Landfall 48 (C&C) Information, Review, Specs

The C&C Landfall 48 was designed in 1979, becoming a key part of C&C Yachts' Landfall series, which aimed to meet the growing demand for dedicated cruising vessels in the late 1970s. C&C Yachts, known for its "performance cruisers," sought to blend comfortable living spaces with solid sailing capabilities. The Landfall series, including the 48, marked C&C's venture into more explicitly blue-water oriented designs, contrasting with some of their more race-focused models. Consistent with C&C's innovative construction ethos, the Landfall 48 features a fiberglass solid hull and deck, building on the company's pioneering use of balsa-cored fiberglass for stiffness and reduced weight in earlier models. While no significant "Mk" variations are noted, some individual vessels commissioned during the production run benefited from advancements in rigging and interior layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C Landfall 48 is characterized by its moderate performance profile, well-suited for its cruising aspirations. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.31, she suggests a comfortable motion, favoring moderate to fresh breezes over light-air performance. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 38.9% indicates good stability, allowing her to stand up to significant wind, contributing to a secure feel offshore. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 271.28 places her in the moderately heavy cruiser category, striking a balance between swift passage-making and robust construction. Equipped with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the Landfall 48 is described as a "proper cruising boat with fine sea handling characteristics," offering a good blend of maneuverability and directional stability essential for long passages. Anecdotal evidence from the Landfall series, such as the Landfall 39, suggests responsive handling, enabling sailors to manage the boat effectively in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with long passages and liveaboard comfort in mind, the C&C Landfall 48 offers a well-laid-out interior. A distinctive feature of many Landfall 48 models is a pilothouse, which serves as the main saloon and provides a large, sheltered area, often incorporating an interior steering station. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design of a pilothouse yacht of this size typically allows for generous standing room throughout the main living areas. General interior arrangements for a vessel of this size and vintage would typically include multiple sleeping cabins, a functional galley, one or more heads, and ample storage for provisions and personal gear. The quality of finish in C&C yachts of this era generally featured robust construction and a blend of fiberglass and wood trim, prioritizing durability and a classic marine aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the C&C Landfall 48 frequently praise its suitability as a comfortable liveaboard and its blue-water ruggedness, highlighting its capabilities as an offshore cruiser. Many Landfall 48 vessels have been extensively upgraded by their owners, reflecting a dedicated community that values these classic yachts. While C&C yachts are generally admired for their solid construction and proven performance, some common points of discussion in owner forums revolve around potential issues related to balsa-cored hulls, particularly in areas susceptible to water ingress due to poor drainage, such as anchor lockers. However, such issues are often specific to individual boats and maintenance history, rather than a universal design flaw, and can often be addressed with proper care and modifications. The enduring appeal of C&C yachts is evident in the active owner communities and the continued presence of these vessels on the used boat market.