Landfall 43 (C&C) Ketch Information, Review, Specs

The Landfall 43 Ketch first entered production in 1982, emerging from the renowned C&C Yachts shipyard. C&C Yachts, founded in 1969, had already established itself as a pioneer in advanced construction techniques, including the early adoption of balsa-cored hulls to enhance stiffness while reducing weight. During the era of the Landfall 43's production, C&C was known for its innovative building methods, which were widely adopted across the industry, and a general ethos of creating yachts that balanced racing success with cruising comfort. The Landfall series, in particular, was developed with a focus on cruising, offering designs geared towards comfort and liveaboard potential. The Landfall 43 was available in both sloop and ketch configurations, with the ketch rig offering a versatile sail plan often favored by long-distance cruisers for its ease of handling and ability to balance sails across a wide range of conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C Landfall 43 Ketch, with its design focused on cruising comfort, exhibits characteristics indicative of a steady and predictable performer. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.57 suggests that while not a light-air flyer, she is well-powered for a cruising boat and will likely come alive in moderate to strong breezes. The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 0.37 signifies good inherent stability, allowing her to stand up to a fair amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This stability is a key attribute for a vessel intended for offshore work or extended periods at sea. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 269.31, the Landfall 43 falls into the moderate-to-heavy cruiser category, indicating a solid, robust vessel that prioritizes a comfortable ride and generous carrying capacity over outright speed. Owners have described the Landfall 43 Ketch as a "beautiful center-cockpit yacht" and a "quality liveaboard cruiser," highlighting its suitability for long passages.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a center-cockpit yacht, the C&C Landfall 43 Ketch typically offers a distinct interior layout optimized for privacy and comfort, especially appealing to liveaboards and those undertaking longer cruises. While specific details on the 43's interior headroom are not universally available, the general design philosophy of the Landfall series, including models like the C&C 48 Landfall, aimed for advanced interior layouts that maximized living space. Center-cockpit designs traditionally allow for a spacious aft cabin, often a key feature for owners seeking a private retreat. Grounded in C&C's reputation for quality, the interior generally features well-crafted joinery, robust materials, and ample storage solutions, all conducive to extended time aboard. Given its cruising mandate, good ventilation and practical galley and head arrangements would have been standard considerations in its design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the C&C Landfall 43 Ketch for its suitability as a robust and comfortable liveaboard cruiser. The active community of C&C Landfall owners attests to the enduring appeal and quality of these boats. While generally well-regarded, some common maintenance points have been noted over time. For example, on a 1983 model, the original rod rigging and first-generation Navtec tangs were identified as areas requiring inspection or upgrade. Additionally, sealing Lewmar hatches to prevent leaks is a recognized task for owners. Despite these typical maintenance considerations for boats of its vintage, the Landfall 43 Ketch is appreciated for its solid construction and proven performance, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a capable cruising vessel.