Messages

The responses on this forum are one of the BEST selling points of this boat!  Thank you all for your input.  Fantastic information!

The reason I asked about single-handling differences was the wider cockpit and the ability to get to the sheets and the traveller lines (ie. if things were more within reach on the older boat)

I like the more classic look of the older boat but the boarding functionality of the newer transom.  I do have some younger crew members, and it looks like they would have an easier time steering from the elevated aft seat on the older model.

I do plan on using an asymmetrical spinnaker (considering an add on bowsprit by sparcraft).  I don't believe either model is currently rigged to fly an A-sail.

I have no doubt that once I find a boat, this forum will become even MORE useful!

Thanks again to all.

Cameron

Steve,

Thanks for your thoughtful response. 

Yes, I am referring to the helm (wheel).  haha! 

I would likely be at harbor every night and not using a dingy, swim platform would just be for the kids to swim off of.  Thoughts from other owners would still be welcome/appreciated.

Cameron

I have read copious posts on this subject, including the old boat vs. new post.  I would like to post some specific questions regarding purchasing an MK I (1988) vs. an MK II (1997) to see if I understand the differences and what I would need to do to the 1988 boat to make it a comparable boat to the 1997.  ($30,000 difference in asking price, both are freshwater) The biggest difference I see right off the start is that I would be able to finance the higher cost on the newer boat, and any upgrades to the older boat would be out of pocket.

If anyone responding has estimates regarding the costs associated with the upgrades I am suggesting, please include those as well.

1.  With a 1988 model it appears that the traveller bolt and alternator bracket issues would not be a problem?

2.  I still need to check to see if the wiring harness has been replaced?  Cost to do if not done?

3.  I need to see if the 1988 has had the rudder upgraded to the new model. (it seems like this is a big improvement in handling?)

4.  23 year old standing rigging vs 14 year old rigging?  is this an issue?

5.  Cost to replace/recover cushions?  (both settees and sleeping cabins)

6.  Add on swim platform.  Thoughts on cost to do so?

7.  Stern pulpit seats?

8.  After rudder upgraded, any differences in handling?  Any differences in single-handling?

9.  What is the best size wheel for handling/single-handling?

10.  Is the different backstay that big of an issue?

Assuming the boats are in good condition otherwise, are there any other contrasting issues I should be aware of?

I know this is a long post, hopefully you can tell that I have been reading the posts in-depth to get to this point.  I appreciate your responses.

Cameron

Does this mean I can't have a sailboat that:  isn't too tender, sails straight into the wind, sleeps the starting lineup for the Pistons, has a 4 foot draft, that I can race single-handed? 

HAHA!

As always, life is about compromises, I realize I have to decide before buying which is more important, comfort for the family vs. performance.  It still seems that the C34 is a lot of boat for the money and size that will be fun to participate in races with even without being that competitive.  I really appreciate all the feedback!

Thanks for the quick responses!  Specifically what I see in my racing future would be weekend races that are JAM and probably 3-4 longer distance races a season that are open PHRF.  I am not cut-throat for sure, but like to be in the mix competitively (no one likes to be the last boat on the lake even if your PHRF helps your final standings).  I think the secondary winches in the cockpit are a must to help with spinnaker use and nice to help with the roller furling on windy days. 

Can anyone comment if you get any kind of PHRF adjustment for using an asymmetrical spinnaker vs a standard spinnaker?  In reading this forum it seems I could sail with a smaller crew with an asymmetrical (I only have experience with a traditional spinnaker).  Realistically, for the crew I would likely have, I think a cruising asymmetrical spinnaker probably makes more sense in the long run.

I don't see myself in a scuba suit scrubbing the bottom with a toothbrush before each race!

In reading some other posts it seems that upgrading the traveller, mainsheet, and genoa sheet cars would all be good updates as well.  There are a couple of Catalina 320's that race at the yacht club I am looking at, but I like the larger size and smaller price tag of the C34.

I am looking at boats in this size range and the C34 is now at the top of the list.  While I am not that competitive (the kids like winning of course), I do enjoy participating in weekend races (buoy and longer) for the camaraderie it creates on your own boat and among the other local boaters.  Can I get some feedback on other C34 owners that race with their boats?  I am curious if they are competitive with their PHRF rating, if they sail in JAM races instead of messing with a spinnaker, what deck modifications needed to be done (extra winches, blocks, etc), or any other feedback.  I have looked around on the forum, but can't find information on this topic.

I would likely be sailing in the Sandusky Bay area of Lake Erie.


Thanks!

Great advice from all.  Thanks!!!  Given where I will be sailing I think I will definitely be willing to give up a couple of degrees to wind in order to get the better clearance at the marinas.  I think Sandusky Bay dropped 18" on Labor Day weekend due to the wind conditions this year and that is likely where I will end up. 

Well......now all I have to do is wait to find a freshwater C34 MKII with a walk through transom in my price range!  I greatly appreciate all the feedback and am now sold on the C34!

Jim,

As I spend more time on the forum, it sounds like the shallower draft models don't really give up much in performance to the deep draft, so maybe I'll look at wing keel.  I crewed for a boat on Labor Day weekend this year that was grounded at the dock for a while due to water levels, so I see your point!

The fact that the C34 likes to stay on her feet is a major plus for me.  Heel angle is fine, but if you are always trying to throw in a reef, it makes for ALOT of work!  I will check out the FAQ page.  Thanks for the replies so far.

I am looking to purchase a sailboat that I can shorthand (singlehand) sail on Lake Erie, stay overnight in relative comfort with my kids, and do some weekend racing.  I really like the C34, but have heard some naysayers call it a "sailing bathtub"  The PHRF ratings don't look that bad to me.  I do like the in-cockpit mainsheet on the Ericson 35 for singlehand sailing.  Can anyone comment on solo mainsail handling on the C34 and performance in general?  I would be looking for the tall rig with the 5'7" fin keel.  To fit my price point, I am looking at 1988 - 1995 boats.  THANKS!