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C&C 25 - opinions?

81K views 62 replies 33 participants last post by  darkharbour  
#1 ·
C&C 25 - opinions?

I am loking at a 1973 C&C 25 as my second boat (moving up from a 20'' trailersailer). I haven''t seen or heard anything about these - anyone have any input? Thanks. . .
 
#2 ·
C&C 25 - opinions?

There are a couple of different boats that this might be. There was a 25 foot C&C design that was constructed by Hinterhoeller and then there was a later 25 footer that was built by C&C. 1973 is just about the time that the Hinterhoeller went out of production and the C&C went into production.

Both are pretty nice boats that sail well and were good all around boats. I raced on one of the C&C 25''s in Savannah and thought it to be a well laid out and seemingly well constructed boat.

Jeff
 
#3 ·
C&C 25 - opinions?

Patq,

My best friend owns a C&C 25. I think the hull was laid in 73 but it is a 1974 model (hull serial# indicates 1973 but owners papers, brochures, etc... 1974).

He loves the boat. For a 25 footer it is reasonably roomy and seems fairly fast and stable. Check out http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/index1.htm for a lot of pictures and owners links. His boat is called C&C 25 Mark I. The other C&C 25 referred to by Jeff can be viewed by doing a search on www.yachtworld.com for 25 foot C&C boats. There is one listed there with a photo as well as several mark I and one mark II. The older 25 is listed as a 1972 C&C Hinterhoeller. Looks more like a Shark.
The Mark I is one of the early 25''s that were well built and well received. The original 35, the C&C 30 MK I, C&C 27 and 25 from that ere were some of the classic C&Cs that helped to make that company.

You will not be unhappy with this boat. There are three at our club. Contact me offline if you want my friend''s email address.

Regards,

Mike
 
#4 ·
C&C 25 - opinions?

We bought a 76 C&C last sept after our Capri 25 had a rather rude meeting with a rock. We''ve only sailed it about 10 times, but from what i see it''s a very solid performer. It doesn''t have the speed of the Capri ofcourse, but it takes steep chop well and keeps us much more comfortable than the Capri ever did. Chedk the deck for soggy core material or delamination. If the plumbing is origimal you probably have a flexible tank that''s way past due. The toilet is a cheap WC model and probably need replacing too. The berths aren''t the best, and storage space is poorly organized. We have the Vire 7 inboard whick so far has been a real pain in the ass. So far we''re pleased with the boat. Jim L
 
#5 ·
An excellent choice

I have owned/sailed a 1974 C&C 25 for the past 5 years. I Have owned 2 other (larger) C&C boats, and a total of 7 sailboats in all. So I have something to compare this boat to.

It's an excellent model. Built strong and simple, but very fast and forgiving. It has the feel of a big boat, not in small part to the 50% ballast to displacement ratio...making it a good stiff sailor (stays upright). Below has a ton of space compared to any other boat in it's class. I take a family of 4 for a week, with no trouble, except maybe if it rains for three days in a row. The outboard is preferred, because you can have a modern 4 stroke engine rather than a 30 year old inboard (yuck). This boat is easy to sail, very strong, and handles all weather and waves without trouble. The shallow draft will get you anywhere. The huge companionway hatch makes the below very open and airy, and easy for entry/exit, especially for kids.

However, here's some things to look for when purchasing:
Deck leaks cause soft spots in the balsa core. Check the decks carefully, especially on the bow and near the chainplates. Most have had the deck repaired already. If it's soft, you'll be able to easily tell. Check the mast step for cracks. Many have been replaced, which is ok. The mast can be lowered on a pin, but this puts alot of undue stress on the step and leads to damage. It's better to use a crane, and easier/quicker too. The original electrical should be ripped out entirely. Replace with a new breaker panel, and LED lights. OR...just buy some flashlights for at night...12volt power isn't really needed these days on a small boat...I use handheld VHF, GPS, iPod, etc. And finally, check the sails...many have original sails. Newer sails will increase speed and look great. A nice feature of this boat is that replacing stuff is easy and cheap because the boat is small. A whole new engine will cost the same as one big repair of an inboard engine. New sails under a grand each (or can use used sails from a similar sized rig). New anchors, lights, cushions, and you've got a great boat...just like mine! So go ahead and buy it, and you'll be a happy sailor!
 
