On deck

Some owners say the cockpit is somewhat small, although it is typical for this vintage boat. Six crew is about the maximum for the cockpit.

Depending on the model,  the mainsheet and traveler will be found installed in different places. Some boat owners  preferred the traveler in front of  the steering pedestal, with  primary winches at the rear of  the cockpit.

“This allows the skipper to handle the trimming of all the sails, plus it is not in the way of the other passengers,” Wilson said.

Rigging varied from model to model. Some boats had the traveler on the transom, others on the coachroof or at the steering  pedestal. All  had C&C’s iconic aluminum toerail that allowed easy movement of hardware. Matting was installed under the deck hardware mountings to withstand compression loading. Rod rigging was used to  support the mast. Some boats were equipped with a single backstay or a running backstay. The boats had either two or three spreaders.

Down below

All the models have a forward and aft cabin. Additional berths are found toward the middle of the main cabin. The head with shower is located to starboard, just aft of the forward cabin. 

The galley features dual molded sinks, cupboard storage, icebox and a Force 10 propane stove. The boat was designed  to carry 60 gallons of fresh water. 

Some reviews noted the boat lacks adequate ventilation, particularly in the aft cabin. The adjacent galley can add to the heat, making the aft berth less comfortable. 

The main cabin has a large L-shaped settee to port and a centerline drop-leaf table. The settee has a  removable backrest that extends aft to create a seat  for the tiny  chart table. The chart table  has  been  criticized  for its  design and poor quality.

A teak-and-holly sole, an oil-rubbed teak ceiling  with wooden  overhead  handrails, and wood cabinets and  bulkheads give the interior with a warm, traditional feel.

Engine

The C&C 34+ came with a 30-horsepower Yanmar 3GM30F diesel engine. The C&C 34R has a 30-horsepower Universal M-25 diesel. The boat carries 40  gallons of fuel.

Owners report that the Yanmar engine moves the boat along steadily when needed, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. As one owner put  it, “Engine access is adequate, though a little tight as you might expect, but everything is reachable.”

Underway

Scheaffer recalled sailing downwind when a squall hit with 30 knots-plus winds. His boat was under full sail, with the entire crew on the rail. The boat was surfing waves up the inlet to Atlantic City Marina.

“I felt like I was driving a chariot with the bow waves emanating from just forward of the keel and shooting more than 20 feet out on either side,” he said. “It was great fun.”

Wilson said the boat is powerful.

“You do need to reef early as the boat is light. We sail a lot with one reef in the main. Mainly because we want to keep the boat flat so that we don’t spill anything. Plus it is just more comfortable and  feels safer for the non-sailors on board,” he said.

Wilson, who owns the wing-keel version that draws five feet, gave a thumbs up to the boat’s balanced helm.  

“Flat water or big waves, or big wind or light. It sails great in all conditions,” he said. “The huge rudder keeps the boat balanced. With the wing  keel, we sail through some interesting shallow places.”

Conclusion

The C&C 34+  is a fast, capable offshore racer-cruiser with sleek lines and strong bones.

Principal dimensions: LOA 35’6”; LWL 30’10”; Beam 11’6”; Draft racing keel 7’5”, deep keel  7’3”, wing keel 5’; Displ. 12,000 lb.; Ballast  4,700 lb. ; Sail area 669 sq. ft.