While the Plus emphasized cruising comforts and the lighter-hulled XL split the difference, the R was built for the racecourse. It has a sleeker profile, less furniture and fewer appliances, along with a tall mast, large wheel, aluminum toerail, and reverse transom. More than 100 boats across the various 37/40 models were built before production ended in 1994, shortly before a fire devastated C&C’s Canadian plant.
Design and Construction
The 37/40 line was semi-custom. The family used an advanced laminate incorporating aircraft-grade balsa core, Kevlar, fiberglass fabric, and vinylester resin. It had a solid fiberglass hull and lead keel. The R itself was built entirely with a DuPont hybrid material combining Kevlar with GRP, together with C&C’s usual balsa core and unidirectional glass for local stiffening.
Its deep-draft fin keel extends slightly more than eight feet. The keel uses an eight percent foil at the root and an 11 percent foil at the tip to lower the vertical center of gravity. An extended trailing-edge hull fillet and a small skeg aft add directional stability. Steering comes from a particularly well-balanced, classic Spitfire-wing spade rudder.
A heavy lead keel provides abundant ballast, helping the boat stay upright in a turbulent sea. The clean, thoughtfully designed deck sheds water, while matting beneath hardware mountings helps withstand compression loads.
Rig and Handling
The R was laid out for racing and designed to meet IMS requirements. It carries a tall, triple-spreader mast and a deep keel; the XL borrowed that keel to improve speed. Traveler and winch positions allow the helmsman to operate them, although mainsheet and traveler locations vary by model.
Ball described the original 37 as a design that floated level, balanced well, looked good, and went fast. The R proved quick enough that racing-model orders overwhelmed the cruise-race version.
Owners report that the 37/40 handles heavy weather, and they tend to appreciate its behavior across a broad range of sea conditions. The design was drawn for offshore cruising and has been rated sound enough for bluewater sailing.
Accommodations and Cockpit
The R is purposefully Spartan. It sheds furniture and appliances to save weight, so it doesn’t have the Plus model’s handsome teak-and-mahogany interior or full galley.
What remains is functional: a private V-berth stateroom with a vanity to starboard and a hanging locker to port, an L-shaped galley, a separate shower stall, and an aft-mounted chart table. The bridgedeck helps keep water out of the cabin, though it reduces legroom.
The cozy cockpit seats six snugly, but that many crew make it a squeeze. Some owners consider the cockpit too small.
Machinery and Systems
The soundproofed engine compartment is accessible through side panels or the hinged companionway door. Power came from a Universal 35 diesel or, later, a Yanmar 3YM30AE.
After three decades, original electronics—including the chartplotter, depth gauge, autopilot, and wind instruments—are likely due for replacement. At 39 feet, this C&C also sits at the threshold of “big boat” refit costs.
Known Issues
The aluminum toerail gives the R a purposeful racing appearance and practical utility, but deck crews sometimes complain that it’s uncomfortable. Some critics also contend that these rails are more likely to leak than traditional rails.
Beneath the deck hardware, some owners say backing plates were skimpy or never installed. A few have removed and rebedded fittings where they suspected leaks and possible balsa-core delamination. Otherwise, the hull and deck hold up well compared with cheaper production boats.
Ownership and Support
C&C is no longer in business, but Ball still advises owners about his designs. Active owner forums also keep technical knowledge circulating. Most C&C owners take pride in maintaining their boats, so sound examples are commonly found.
The Verdict
The C&C 37/40 R is a genuine racing boat that trades cruising luxury for a light, stiff, well-balanced hull with offshore credentials. Its keel-and-rudder geometry and Ball’s stretched-end design make it quick and steady, while the Spartan interior keeps weight off the race scale.
Prospective buyers should weigh the small cockpit and the aluminum toerail’s tendency to leak against the boat’s durability and owner-forum support.
Pros
- Deep fin keel, balanced Spitfire rudder, and directional skeg support stable, fast handling
- Kevlar-vinylester-balsa construction holds up well over time
- Offshore-rated and heavily ballasted, with owner reports of proven heavy-weather performance
Cons
- Spartan interior sacrifices cruising comforts to save weight
- Cockpit is tight for six and considered too small by some owners
- Aluminum toerail can leak and cause discomfort; backing plates are sometimes skimpy
