C&C 121 vs C&C 51 Custom
How do the C&C 121 and C&C 51 Custom compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| C&C 121 | C&C 51 Custom | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 40.0 ft12.19 m | 51.8 ft15.77 m |
| Waterline length | 35.5 ft10.82 m | 43.9 ft13.39 m |
| Beam | 13.1 ft3.99 m | 13.6 ft4.14 m |
| Draft | 6.5 ft1.98 m | 9.9 ft3.02 m |
| Displacement | 14,600 lb6,622 kg | 33,800 lb15,331 kg |
| Ballast | 6,000 lb2,722 kg | 13,800 lb6,260 kg |
| Sail area | 844 ft²78.4 m² | 1,312 ft²121.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 22.61 | 20.08 |
| Displacement / Length | 146 | 178 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.9 | 35.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.14 | 1.68 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.0 | 8.9 |
C&C 121 vs C&C 51 Custom: the short version
- The C&C 51 Custom is the larger boat at 51.8 ft15.77 m LOA versus 40.0 ft12.19 m for the C&C 121.
- The C&C 51 Custom is heavier, displacing about 132% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the C&C 121 carries the more powerful rig (22.6 vs 20.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The C&C 51 Custom scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the C&C 51 Custom rates better for offshore work (1.68 vs 2.14).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.