Newbie - in what years were major changes made to the C34?

[Andy B.]

Hello All,

I am relatively new to the sailing world, and within the next six to nine months hope to be in the market for a used C34.  In the process of doing my research for for the purchase of a Southern California coastal cruiser, I was wondering if there were certain years in the 1980's or 1990's when significant changes were made to the C34 design that would make certain years (or blocks of years) noticeably improved over previous years?

Also - what are the most common complaints about used C34s (if any...)?

Thanks for you input.

Regards,
Andy

[Stu Jackson]

Andy

There were no major changes other than the Mark IIs.  The original boats had closed transoms.  Hulls in the 1100 range had the first open transoms, and then the Mark IIs have the larger cockpit and open transoms.  This is described in the brochures section of the main 'site.  Other than that, it's been the same great boat since 1986.

You might start here:

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1651&highlight=deck+stepped+mast

This website is so huge that answering your question could take awhile.

Things to look out for are generally few and far between.  The water and holding tank vents to the stanchions creates leaks at those two stanchions.  The electrical systems have been upgraded by many skippers.

I recommend that you select a few keywords, one at a time, and use the search on the this message board and check some of the posts.

Another very good overall explanation is from Steve Lyle's First Year Weblog:

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=663&highlight=weblog

Read some of the other weblog posts on this board by using the search feature and type in weblog.  Kyle Ewing also posted one, and you could search under his name.

Also, the main portion of the website and www.c34ia.org has the FAQs and Projects sections, which explain the basics of the older boats.

The brochures section, as noted above, shows the cosmetic changes.

Good luck on your boat search, spend some more time on this 'site, and we're always here to help you.

[Ron Hill]

Andy : Goodness gracious ! It all depends what you term as a major change!!
Since the C34 came out in 1986 they have over the years changed:
1. The hull design 4 times.
2. The type mast step twice.
3. The engine 4 times.
4. The anchor well twice.
5. The battery compartment/system twice.
6. The placement of water tanks 3 times.
7. Genoa roller furling systems twice.
8. The electrical wiring twice.
9. The type of gel coat 3 times.
10. And some others that I don't recall this instant.

 
Depends what you're looking for, at what price and what you
consider MAJOR.  Other than what I've listed above it's your same old C34  

[captran]

Practical sailor did a review of the C 34 which is one of the reasons I bought mine.  It's in their boat buying guide.  If you can't find it I'd be happy to mail you a copy.  509  4662706  or e mail ( remove "no spam" )  caprannospam@yahoo.com

Randy Thies
Voyager #1345
1997

[Jim Price]

It might be nice if we could post the Practical Sailor article on our C34 site.  Don't know what it would take from a copy write issue but seems that it would provide good external opinion for everyone.

[Stu Jackson]

Jim

Good idea.  Randy is getting a copy to me and we'll get it posted asap.  Most likely will be with the brochures and/or history.

[Andy B.]

Thank you All for the info.

Regards,
Andy