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beckettnole · 10-04-2014, 10:31

Hi All:

I am new to sailing and live in Southeast Florida.

I have narrowed it down to a 78 C&C 29' 7"" mk1 and a 72 C&C 30. They are both about the same price and about the same condition. (72 seems to be a little better taken care of)

My research has produced an opinion that the 30 is more of the "classic" and quality era and a better all around design.

The 29 reportedly is great in light winds and the 30 is a little sluggish in the same conditions. South Florida tends to have modest winds so I am torn.

Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated.

**JPA Cate** · 10-04-2014, 21:45

It sounds to me like you have to decide which you value more, better construction or better light air performance. I'd bargain hard for the '72 and promise myself a new set of sails for her as soon as I could get the cash together. I'll wager she'll sail better with new sails, and possibly better than the '78, whose construction you seem to not trust.

Ann

robert sailor · 10-04-2014, 22:08

I grew up with these boats and like both of them although I favor the 30 a little more. If your a good club racer a 30 with decent sails and sailed well can still win races. Either boat would make a good choice for a decently quick cruiser...whatever your choice have it surveyed by someone who knows the brand.

beckettnole · 13-04-2014, 06:28

Thank you!

Jcolman · 13-04-2014, 06:52

One issue with the 30' that you'll likely have is the need to have the mast step rebuilt, if it hasn't already been done. The step was made of wood that year and over time, the mast will slowly drop down. It's not that big a job ( I'm having mine done as I type) but it's just one of the long list of maintenance items that will eventually need to be addressed.

You will find that the 30' is a very stiff boat that can handle a lot of sail and is a pure joy to sail.

beckettnole · 13-04-2014, 06:55

Thanks @jcolman

That is definitely the case on the 29 mk1 I am considering.

CarlF · 13-04-2014, 07:28

Obviously these are both great boats and it's easy to make the differences seems more important on a board than they are in practice.

That said, the reputation of the 29 Mk1 for being better in light air comes with a reputation for being more tender and more prone to uncontrollable roundups than the earlier C&C 30 design. This was very common behavior in the IOR design era and many designs were much worse than the C&C. My wife always found it very stressful to sail on our early 1980's boat (not a C&C) that was prone to round-ups unless sailed very carefully. She was glad when it was sold.

As I've gotten older, I (and my wife) have favored stiffer and stiffer boats. They can be just as fast while being much more comfortable to sail. When I bought a 55ft boat, the owner's wife, Mariane - who had crossed the Atlantic aboard - described to my wife why she liked the very stiff design. Holding her hand straight up she said "This is a happy Mariane". She then tilted her hand about 20 degrees "This is an unhappy Mariane". She then tilted her hand to 30 degrees "This is a Mariane off the boat".

Practical Sailor has an excellent review of the C&C 29. You need to buy the subscription but probably worth it if you are seriously considering the boat.

Nicholson58 · 13-04-2014, 07:54

Practical Sailor APRIL 2014 has an article on the C&C page 26 THE ENDURING C&C 40.

there is discussion about some of the other designs too.

Some were geared more to cruise and others for racing.

casual · 13-04-2014, 08:43

I, owned and sailed a C&C 36 1978 for 22 years. Never had a structural concern. The boat sailed well in all conditions . In light air 6 to 7 knts on the wind 5 to 6 knts no problem. When wind got up pass 12 knts I reefed and kept the 130 Genny out to about 15 knts . At that wind speed I furled in the genny about 30% or so. In 20 plus knts 2 reefs in the main and a diper for the head sail. Made 10 or more gulf stream crossing and cruised the Bahamas extensively . Saw winds over 30 gusting 40 on more than one Gulf Stream crossing boat rode well as could be expected. Some where there is a article where some fellow took a C&C 36 around the world including both Capes. His only complaint was he broke a upper stay and could not fix it under way as it was rod . I sold the boat and the surveyor for the purchaser was a former C&C employ who over saw construction. His statement to the prospective purchaser was Are you buying the boat? If not I will. Hope this helps some.

youngson · 18-04-2014, 13:21

the 30 footer is a bit faster with a PHRF of 168, if its a regular C&C 29 the PHRF is 171 and if its a 29 SD the PHRF is 180

beckettnole · 15-07-2014, 14:43

So I went with the 1973 C&C 30 mk1 😃.....my friend has an early 80s J30.....how can I compare PHRF's? We will race in southeast Florida.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Jcolman · 15-07-2014, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckettnole

So I went with the 1973 C&C 30 mk1 😃.....my friend has an early 80s J30.....how can I compare PHRF's? We will race in southeast Florida.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

I can't answer that question but I can tell you that you will likely be carrying a lot more sail than your buddy when the wind picks up.

I just sailed my 73' C&C 30 from the Chesapeake to NC last week. We had 20 knots of wind on the starboard quarter. I flew a 110 jib and full main and the boat could have easily handled a larger jib. But with this setup, the boat was so perfectly balanced that I could leave the wheel unattended for long stretches.