1969–1987 · designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian (Mk I and Mk II); Robert W. Ball / C&C Yachts (Mk III) · built by C&C Yachts (originally Hinterhoeller Yachts as the Redwing 35; renamed C&C 35 after merger)
The C&C 35 spans three distinct designs across an 18-year production run. The Mk I (1969–1973) and Mk II (1973–1975) were Cuthbertson & Cassian cruiser-racers built to IOR-adjacent handicap rules, emphasizing upwind speed, stiff fiberglass construction, and a quality fit and finish unusual for Canadian production boats of the era. The Mk III (1982–1987) was a completely new design by Robert W. Ball of C&C — lighter, with a taller rig and deeper fin keel — targeting PHRF club racing while retaining coastal cruising utility. All versions prioritize performance over offshore range or heavy-weather self-sufficiency.
This is a general read on the C&C 35 class — informed
background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history,
and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class
reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific
listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.
Stiff, fast hull with well-sorted upwind performance — among the better performers of the IOR cruiser-racer era for PHRF club racing.
High-quality fiberglass layup and hull construction by Canadian production standards of the 1970s–80s; hulls are generally solid when deck and core issues are addressed.
Large and active owner community with class associations in some regions, making parts, knowledge, and racing competition easier to access than orphaned designs.
Keel-stepped mast provides structural redundancy and a more forgiving rig failure mode than deck-stepped alternatives.
Known trade-offs
Balsa-cored deck is a near-universal maintenance liability — water ingress through unsealed hardware penetrations causes progressive core rot that is expensive to arrest and repair.
IOR hull form produces a quick, snappy motion in a seaway — uncomfortable for crew over extended offshore passages and tiring shorthanded.
Interior volume and stowage are constrained by the narrow IOR beam; dated layout lacks the open-plan ergonomics of modern cruisers at comparable LOA.
Chainplate and keel-bolt access is poor on most versions; hidden corrosion is a genuine risk that a cursory survey can miss without invasive inspection.
Many examples have accumulated decades of deferred maintenance and owner modifications of varying quality; a clean, well-documented hull commands a significant premium and is worth paying for.
Balsa core deck delamination and rot around deck hardwareHigh1969-1987
Original standing rigging age — most boats are on second or third rigMedium1969-1987
IOR-era interior joinery (teak-faced plywood) showing delamination and fastener failure in older hullsLow1969-1982
Original Atomic 4 gasoline engine (Mk I/II) or early diesel (Mk III Yanmar) — Atomic 4 boats need a realistic repower budget; repower quality varies widelyMedium1969-1987
Systems to check before you buy
Deck core — all hardware penetrations and non-skid panelspriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard
C&C used balsa core throughout the deck. Any unsealed fastener penetration or cracked bedding allows water ingress and progressive rot. Tap the entire deck, sound around chainplates, stanchion bases, and cleats. Soft spots anywhere near hardware are a red flag requiring core replacement, not just rebedding.
Keel attachment and chainplatespriority: offshore, coastal
Bolt-on lead keel with through-bolts that can corrode or work loose over decades. Inspect the keel sump area for rust staining, cracking in the tabbing, or movement under load. Chainplates are inboard-mounted and encased in the liner or cabinetry on many versions — access is limited and hidden corrosion is a known issue.
Standing rigging and mast steppriority: offshore, coastal, racing
Most C&C 35s are 40–50+ years old. Wire rigging past 10 years from the last replacement is overdue for offshore. Inspect swage fittings for cracks and the mast step casting or plate for corrosion and cracking. The tall rig on all marks puts high loads on a relatively narrow chain of hardware.
Engine installation and raw water coolingpriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard
Mk I and Mk II boats were fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine; Mk III with a Yanmar 3GM30F diesel. Most surviving Mk I/II boats have been repowered — quality of repower varies from professional to improvised. Verify engine mount alignment, exhaust routing, and that raw water strainer, impeller, and heat exchanger are serviceable. Boats still running an Atomic 4 need a repower budget factored into the purchase price.
Hull-to-deck joint and through-hull fittingspriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard
The hull-to-deck joint on early C&C hulls was inward-flanged and bolted — inspect for separation or cracking, particularly at the bow and stern. Through-hulls are likely original bronze or early seacocks that may be frozen or dezincified. Count and operate every through-hull before surveying.
How it fits your plans
Offshore
Capable in competent hands for coastal bluewater passages, but the IOR hull form (wide beam aft, snappy motion) is tiring in steep offshore conditions. Not a passage-maker's first choice; better as a delivery or occasional offshore boat with an experienced crew. Rig age and deck core condition must be resolved before offshore use.
Coastal
A strong fit — fast, responsive, and well-balanced on coastal passages. PHRF competitive on handicap and enjoyable to sail shorthanded in moderate conditions. Most C&C 35s in active use spend their lives here.
Liveaboard
Workable for one person or a couple in a temperate climate, but the IOR-era interior is narrow and lacks stowage by modern standards. The saloon is livable; the galley and head are functional but tight. Not a comfortable full-time home.
Racing
This is where the C&C 35 shines. Stiff, fast upwind, and well-dialed for PHRF club racing. A well-maintained example is competitive without modification. The fleet is active enough in some regions to find one-design racing.
Weekending
Excellent weekender — enough speed to make a destination feel rewarding, adequate berths for two adults and kids, and an easy sailing personality that forgives moderate crew skill.
Motor
Underpowered under engine in most configurations relative to displacement; acceptable for marina maneuvering and calm-water motoring but not suitable for extended motoring passages.
Looking at a specific C&C 35? FairKeel reads the actual listing —
photos, broker claims, comparable sales — and tells you what it isn't
saying, what to ask the broker, and a defensible offer range. Free, in
under a minute.