Complete Refurb - 78 C&C Mega 30'
- Thread starter SwitchintoglideIII
- Start date
Repeated mast failures due to bad spreader design ?
Boredom or need for a bigger boat ?
(Heck we just bought a bigger boat
.. when I JUST finished refitting our Catalina, and complaining that I would wait years before I did any work on a boat again... 
)Every boat is for sale.. or will be eventually.
FWIW:
I was interested in this design, and was keeping an eye on the 3 boats in our area.
One dismasted last year and sold for nothing due to their value vs a new mast.
That boat also had the common keel lift system problem, coring rot, and additional damage from the dismasting
The one in our marina had both the original mast, and a original used mast, fail due to the spreader/mast design.
Owner spent 16,000 for a new redesigned mast. (The boats sell for around 10k or less here with a good trailer)
3rd one has been stored inside and unused for a few years.
My apologies all, I have been sidelined with the Cancer crap for the past year. Two different kinds even.
Beating it though.
The combined weight ready for cruising with the trailer included was 6700 lbs and my Lariat towed it like it was a toy.
You would have no problems in the mountains, with a 5.4L or equivalent.
Again, sorry for the delay in reply.
No need for apologies. Glad you have kicked the C's butt! Hopefully we'll hear of some adventures you have ahead of you.
Hi everyone!
I have inherited a Mega 30 (lift keel version) from a friend of mine. The boat has not been used for a long time and is in poor condition but I’m excited to bring it back to life! I found this forum and the advice and pictures are perfect for the project I have ahead of me. Since every project is different I’m wondering if this forum is still active, or if you have recommendations for other threads/forums on the same topic.
Some questions I have early on in my journey:
- I would like to take down the mast to check if everything is still in good condition. Has anyone tried using the spinnaker pole with some stabilizing lines to either side as a way of lowering it down? From the handbook I couldn’t figure out how long the recommended construction is. If anyone has information on the weight of the mast, I could calculate the forces from there, too. Alternatively I’m thinking about climbing the mast.
- the electric engine for lifting the keel is gone and so is the winch handle to do it manually. Could someone share a picture for what the winch handle is supposed to look like? I was hoping it would be a normal sailing winch handle but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
- the boat desperately needs a repainting. However, just getting it lifted out and on the dry in the Bay Area seems to be around $2000 plus high daily fees of $250 a day. I assume when you can lift the keel you can trailer the boat out (right?) but I’m not sure if that will be possible (need a winch handle and even then everything seems pretty old and rusty). Some local people recommended beaching it for the sanding and painting but that doesn’t seem to be a great option either (and probably illegal in CA). Any other ideas on how to get her out of the water at a reasonable price?
(With the trailers you’ve been using, have you strictly followed the requirements in the handbook for where to
- what layouts did you all go with? I like the head in the front to maintain acces to the back area under the outside benches but would also love to put a bed in there. Looking for some ideas!
- how is the starboard mount working? I love the idea of using the original motor “gap” as a swimming platform.
- could you share pictures of the deck layout and especially the rope clutch positioning? The one on this boat looks pretty unorganized. I’m happy to share some pictures when I’m back at the boat, too.
I’m already very excited that I found this forum. I hope it’s still active!!
- Len
I have inherited a Mega 30 (lift keel version) from a friend of mine. The boat has not been used for a long time and is in poor condition but I’m excited to bring it back to life! I found this forum and the advice and pictures are perfect for the project I have ahead of me. Since every project is different I’m wondering if this forum is still active, or if you have recommendations for other threads/forums on the same topic.
Some questions I have early on in my journey:
- I would like to take down the mast to check if everything is still in good condition. Has anyone tried using the spinnaker pole with some stabilizing lines to either side as a way of lowering it down? From the handbook I couldn’t figure out how long the recommended construction is. If anyone has information on the weight of the mast, I could calculate the forces from there, too. Alternatively I’m thinking about climbing the mast.