#40 ·
An excellent choice

I have owned/sailed a 1974 C&C 25 for the past 5 years. I Have owned 2 other (larger) C&C boats, and a total of 7 sailboats in all. So I have something to compare this boat to.

It's an excellent model. Built strong and simple, but very fast and forgiving. It has the feel of a big boat, not in small part to the 50% ballast to displacement ratio...making it a good stiff sailor (stays upright). Below has a ton of space compared to any other boat in it's class. I take a family of 4 for a week, with no trouble, except maybe if it rains for three days in a row. The outboard is preferred, because you can have a modern 4 stroke engine rather than a 30 year old inboard (yuck). This boat is easy to sail, very strong, and handles all weather and waves without trouble. The shallow draft will get you anywhere. The huge companionway hatch makes the below very open and airy, and easy for entry/exit, especially for kids.

However, here's some things to look for when purchasing:
Deck leaks cause soft spots in the balsa core. Check the decks carefully, especially on the bow and near the chainplates. Most have had the deck repaired already. If it's soft, you'll be able to easily tell. Check the mast step for cracks. Many have been replaced, which is ok. The mast can be lowered on a pin, but this puts alot of undue stress on the step and leads to damage. It's better to use a crane, and easier/quicker too. The original electrical should be ripped out entirely. Replace with a new breaker panel, and LED lights. OR...just buy some flashlights for at night...12volt power isn't really needed these days on a small boat...I use handheld VHF, GPS, iPod, etc. And finally, check the sails...many have original sails. Newer sails will increase speed and look great. A nice feature of this boat is that replacing stuff is easy and cheap because the boat is small. A whole new engine will cost the same as one big repair of an inboard engine. New sails under a grand each (or can use used sails from a similar sized rig). New anchors, lights, cushions, and you've got a great boat...just like mine! So go ahead and buy it, and you'll be a happy sailor!
Thank you for all this good info
 
#6 ·
I bought a 25 last summer as my first boat. Its a great starter boat and really does feel bigger than most 25ft boats. I have a 9 hp outboard and I would reccomend staying away from the inboards. They made some with inboards and others with outboards. From what I have read the inboard can be a pain to work with and it isnt very great.
 
#7 ·
I doubt the OP much cares as you guys are replying to an EIGHT YEAR OLD THREAD.
 
#8 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

Hey, even if the OP is 8 years old, I'm still proud of my boat and happy to post. Someone will google this and maybe get some good info.

I would buy another C&C25 without hesitation. They are cheap because of age, but a tremendous value in a used boat. I'd like to get one for my daughter when she's old enough to have her own boat...better than getting her a car.
 
#54 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

Hey, even if the OP is 8 years old, I'm still proud of my boat and happy to post. Someone will google this and maybe get some good info.

I would buy another C&C25 without hesitation. They are cheap because of age, but a tremendous value in a used boat. I'd like to get one for my daughter when she's old enough to have her own boat...better than getting her a car.
LoL, Here I am, late 2021, researching this boat and I just had to register and give you a gold star for foresight.
 
#41 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

thank you for the post, even if it took eight years, i just sold my islander and am looking to buy a C&C 25 this has helped a lot. i'll be waiting for the witty retort
2020 and considering my first boat ... C&C, Pearson or something similar from mid-seventies so I was happy to read this somewhat time-delayed post. Still helpful and relevant. Happy sailing to everyone and thank you for sharing your experience with these boats. As a newbie to sailing it can be intimidating and it helps to know what issues to look for and what questions to ask.
 
#13 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

Hi again,

Its been 4 more years...and I'm still working on that witty reply...day and night. So far all I have is "I know you are, but what am I?"

