Thoughts on the C&C 33 mark ii

Thinking of purchasing a C&C 33 Mark II?

One of the satisfying and challenging aspects of boat ownership and of sailing is to adapt the boat to your intended use.  For me, this means well-executed refinements for single-handed or short-handed day sailing with periodic short cruises.   I have tried to approach any improvements  thoughtfully, respecting and enhancing her utility and performance as a lightweight racer-cruiser, without compromising the boat for other uses by future owners.     

A few thoughts based on my experience with Windstar:

• C&C generally built durable boats that perform well, and have stood up well over time.  Several years into ownership I don't regret the choice at all.   I find the finish and glass work on this era C&C to be very good compared to most others in my experience.  This speaks to the reputation and resale value of a well-kept C&C.   
•  I do find the cabin furniture and berths  to be a bit small for my 6' frame, and in that respect will eventually move  to a larger boat.  That said, a larger boat will certainly be more challenging to sail solo, and will required very careful and informed consideration.    
• Overall, Windstar is a great sailer, quite fast, especially in light air.  I am regularly very impressed by her performance, (as are my sailing companions) and this speaks to her design priorities and pedigree.   There are minor compromises in comfort at rest, and also in convenience for single-handed operation.  For how I use the boat these are reasonable tradeoffs, and I sail her solo with some confidence.  I have yet to see a boat of a similar size I'd trade her for, bearing in mind my current use.   She's great fun to sail, and fine for short cruises.
• Her traditional interior arrangement feels spacious when compared with more recent designs which try to fit "more" into the same volume.   This is often remarked upon by owners of those boats when they visit.  In this case I think less is more.  The highly evolved  interior layout is practical and works well.
• With her tall masthead rig, deep draft, and well-designed running rigging, she sails to windward remarkably when correctly trimmed.   
• Her traveller, mainsheet and main halyard arrangement allow for tweaking the tall main from the cockpit.   (Reefing requires a jaunt to the mast to hook the tack ring.)
• She does not heave to easily vs others in my experience. 
• She does not track as well as some others on the wind with the helm lashed.
• She is generally very agile and responsive.  She can nearly spin on her keel when motoring, making her handy in tight marinas.  I dock her without assistance with confidence. 
• Her cockpit layout and traveller location is is very good for sailing, but not for lounging in the cockpit. 
• She can be singlehanded more easily than some other racing-biased designs due to the location of the large self-tailing sheet winches,  (within reach of the helm) though operating the mainsheet and tweaking the traveler requires stepping away from the helm.  
• I do understand why most singlehanders of smaller yachts prefer a tiller to Windstar's largish wheel, which is an obstruction at times. 
• more compact individuals (5' to 5'4") cannot see over the cabin top when seated at the helm, and cannot see through the dodger frame when standing at the helm.  Worth checking this when looking at any boat.

• Her draft is deep at 6'3",  not a major issue where I sail, but I would of course be happier with the same sailing performance and shoal draft.  (Lol)
• her holding tank has its inlet in the upper portside corner.   This is a minor design flaw.  On a starboard tack the effluent level in a partially-filled tank will rise above the inlet, backfilling the head's hose.   If the joker valve leaks, the effluent fills the head with each tack.   The holding tank's inlet pipe should have been on the tank's centreline.   (I should pump the tank out more often.)

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a C&C 33-2 to any prospective purchaser of a boat of this size and type.  However, if you are contemplating purchase of  a sister ship or cousin, there are three potential problem areas specific to this model range to be aware of:  

• Keel casting fractures
• Keel stub water ingress, sinking mast step, etc.
• Leaking portlights

I can confidently state that the first is not an issue with Windstar, and the latter two have been addressed as documented here.