- the electric engine for lifting the keel is gone and so is the winch handle to do it manually. Could someone share a picture for what the winch handle is supposed to look like? I was hoping it would be a normal sailing winch handle but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
- the boat desperately needs a repainting. However, just getting it lifted out and on the dry in the Bay Area seems to be around $2000 plus high daily fees of $250 a day. I assume when you can lift the keel you can trailer the boat out (right?) but I’m not sure if that will be possible (need a winch handle and even then everything seems pretty old and rusty). Some local people recommended beaching it for the sanding and painting but that doesn’t seem to be a great option either (and probably illegal in CA). Any other ideas on how to get her out of the water at a reasonable price?
(With the trailers you’ve been using, have you strictly followed the requirements in the handbook for where to
- what layouts did you all go with? I like the head in the front to maintain acces to the back area under the outside benches but would also love to put a bed in there. Looking for some ideas!
- how is the starboard mount working? I love the idea of using the original motor “gap” as a swimming platform.
- could you share pictures of the deck layout and especially the rope clutch positioning? The one on this boat looks pretty unorganized. I’m happy to share some pictures when I’m back at the boat, too.
I’m already very excited that I found this forum. I hope it’s still active!!
- Len
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I'm not sure about the spinnaker pole as a gin pole idea, it might work but you would need to be very careful. A fellow I knew did that with his Mega 30 and the mast fell, bending the mast.
It does look like you need to haul out, the bottom has a lot of growth which would be easier to clean out of the water. The topsides might brighten up with a good polish. Spend some time working on lifting the keel, that will save you some money if you have access to a suitable trailer.
It does look like you need to haul out, the bottom has a lot of growth which would be easier to clean out of the water. The topsides might brighten up with a good polish. Spend some time working on lifting the keel, that will save you some money if you have access to a suitable trailer.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,073
Hi Len. Congratulations on a free boat from a friend. Sounds almost too good to be true. Welcome to the forum.
The mast was not intended to be lowered using the spinnaker pole. Estimated weight 150-300 lbs. At 38 ft (approximately) the moment arm would be punishing trying to lower the mast. The safest technique would be a crane lift.
With the reported Bay Area hauling costs you are being exposed to the nature of a free boat. This is just the beginning. You’re going to need to do some searching to find a place lace to haul. I’d suggest looking in the Richmond area or maybe up river near Benicia.
Good luck.
The mast was not intended to be lowered using the spinnaker pole. Estimated weight 150-300 lbs. At 38 ft (approximately) the moment arm would be punishing trying to lower the mast. The safest technique would be a crane lift.
With the reported Bay Area hauling costs you are being exposed to the nature of a free boat. This is just the beginning. You’re going to need to do some searching to find a place lace to haul. I’d suggest looking in the Richmond area or maybe up river near Benicia.
Good luck.
I would get the keel working first, then get a good trailer. One boat here used an UTV winch to replace his dead original. Use the manual winch first until you know the system is working. You don't want to break anything
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You mention a handbook ? Not sure if you meant the Owners manual, with info on stepping the mast, keel system etc. is here:
Make sure you subscribe to their email discussion list. You can then email the list with questions and get info from actual C&C owners.
They can give you first hand knowledge of how to step and lower the mast
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I’m aware that free boats are often the most expensive ones. However, I do think this boat has good substance and I’m excited for the project. Thank you for the advice with mast and keel. I will focus on getting the keel moving. Once I can get the boat on the dry the rest seems manageable.
Start your own refit thread so people can "see" your progress. It may help both you and others. Good luck.
Btw. The spreaders are a weak spot. 2 of 3 Megas at my local marina have been dismasted because of that. When you get that mast down give it a look. Other Mega owners may be able to point you in the right direction to reinforce it. I was told there is an upgraded mast available but it seriously exceeds the value of the boat.
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There's a C&C 30 Mega for sale cheap in Oakville Ontario Canada.
If nobody buys it soon, it will be parted out.
Unfortunately only listed on a Facebook group you need to join.
www.facebook.com
If nobody buys it soon, it will be parted out.
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