C&C 37 Centerboard

[PalmettoSailor]

What do folks think about a mid-80's C&C 37 as a performance cruiser for the Chesapeake and perhaps east coast coastal cruising in the future? I came across a centerboard version which meets my need for sub 5' draft and the layout looks suitable for cruising. Anybody on the board have any experience with this model? How's it handle light air/heavy air. Being that C&C's were raced and would generally have a few crew, would this boat be any more difficult than any similarly sized boat for a couple to sail? I've been to the C&C owners sight but the 37 wasn't their most popular model and centerboard versions are particularly rare.

C&C 35's are pretty popular on the Chesapeake, but I haven't considered them because the deep draft conflicts with my gunkholing ambitions.
The centerboard 37 seems to get a pretty neat compromise with PHRF ratings around 114 while retaining a fairly shallow draft with the board up.

I know the boats have balsa cored hulls but so do many other of the boats that are highly recommended on these lists like Sabre's and others. Are there any other pro's or con's for C&C's in general or this specfic model?

[chef2sail]

We have a 1983 35 C&C Keel/ centerboard 4'2"-7'5" and are on the Chesapeake on Rock Creek off the Patasco. It is a good all round/ crusier. Comfortable on trips offshore coastal crusing to Mystic but primarily gunkholing and sailing all over the northern and central Chesapeake. She points extremely well, has great balance in light moderate and heavy winds

Need to reef usually around 22 if not gusty. Can be a bit tender and sensitive if overpowered. Good salon setup and removable offset table. Spacious V berth. Easily single handled but certainly a great boat for a couple. Equipped with good quality equipment from the factory and well designed joinery. Good combo of interior teak and wood. PHRF rated 129

We are very happy with her though we are looking to get somewhat large and are looking at Hylas and Hallberg Rasseys, Passports and Sagas in the 42 range and know they will not have the same performance as our C&C.

Feel free to PM me for more information.

Dave