Live Aboard Ports in S.Carolina, Georgia, N. Florida

[Tom Lindrup]

I am looking for advice on good live aboard ports as I near my retirement years. I would like to consider S.Carolina, Georgia or N. Florida. I own a 1986 C34 Hull #39, located in the Great Lakes now. I also have read about other C34 owners doing more than just coastal crusing as my second question is can you really ocean cruise in a  C34 to Bermuda, Bahamas, Carribean etc because that is what I would like to do by basing the boat in the S.E. US. I am thinking that eventually I will need to sell my C34 for a more ocean stable model,Island Packet or some full keep version.  Advice please.
Tom Lindrup
Chog In, Hull #39
Whitehall, Michigan
Sailing Waters: Lake Michigan

[Ted Pounds]

I think the C34 could easily do the kind of sailing you're talking about.  However before venturing offshore consider doing the following:
-Replace all standing rigging.
-Recast or replace rudder.
-Thoroughly clean (or better yet replace) fuel tank.
-Acquire storm sails and other offshore safety gear.
-Hire a GOOD surveyor to do a THOROUGH survey.
I'm sure other folks can add a few other items to this list.

A good place to check out for offshore safety requirements is: http://isaf.com/offshore/2006/OSR2006_Mo3Liferaft_250106.pdf


The C34 has sailed to Hawaii and I'm sure done many other significant offshore passages.  Good luck.  I'm sure a lot of us here will envy you.
     

[Stephen Butler]

I would also suggest a hatch board for the foreward bomar hatch...or replacing the lens with a thicker piece of plastic.  Just a thought.

[Tom Lindrup]

I think the C34 could easily do the kind of sailing you're talking about.  However before venturing offshore consider doing the following:
-Replace all standing rigging.
-Recast or replace rudder.
-Thoroughly clean (or better yet replace) fuel tank.
-Acquire storm sails and other offshore safety gear.
-Hire a GOOD surveyor to do a THOROUGH survey.
I'm sure other folks can add a few other items to this list.

A good place to check out for offshore safety requirements is: http://isaf.com/offshore/2006/OSR2006_Mo3Liferaft_250106.pdf


The C34 has sailed to Hawaii and I'm sure done many other significant offshore passages.  Good luck.  I'm sure a lot of us here will envy you.
     

Thanks for all the good advice. Tom Lindrup

[Stu Jackson]

Tom, many C34s have sailed to the Bahamas.  Our "sister ship" C36s have also traveled far afield.  There was an article in Sail or Cruising World a few years ago about a C36 that had been really tricked out for long distance passage making, inclining adding bulwarks all around.  You may also want to check the C36 IA website.