In the meantime, I sold my C&C25...what a mistake.
My kids were getting bigger, and we just didn't all "fit" below for the 3-4 night cruises we like. Also, I wanted to go on longer trips, farther, since they were getting old enough to handle it. Regardless of the boat, you still need to bring the same amount of food, water, clothes, WWgear, dinghy, etc. My biggest complaint was the lack of permanent stove. I used an origo 1500 single burner stove which I put on the icebox lid when in use. You can imagine trying to get something out of the icebox while cooking supper.

Since it was very well equipped (3 anchors, GPS, VHF, LEDs, new upholstry, dinghy, 3 jibs, furling, etc, etc) it sold quickly for a good price. I was very sad to see it go. Fortunately I took lots of pix of my kids aboard while they were little.

I have since replaced it with an old Pearson 30. I'm enjoying an inboard diesel for greatly increased range, and lots more space below...including a 2 burner Origo 3000 mounted in the galley. I've got chartplotter and autohelm, and a 25watt VHF. Mostly its just bigger. But I really miss the shallow draft, especially when I hit a rock at one of my favorite anchorages.

I would still recommend the C&C25, especially for solo sailors and young families.

I'll check back in 2017, as promised, but thought an update wouldn't be out of order...sorry if my rants are becoming too frequent!

Dave
 
#17 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

I think you will be waiting a long time since April of 2002 was their last post. Maybe you should drop them a PM and let us know what they reply.

I never did understand the heartburn over people revisiting old threads.

Jeff
 
#22 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

This is a wonderful boat. Ive owned my 76 C&C 25 mk1 since August last year and Ive been thrilled with her. Very easy to sail - fast stiff and dry. However, like any boat from the 70's ive had to put in a ton of work. I have the vire 7 inboard, and i completely rebuilt her which took me about a month. I decided to leave her in the boat for the rebuild which was a huge pain, as engine access is the biggest issue with this boat!

Ive also done other minor things like redoing the plumbing, replacing the gally faucet/pump, replacing the icebox pump etc etc... Definitely buy this boat if you didnt back in 2002 when you started this thread!
 
#24 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

well lets jump 5 years. I'm looking to buy a 74 C&C 25. It looks to be in fair shape but I'm prepared to do some work if not too extensive. Have a real desire to sail from Seattle to Homer AK but have limited experience and will probably be single handing it. With my limited experience the C&C 25 looks to be a fair candidate for the cruise of course with some up grades. Anyone got a comment?
 
#26 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

well lets jump 5 years. I'm looking to buy a 74 C&C 25. It looks to be in fair shape but I'm prepared to do some work if not too extensive. Have a real desire to sail from Seattle to Homer AK but have limited experience and will probably be single handing it. With my limited experience the C&C 25 looks to be a fair candidate for the cruise of course with some up grades. Anyone got a comment?
The inside passage goes up to about Skagway or Juneau. People do the inside passage in all manner of boats. I think it has a lot to do with timing the tides.

Once you leave the inside passage, I think it is pretty exposed. C&C 25 wouldn't be my top pick.
 
#25 ·
Re: C&C 25 - opinions?

I wanna do the Tour de France, but I am overweight, haven't ridden a bike in years, and have a mountain bike I bought at Walmart.

Answer, yes I could do it.
Nobody would watch.
Likelihood is I'd fail miserably.

With work on all my points, I could probably do it, but I'm certainly not going to win it.

How dedicated are you to getting it done? You'll likely need to spend 3-5 times what you spent on the boat to make it "worthy" of the trip.
 
#28 ·
Re: An excellent choice

Hello,
I just bought a 1985 C&C 25' sailboat. I am looking for a reliable owner's manual to familiarize myself with the boat. Any suggestions?
Newsailer42
Congratulations
Welcome to the C&C Club
It's exclusive
You'll like you new 25

The site below you should join. It's all the C& C owners
They sell the manuals too
Also there are projects for all the various sizes

C&C Yachts - C&C Photo Album & Resource Center