BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Bluewater C&C 33

On 28 Dec 2005 11:13:00 -0800, wrote:

Looking for opinions on whether or not one thinks that a C&C 33 is
capable of handling big oceans. The C&C has a fin keel drawing 5.5'
with a free standing spade rudder. Should making a transatlantic
passage even be considered?
Thanks for any advice and/or opinion.

This is very, very dependent on condition of the boat and rigging and
condition of the crew. C&C 33s are old coastal boats frequently run
hard as club racers. If in freshwater, they probably have original
rigging, which you'd want to switch up to 1/4" or better, 5/16th for
open ocean work.

You'd also want to replace original sheaves and running rigging.
Offshore is no place to untangle a halyard.

The coach-house is borderline in my opinion in strength for heavy
weather, and the fixed plexiglass portlights will NOT take a boarding
sea in a blow. Similarly, the bunks are not commonly rigged for sea,
nor is the galley ideal.

Being more racer than cruiser, the C&C 33 would sail close-hauled
well, but she's tender and the motion would be tough on the crew. I
would also question the suitability of the compainway hatch (usually
plexi or plywood drop boards, the size of the scuppers, the smallish
main for downwind work and the boat's parsimonious cargo space and
tankage. Lastly, a lot of them still have Atomic 4s, and you simply
can't carry enough gas on a C&C 33 (safely, at least) to run the
alternator to keep your batteries charged on a three week or worse
crossing. Even with a smaller-sipping diesel, the tankage (usually 20
gallons or less) will not suffice.

My point of view is from owning a very similar (but even narrower)
C&C-designed Viking 33 with a near identical sail plan and layout.

I have always maintained that while my boat is strong enough to
survive a blow, it might kill the crew G. I would take my boat to
Newfoundland, or to the Caribbean, unquestionably, but it's just not
the right boat for the Atlantic. Better you should borrow a Contessa
26 or a Westsail 32...proven, if plodding, offshore designs that will
get you there with no glamour, maybe, but plenty of security.

YMMV,
R.