively powerful for its size and capable of standing up to a good breeze. A higher Ballast/D ratio indicates excellent stiffness and stability, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry sail longer in stronger winds.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) for the C&C 48 Custom, given its 39-foot waterline (LWL) and 28,100 lbs displacement, falls into a moderate category, indicating a yacht that is not overly heavy or light for its length. This balance contributes to a versatile sailing profile, offering decent light-air performance while still maintaining a solid feel in heavier conditions. Owners and reviewers often describe C&C yachts of this vintage as well-balanced and responsive. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides good maneuverability and responsiveness, making her a joy to sail for those who appreciate feeling the breeze and asking for more.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the C&C 48 Custom, being a 48-foot vessel, offers substantial interior volume. The design concept for custom C&C yachts, including the 48, allowed for significant owner input on the internal layout and finish, ensuring a degree of personalization. Generally, C&C yachts of this period featured well-appointed interiors with quality materials.

Typical layouts for a boat of this size from C&C often included a forward cabin (V-berth), a main salon with settees that could convert to berths, a navigation station, a galley, and one or two quarter berths aft. Ample storage was usually integrated through drawers and lockers, often finished with teak. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, contributing to comfort below deck. Some custom boats, like the C&C 48, received interior improvements and reconfigured sail handling systems over time, further enhancing their cruising capabilities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of C&C yachts frequently praise their robust fiberglass construction, which often included balsa-cored hulls known for their strength and rigidity. The C&C 48 Custom, built by the custom division, benefited from this construction pedigree. Many C&C owners appreciate the brand's enduring quality and the passion these boats inspire. Owners of the C&C 48 Custom in particular have highlighted its ability to be sailed shorthanded, making it a good cruising platform for couples. They often commend the boat's comfortable motion offshore and its overall sailing characteristics. While specific common problems for the C&C 48 Custom are not widely detailed in public forums, C&C yachts generally require diligent maintenance of older systems and deck fittings, as with any vessel of this vintage. However, the lasting appeal of C&C yachts on the used market speaks to their solid construction and proven performance.