Caneton 57 Buyer's Guide
Shopping for a used Caneton 57 means considering a centerboard dayboat of about five meters that E. Cornu designed and AS.PRO.CA. adopted in 1957. These boats were built in bakelized plywood over frames or polyester fiberglass, both trailerable and meant for family racing rather than cruising. A buyer should rely on the known construction split and documented quirks when evaluating a specific hull at a viewing.
Layouts on the Used Market
Wood versions carry removable deflectors; fiberglass hulls integrate them into the mold. Both omit rear decking and use watertight side buoyancy tanks, so the cockpit is open with buoyancy built in. Centerboard draft runs 0.4 to 3.61 feet, easing trailer and beach use yet working when lowered for windward sailing. The open plan suits day sailing with family crews and makes a quick visual check of tank integrity straightforward.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
The standard items are the fractional sloop rig, Tergal sails in free color, and a spinnaker as part of the basic inventory. The sail area increased from 13.30 m² to 14.45 m² soon after launch, so later boats and early refits may show the larger rig. Any engine present is a later addition rather than original equipment from the builder.
What to Inspect
The key caution is power: the 57 was not originally designed to have an engine, and a period reviewer was surprised at a powered example. On a hull, confirm any engine is a refit and check the transom or hull penetration for stress, water ingress, or makeshift brackets. Wood boats need deflectors present and sound; fiberglass ones need integrated deflectors uncracked and bonded. Examine the side buoyancy tanks for watertight sealing, since their presence is a defining safety feature of the design.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Availability follows general brokerage channels rather than a known regional cluster.
- Confirm whether an engine is fitted and judge it strictly as a refit
- Check wood deflectors for presence; fiberglass deflectors for cracks
- Verify side buoyancy tanks are sealed and watertight
- Note sail-area version: 13.30 m² early, 14.45 m² after enlargement