C&C 29-2 Information, Review, Specs

C&C Yachts, founded in 1969, became a hallmark of Canadian boatbuilding, known for its commitment to high-quality construction and innovative designs. The company's unique collaboration of designers and builders, including George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, aimed to produce exceptional sailing vessels at scale. The C&C 29-2 emerged from this lineage, continuing the brand's tradition of creating "performance cruisers" that excelled on the racecourse while providing genuine comfort below deck.

History and Design

Production of the C&C 29-2 began in 1983 and continued until 1986, with approximately 400 units built in both the U.S. and Canada. This model is an entirely distinct design from the earlier C&C 29 (1977), sharing only its numerical designation. While the C&C Photo Album has negative remarks about the original C&C 29, it does not mention the C&C 29-2 in a negative light, suggesting improvements in the Mark II version.

The C&C 29-2 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian as a Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) racer-cruiser. Robert W. Ball, who served as C&C's chief in-house designer from 1973 to 1991, played a significant role in shaping the C&C fleet during this era, which aligns with the production period of the 29-2. C&C Yachts was renowned for its pioneering use of balsa-cored hulls to improve stiffness while reducing weight, though the 29-2's hull is solid fiberglass, with coring typically limited to the deck, preventing common water intrusion issues seen in some older cored designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 29-2 is characterized by a design that prioritizes both speed and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.8, she is classified as a balanced performance cruiser, suggesting good performance across a range of wind conditions, neither underpowered in light air nor overly powerful in heavy gusts. Her ballast to displacement ratio of 0.403 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of around 269 positions the C&C 29-2 as a medium-heavy cruiser, offering a solid feel without being sluggish.

Owners consistently praise the C&C 29-2 as a capable and well-built vessel, noting its competitive racing potential and enjoyable cruising characteristics. The boat's cockpit is generally well-laid out, contributing to ease of handling. While some owners have noted that the combination of a balanced spade rudder and fin keel, coupled with a standard two-bladed propeller, can result in less than ideal control when backing, overall, the C&C 29-2 sails well. Some configurations include inline spreaders and a stiff mast, with or without a babystay, which influences sail trim and mast pre-bend.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance-oriented design, the C&C 29-2 offers comfortable and functional accommodations suitable for coastal cruising and weekend trips. While specific headroom details are not consistently available, C&C generally focused on packing in practical interior space. The interior typically features a traditional layout, with a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon usually includes settees that can serve as berths, often with a folding table. The galley is generally aft, commonly equipped with a sink, stove, and icebox. Quarter berths are sometimes found aft, maximizing sleeping capacity.

C&C yachts of this era were known for their quality finish and the extensive use of fine oiled teak for interior fittings and trim, reflecting a handcrafted approach to materials and detailing. While specific storage and ventilation details vary by individual boat and owner modifications, the design aimed to provide adequate amenities for its size class. Owners looking at older models might encounter common issues like crazing in the gelcoat and leaks around ports, potentially leading to interior damage if not addressed.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the C&C 29-2 generally express high satisfaction with their boats, frequently commending their robust construction and versatility. The consensus is that the C&C 29-2 is a "true dual purpose sailboat," capable of competitive racing and comfortable relaxation below deck. Many appreciate its solid fiberglass hull (excluding the cored deck), which contributes to its durability and strong hull-to-deck flange.

Common issues reported by owners of the C&C 29-2 and similar vintage C&C models include potential leaks around original deck fittings and ports, which may require re-bedding to prevent water intrusion and subsequent interior damage like mold or rotten wood. Some owners also report a small fuel tank as a minor inconvenience, though this can often be mitigated through careful planning or aftermarket solutions. Despite these common age-related challenges, the strong owner community and continued presence of these boats on the used market underscore their enduring quality and appeal.