C&C Redwing 35 Information, Review, Specs

While the Redwing 35 is often overshadowed by its successor, the C&C 35 Mark I, it remains a "plastic classic" highly regarded for its robust scantlings and elegant, low-profile aesthetics. The model was produced in relatively limited numbers compared to later C&C designs, with production centered in the late 1960s. Its pedigree is preserved in the designer archives held by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, which documents the boat's role in establishing the "Canadian look"—a combination of a powerful masthead sloop rig, a clean deck layout, and a hull capable of both offshore passages and competitive club racing.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Redwing 35 is a product of the CCA era, which favored boats with a healthy displacement and a generous sail plan. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering around 240, it is considerably heavier than modern "light-displacement" yachts, but this mass provides a level of momentum and sea-kindliness that owners appreciate in a chop. The boat’s performance is defined by its swept-back fin keel, a design choice by Cuthbertson & Cassian intended to reduce wetted surface area while maintaining a deep enough draft (5' 2") to point effectively.

Under sail, the Redwing 35 is known to be "stiff" initially but can become tender if over-canvassed in heavy air, a common trait for boats of this vintage with a relatively narrow beam (10' 6"). It tracks exceptionally well, a byproduct of its long waterline (27' 6") relative to its overall length. According to historical technical reviews found in the C&C heritage archives, the boat excels on a reach, where its powerful masthead rig can be fully utilized. However, the spade rudder, while providing excellent maneuverability in tight quarters, requires a vigilant hand on the helm when running downwind in large following seas to prevent rounding up.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 35-foot vessel designed in the mid-1960s, the Redwing 35 offers a surprisingly functional interior, though it lacks the voluminous beam found in modern yachts. The layout is strictly traditional: a forward V-berth followed by a head and hanging locker, a central salon with twin settees, and a compact galley located aft near the companionway. The use of rich mahogany and teak joinery reflects George Hinterhoeller's background as a master cabinetmaker, providing a "warm" aesthetic that modern fiberglass liners often struggle to replicate.

There were few major structural variations of the Redwing 35 hull, as C&C moved quickly to the 35 Mk I hull for its primary production line. However, the Redwing 35 has a smaller sibling, the Redwing 30, which shares the same design DNA but with a significantly more compact interior. Buyers should note that while the Redwing 35 offers approximately 6' 3" of headroom in the main salon, the space narrows considerably forward, making the V-berth better suited for children or gear storage on extended cruises.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Redwing 35 holds a storied place in Great Lakes racing history. It was a frequent competitor in the early iterations of the Bayview Mackinac Race and the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. The model’s reputation was bolstered by the success of C&C’s early custom designs, which shared similar hull forms. While it hasn't enjoyed the same level of "YouTube fame" as more modern blue-water cruisers, it is frequently cited in historical retrospectives of C&C Yachts as the "missing link" between George Hinterhoeller’s early work and the company's eventual dominance of the 1970s racing scene.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach a Redwing 35 with the understanding that these vessels are now over 50 years old. The following areas are high-priority for any professional survey:

• Deck Delamination: Like many C&C designs of this era, the Redwing 35 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step is extremely common. Any "spongy" feel underfoot usually indicates a core that has turned to mulch, necessitating a labor-intensive "top-down" repair.
• Atomic 4 Engine Issues: Many Redwings were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, these engines are prone to manifold corrosion and require careful attention to fuel system safety. A vessel that has been repowered with a modern diesel (such as a Yanmar or Universal M-series) holds significantly higher value.
• Spade Rudder Integrity: The spade rudder is a cantilevered design. The internal stainless steel or aluminum armature can corrode over decades, potentially leading to catastrophic failure. High-signal indicators of trouble include "play" in the rudder post or weeping of rust-colored water from the rudder blade after haul-out.
• Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates on the Redwing 35 are bolted to the bulkheads. Over time, leaks at the deck level can cause the plywood bulkheads to rot, compromising the structural integrity of the rig.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical documentation is the C&C Yachts Photo Album and Archive, a long-standing community-run repository that preserves original brochures and owner manuals. Additionally, the C&C Yachts Association provides a platform for owners to share specific maintenance tips, particularly regarding the sourcing of obsolete hardware. For those interested in the builder's specific history, the Hinterhoeller and C&C archival collections are maintained by the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes.

The Verdict

The C&C Redwing 35 is a gentleman’s cruiser-racer that offers timeless lines and a solid build quality that is rare in the modern era of production "condo-marans." It is an ideal choice for the sailor who values heritage and sailing feel over raw interior volume.

Pros:

• Classic, eye-catching profile with a "proper" yacht aesthetic.
• Exceptional build quality from the Hinterhoeller era.
• Predictable, sea-kindly handling in a variety of conditions.
• Active and passionate owner community for technical support.

Cons:

• High probability of balsa core issues in the deck.
• Interior is cramped by modern standards, particularly in the beam.
• The original Atomic 4 engines are increasingly difficult to maintain.
• Limited storage for long-range cruising without significant modification.