Judging from some of the comments posted here, there are probably a number of folks who have never owned a C&C29. We bought ours used in 1985 because they were raced extensively here in Niagara as a one design. Originally they were a winning IOR half ton that Rob Mazza modified at the request of some members of the Youngstown YC, to
race and
cruise to the 1000 islands and Toronto north shore. For years they had their own start in the Youngstown levels. (and I think in last years CanAM, 6 boats)
The mast step thing, we found ours cracked on Saturday morning of the levels. Took us 45 min to replace and we showed up at the starting line in time to not get a DNS, which was traded for a DNF. Smart sailing eh. We take the rig down every 5 or 6 years and check it, replaced it once since. Drill a hole in the block and swage a stainless pipe to drain the stuff that comes down the mast. Problem
solved.
As for the cored balsa, more nonsense. We have a soft port deck which we explored by replacing the small window in the
head with a NFM one. Exp;oration found no problems. Since our bottom is Baltoplate overlayed with VC17 we don't have
blisters either.
Below we store the table and have a huge room for entertaining in bad
weather. I am 6ft and normally sleep in the Vberth, but some prefer the port bunk and have widened it with a pullout to the mast. I may do that as a 85 it is getting increasingly difficult to jump up into the Vberth. The quarter berth is really comfortable but short because of the window overhang...never open that window. It will take weeks to get it so it doesn't leak. If you ever have met Rob Mazza you will know why the bunks are somewhat short, as is he.
You will hear the knock that the boat is
tender, mostly based on the C&C
marketing guru's comment on the '29 website. Not strictly true and I don't recollect that Hank Evans ever raced his 29. Actually the boat carries more
canvas than it should in a blow and it is required that you manage the sail plan, as every
skipper should. Reef down early and keep her on her feet...roll up some genny and when the rail gets toward the water be aware that you are now slow and will get passed by the rest of the fleet, smiling as they go by. That's the joy of
learning to sail in this boat.
As for the Atomic4, I wouldn't have any other choice. Smooth, quiet, and simple to maintain,
head and shoulders over the smelly and cantankerous Yanmars that later replaced them. Same people that decry the gasoline
danger also fit their boats with
propane which is 100 times more dangerous. I have never heard of a 29 burning down but I do know a C&C34+ that had a
propane explosion. $10k plus to retab the bulkheads.
As for rig replacement, we do look around and take the mast down every 5 or so years. But then we sail in a freshwater sea, so we don't have that problem.
Hopefully they have replaced the prop, the Martec folder needs to have its sholders welded every two or so years, which we failed to do.....we then mounted an expensive JProp (Beta Marine) which we gummed up by failing to use the right type of grease to
service it. One day I will
rebuild it. We now use the plastic prop for the A4 from Homer NY (Cornell faculty) since we don't
race. It is killer but I have been told the
designer has passed away and it may not be avail. If I was younger I would go looking to buy the business. Be aware that the prop is offset to port and a 29 makes mostly
noise in reverse. With the Martec if you make max
noise it works fine, but like
beer you can't sip it.
In summary, for the price the only competition is
Catalina, which is newer, more room, more flash and chrome and compared to the 29, dog slow. Makes it harder to learn on if you are serious about that sort of thing.
Now watch the trolls begin....as ever ask "Have you owned one", "Have you raced "?