Which boat , C30 - C36

[Barry Lenoble]

Hello,Which boat would you buy for $39000, a 1983 C36, or a C30 Mark II? (or, If you know of any C34's in that price range,would you buy that instead of the C30 or C36)The C36 looks to be a clean, basic, well maintained boat. The interior cushions need to be recovered, they are threadbare, but otherwise OK. Instruments include depth, knot, wind speedand direction, and autopilot. The sails (mainsail and furling Genoa)are unknown. The engine is a 3 cyl Universal, hours unknown, butit appears clean. The C36 is very roomy, and I love how thewood sole looks, but the dark interior wood makes the boat look old.THe C30 is obviously newer. It is a Mark II, with the opentransom, ports in the side of the hull, and light wood interior.It has no autopilot, but otherwise the instruments are the sameas the C36. Use for the boat is for daytrips in the Long Island sound, weekends,and perhaps a week long trip to Block Island, Cape Cod, etc.People on board would typically be me, my wife, and our three kids,(ages 2, 6, 9). The boat must be easily handled by me, with assistanceduring docking, anchoring, sail handling, etc.Am I crazy for considering a boat as large as a C36? Is a C30too small for week long cruises?Thanks for any comments.Barry

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

My C-30 Experiences

Barry,I have a C-30 that I bought & refitted a few years ago. It's in great shape with decent electronics & a fresh diesel. It's the perfect boat for me. I do singlehanded sailing during the week, a few weekend trips with my girlfriend and usually we get in 1 week long sail each season. During the week long sails, it's a little cramped for 2 people. We could really use a bigger boat with a real stall shower for extended cruising and a little more elbow room.I couldn't imagine an extended 1-week cruise on a C-30 with 3 little kids. I just couldn't. I love my C-30 and I mean it no disrespect, but I'd strongly recommend that you get the roomiest feeling boat you can afford. All of the other stuff (electronics, cushions, etc.) can be changed if and when you want to. If you get a small boat & want a bigger one, then that's a change you can't make & you'll end up unhappy.As long as the boat is in decent shape & passes a survey, I'd go with as big a boat as you can get. You'll be glad you did. If you're concerned that your sailing skills won't be up to the challenge of sailing a larger boat, you might want to invest in some sailing lessons or other training. I'm sure you could find a good "coach" if you asked around.Good Luck!Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull# 632

 

[Ruth]

The kids will only get bigger.....

...and the boat will stay the same size.

 

[J Smmonds]

Depends on what you want

I sail a C30 and other than requiring a bit of help on a windy day to dock it, I can and do single handle it no problem. I have 3 kids and they are getting bigger, however it really depends on how far afield you are going to go. I have my sights on a C34 but am concerned that will become more dependent on an extra set of hands at all times to handle it. A C36 is a lot of boat. In my old club there were a couple of C42's that never left the dock because the owners couldn't handle them on their own. Advice, look at your own level of experience and how old your kids will be in 5 years. Will the boat still suit them then and will they be able to help you. My son is now 15 and even though he would rather a powerboat, he is actually useful aboard the boat now. You and your family can grow into a bigger boat, within reason.

 

[dan]

another consideration

although the kids will only get bigger. my experince has been the older they get the less they want to go sailing with their parents. hanging around with their friends, dating, etc, etc, becomes much more a piority. get the boat that feels right for you. we use to cruise with 4 teenagers on a C25, crowded yes but, we always had a great time. when we anchored we would always dingy the kids ashore and set em up a tent and we would stay on the boat. now, that we have a C30 and more room, they (the kids) all have better things to do than hang all day with mom and dad. buy the boat you and the misssies like!

 

[Jim Wolfgram]

C320 owner comment

I've been reading this thread with a bit of interest. I've acquired a 320 fairly recently. Size wise, it is pretty danged close to a 34. I find it quite easy to single hand, and do so frequently. The key is that all lines are lead back, the main has a dutchman, and I take it real slow and easy around the docks. In fact, it is a much easier boat to single hand than my old ericson 29, with a lot more space to boot.Another consideration is additional costs as you go up in size. In the bay area, slips increase by size, as does insurance, haul outs...Good luck on the decision.