On Sun, 23 Apr 2006 18:42:17 GMT, Mys Terry
wrote:



Where in the world are you and the boat located? You need to have the boat
professionally surveyed by someone familiar with C&C's before you proceed. The
hull/keel joint may or may not be a problem. If it is not leaking at all, you
may just need to properly torque the keelbolts and cosmetically fair the joint.
Is the boat barrier coated? If not, you should strip the bottom and keel
completely and barrier coat it. That will also let you know what is hiding under
that bottom paint. The deck on that boat is all balsa cored and needs to be
carefully inspected for moisture and softness.

How is the engine? The sails? The rigging? These are all very big ticket items
that you haven't even mentioned.

Go to this website and sign up for their email list where you can get expert
opinions from the large community of C&C owners.

http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/

C&C's are great boats, but like all boats, there are things that only other
owners can guide you about.

Very good advice. The C&C 30 is an excellent small coastal cruiser and
club racer, but 33 years is getting on. I know...I have 1973 C&C
design myself.

Aside from what you've noticed with the keel, you'll want to examine
the cutless bearing and rudder shaft bearings for play, and check to
make sure the rudder itself isn't full of water. This is simply done
out of the water...drill 1/8" holes in the bottom edge. If they drip,
there's an issue. If not, plug 'em with epoxy filler and fair and
bottom paint..or underwater caulk if you're in a rush.

The biggest issue on C&Cs of that vintage is deck leaks and balsa core
rot, particularly under the deck fittings. Check under the lining to
see if the "fender washers" (flat and wide and thin) are "dished",
indicating strain and a likely spot for water ingress. Check the
condition of the chain plates...another trouble zone. Use the findings
of the surveyor to knock the price down, because fixing core issues is
messy and potentially expensive...but it MUST be done. I speak as
someone who's had their genoa track pull out of the deck in 30
knots...not pretty or pleasant. Lots of encapsulating marine ply and
hole filling later, all is well, as are all deck fittings now backed
with 1/4" aluminum plates and epoxied, dried out through-bolt holes.

Good luck, but odds are very good there are a few major issues with
it, particularly if it's been kept without a tarp in freezing weather
like many C&Cs.

R.