New to me 78 C&C 35-1

[FlyingMonkey42]

I just purchased a 78 35-1 in Florida. Previous owner pulled a few things out to lighten weight for racing, some of which has been restored recently. IE brown water tank, galley sink, ect ect. We plan to use her for cruising and not so much racing. I didn't get a survey which I know is a controversial choice, but I felt very comfortable with the decision given the circumstances. I have a fair number of skills insofar as building and troubleshooting things, but I'm looking for suggestions things that might need attention in a boat of this age. My sailing background is mostly smaller boats from the 15 to 22 ft range

 

[shemandr]

46 year old boat. You know better than us but my order of upgrades (Or at least what you'll spend money on) would include: Repowering. Deck repair if necessary. Smooth bottom. Rudder wetness, Standing rigging. Sails. Canvas (Especially if in Florida). Batteries. Waste handling. Refrigeration. Shore power. Instruments. Folding prop. Dripless shaft seal. Cutlass bearing (That would be with the repower if necessary). Water heater. Air Conditioning (Again if in Florida would be up the list quite a bit). Cushions.
A sink is good to have to store stuff in while sailing. Otherwise a bucket will do. Fresh water not a priority since bottled water is readily available.

 

[FlyingMonkey42]

The hull has been well cared for it seems, Cutlass bearing recently replaced. I believe the refrigerator is recently been reinstalled, as well as the sink, and the air conditioning seems to work. We had a chance to haul the sails up and give them a good look over, the main needs a little visit to a loft. They seem to be in pretty good shape overall. I would love to put a folding prop on it! I'm kind of looking at adding water maker. It has been suggested a portable water maker? And possibly adding a small generator. Apparently the air conditioning runs on shore power, but a small generator might do that at anchor. The shrouds are all solid as opposed to wire rope. I didn't even know that was a thing! I'll definitely be looking at haul out when I move down there in February, and taking a hard look at the rudder. Looking at replacing the Bimini all together. Apparently the sellers have a line on a good one for relatively cheap. Thanks for your input!!

 

[shemandr]

So the shrouds are rod rigging.
On C&C's of that vintage the halyards were typically wire spliced with line. The wire was a low stretch as was available and the line was easy on the hands. I'm quite sure those have been replaced too. Sometimes when they are replaced the sheaves aren't replaced. Worth checking on but I'm guessing it was done. If they put rod rigging on the boat they wouldn't tolerate jamming sheaves.

 

[jssailem]

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your new boat.
When refitting my 50-year-old boat, my priorities were:

1. Hull - Replace all through Hulls. Ensure all boat systems below the water line are sound, including the keel and rudder. These items must function to make the boat safe. Keep the water out.
2. Mast and rigging. When sailing in big water, the mast must fully function and stay up in place on the boat no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. Rod rigging (the solid shrouds you found) is often found on racing boats. Here is a decent source of information about the different types of rigging. Wire Rigging Vs. Synthetic Rigging Vs. Rod Rigging - The Rigging Company My local rigger bought a boat in France. It had Rod Rigging. The insurance company required replacement due to the rigging being 7 years old. At the least, I would have the rigging inspected by a trusted source.
3. Sails - This being a sailboat, the next place I would spend money would be on sails. Sails are the primary power source. New well-designed sails make your boat sail faster and safer.
4. Auxillary Power - inspect that engine and repair or replace it as discovered. New engines are expensive. Depending on what you have will drive the solution.
5. Electrical systems - depending on your sailing plans, you will need to identify the power demands and fit out your boat accordingly. An installed generator (if room allows) is a nice creature comfort. It will use the same stored power source (your onboard diesel fuel), making the boat safer to operate. (No need for a lot of gasoline in addition to the diesel fuel). Solar power is a great way to charge batteries. Lithium Batteries are a rage among cruising boaters.
6. On Deck fittings and Anchor system: You said the boat was lightened to enhance racing performance. That implies they changed out the anchor for something much lighter. When at anchor, you want to feel safe when asleep, and the winds begin to blow. You need to be sure you have a large enough anchor for the boat (perhaps 2) and that the chain and rode (that is, the rope you attach to the chain) provide adequate scope (the length of the anchor/chain/rode to the depth of the water) for the conditions. Before adventuring out upon the Caribbean Sea, inspect and rebed all of the deck fittings (winches, pad eyes, stanchions, etc.) as needed. Waves washing up over the bow will find a way into your boat as you sail to that secluded anchorage.

That is likely more than is wanted.

 

[FlyingMonkey42]

No, that is exactly and concisely put. Thanks for all of that input. It does have a bit of a light anchor and I am intending to add better plus improve the chain. I'm also intending to fiberglass a shelf in the chain locker and add a winch. Thanks for the info on solid versus wire rope rigging I'll be investigating that more closely. I'll be back there in February and can't wait to get under the cosmetics and trace all of the electrical and plumbing. I very much appreciate all the input I'm getting here.