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I missed a few of these reply's.  I bought the boat.  My wife posted a hello a couple of days ago.  The boat is paid for and in Texas they just get us with a 6.5% sales tax on these, I won't be hit year after year.  Fixed costs including the bottom paint fund look to be a little over $5k a year (slip is over $4k), although I already had to do batteries and a steaming light (well, I could have just replaced the bulbs, but it is long over due).


Thanks to everyone!

So the ratings only mention the MkII.  How does that apply to the older original design?  My thoughts are that the closed transom is a strength to a point, but that if it were swamped the water would stay in the cockpit MUCH longer entering through lockers and the companionway.  Are there any ways to mitigate this risk?

I have my boat on an inland lake where she will stay for the foreseeable future, but I dream of taking her to the Caribbean.

Well, we have a 5 year old that is working very well for, but the youngest won't be 2 until May.  I guess it would have helped if my wife had mentioned the ages of our children.

The tether seems like a reasonable idea that we had considered, but it isn't my first choice.  I am worried about strangulation (Why I don't worry about it with all the other lines is beyond me, but it doesn't seem too difficult to control the sheets).  A tether line is going to be moving around a lot!

$20k per year would be out of the question, even including slip fees.  My actual budget will be much higher than $2k, because I believe the slip fees and insurance will be over $5k.  I'm just trying to figure out the incidentals.  My maximum budget will be $15k, but that would wipe out the other hobbies (taking the M3 to the track every now and then).

I am great at DIY, with a focus on the mechanical and electrical.  I would have no problems replacing every line or tearing down a motor, but I have no appetite for painting and would have to pay a professional.

Thank your for the details.  I figured slip fees will vary wildly by region, and even by class of marina.  I also assume Insurance is a regional thing.

I meant to imply that I'm looking for the costs of everything but the slip and insurance, as those are easy to research and comprehend.

It sounds like the misc. costs will be well under the $2 grand mark, so that's a good thing.

Is repainting the bottom really only $200-250?  When I was in collage we tortured ourselves doing the bottom of a J24.  Granted it was blistered, so we sanded it way down, re-coated in epoxy, and repainted.

I am considering purchasing an '89 C34.  The upfront costs don't have me too concerned, but I need to get a good understanding of the long term costs when owning this type of boat.

This will be an inland boat for the foreseeable future, but I wouldn't rule out taking her to the Gulf of Mexico someday.   I hope this keeps insurance costs down, but if they are too much more than expected I may have to pass.

So far I assume there will be an undetermined amount for maintenance, but I have always worked on my cars and used to do fiberglass repairs on smaller boats (sunfish, 470, J24). 

I also have to account for the wet slip.

What else am I missing?  Can I own one of these boats for less than $2k year + storage + insurance + capital cost?

Once I get over this part, what should I look at in this boat?  I assume the equipment from boat to boat can drastically change the value, but where should they start on an inland boat (first 8 years were salt water)?  How much will a new mainsail likely set me back?

Thank you for any help