More than 100 boats across the various models were built through the final production run in 1994, after which a fire devastated the C&C plant in Canada. For its last two years, the boat was rebranded as the C&C 40 without significant changes. It remains a proven offshore racer-cruiser, with semi-custom options that catered to racers, cruisers, and sailors who wanted some of both.
Design and Construction
By the time C&C Yachts built the 37/40, the company had an established reputation for fast, sleek, solidly constructed boats, and these hulls reflect that approach. The semi-custom construction used an aircraft-grade balsa core, Kevlar, fiberglass fabric, and vinylester resin.
The fin-keel version displaces 16,700 pounds and carries 7,200 pounds of ballast in its lead keel, with a spade rudder aft. That heavy lead keel provides abundant ballast to keep the boat upright in a turbulent sea.
The deck is clean and intelligently arranged to shed water. C&C installed matting beneath deck-hardware mountings to withstand compression loads. A reverse transom gives the boat its racing profile and, on some models, incorporates a walk-through feature.
Three Models, Three Purposes
The three versions differ in keel style, mast height, rigging, and interior layout.
The Plus was aimed at cruisers. It has a full complement of creature comforts, comfortable seating, and a handsome interior finished in exotic teak and mahogany. Its well-appointed galley includes a three-burner stove and freezer.
Produced from 1989 to 1994, the XL combined the racing version’s lighter hull and deck plan with the cruising interior. It is 40% lighter than the Plus series. The R model’s deep keel and taller, triple-spreader mast further increased its speed, creating a blend of racing and cruising without the Plus model’s weight.
The R was best suited to racers. It has a Spartan interior, tall mast, big wheel, aluminum toerail, and reverse transom. Its deep-draft fin keel draws slightly more than eight feet, while furniture and appliances were deliberately removed to save weight.
Rig, Handling, and Offshore Use
The 37/40 is commonly fitted with a fin keel and spade rudder. Its masthead-sloop rig carries 770 square feet of sail area. The traveler and winches are typically positioned so the helmsman can operate them, although the mainsheet and traveler locations vary by model.
Owners report that the 37/40 can handle heavy weather and tend to appreciate its behavior across a wide range of sea conditions. Designed for offshore cruising, it has been rated sound enough for bluewater sailing. Stainless-steel stanchions, a bow pulpit, and a stern rail support double lifelines, while stainless grabrails run along the coachroof.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The Plus has a full cruising interior, an aft cockpit, and a two-stateroom layout. The XL combines that interior with a lighter hull, taller mast, and deeper keel.
In general, the 37/40 is comfortable below. The Plus and XL have an L-shaped galley with dual molded sinks, cupboard storage, an icebox, a freezer, and a three-burner propane stove. Both versions also include a separate shower stall.
The private forward stateroom has a V-berth, a vanity and sink to starboard, and a hanging locker to port. The Plus and XL also provide queen-size berths in both staterooms, sculpted head furniture, and a navigation station aft to port with enough room for a chart and electronics.
A bridgedeck helps keep water out of the cabin, though it also reduces legroom. The cozy cockpit seats six snugly, but six crew would be a squeeze, and some owners consider the cockpit too small.
Known Issues
Some deck crews find the aluminum toerail uncomfortable despite its usefulness. Critics also contend that these toerails are more prone to leaking than a traditional rail.
Although C&C installed compression matting beneath deck hardware, some owners say the backing plates were skimpy or simply omitted. A few have removed and rebedded deck hardware after suspecting leaks and possible delamination of the balsa core.
Machinery, Refits, and Ownership
The soundproofed engine compartment is accessible through side panels and by lifting the hinged door beneath the companionway. Power comes from a Universal model 35 diesel or, later, an optional 29-horsepower Yanmar 3YM30AE.
After three decades, original electronics—including the chartplotter, depth gauge, autopilot, and wind instruments—are likely to need replacement. A 39-foot C&C also sits at the threshold of big-boat refit costs.
Most C&C owners take pride in maintenance, so it’s common to find 37/40s in good condition. Active owner groups also exist online.
The Verdict
The C&C 37/40 remains a thoughtfully engineered racer-cruiser. Three decades on, its semi-custom construction and Ball-designed hull still appeal to offshore-minded sailors. The model range gives buyers a choice among cruising comfort, lighter crossover performance, and focused racing, all built around a lead-keeled hull that stands up to heavy weather.
Pros
- Semi-custom balsa, Kevlar, fiberglass, and vinylester construction, with a lead keel and substantial ballast
- Three distinct models covering cruising, light racer-cruising, and racing
- Bluewater-rated hull with rig controls typically positioned for the helmsman
- Roomy, two-stateroom Plus and XL interiors with a proper navigation station and separate shower
Cons
- Some owners consider the cockpit too small; six people are a squeeze
- Reports of uncomfortable, leak-prone aluminum toerails and skimpy or missing backing plates
- Original electronics are likely due for replacement, and refit costs can reach big-boat levels
