Allow me to first apologize for any ignorance we may suffer before I introduce our situation. I've been sailing all sorts of small craft for 35+ years but this will be our first adventure in something no-longer trailerable. I and my wife are shopping for an upgrade in size from our O'Day 23-2 and are attracted to the C&C line of boats given our budget, the perceived quality, performance/comfort reputation, and availability in the local market. We started eyeing a 35-3 in VT (and may still consider it) but after looking at a few 35' boats locally we are realizing they may still be a bit small for our rapidly growing family of four (and trucking and bottom painting a boat from VT to NH/ME seacoast adds a lot of costs), we have started looking at some C&C 40 boats in MA/RI area. I'm not afraid of some small projects that can be carried out while we use it or in the offseason but not interested in a "project boat" that would need work to be safe before use.
https://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?slim=broker&boat_id=3558367&checked_boats=3558367&hosturl=MattapoisettYachtSales&&ybw=&units=Feet&access=Public&listing_id=81236&url= https://www.boattrader.com/boat/1981-c-c-tall-rig-7442829/ Now for the questions: We have scheduled the two 40's above for a visit next weekend, one we saw in the boatyard without invitation this weekend. They are both on the hard, and the one we briefly visited is a centerboard version. The other is a tall-rig/deep-keel. See the photos linked. https://photos.app.goo.gl/7xUVbSnHMob2YmYP8 1. On this boat, what is the drain in the keel for? Is it a bilge drain or a centerboard trunk vent? There was something, perhaps a piece of wood, loose inside the drain that I could move with a finger. 2. On cabin top starboard, there appears to be a wire cable winch that I've not seen on other examples. Is this the centerboard pendant perhaps? 3. Is the weeping from the centerboard pivot access ports reasonable or expected. It may be lubricant as the broker suggests it was somewhat recently serviced. Notes: The "smile" needs addressing but seems dry. Depth and knot log sensors have been painted over with antifoul despite being listed in the description as features. Gelcoat seems good for its age. We are leaning towards the centerboard model as the Marina we are targeting in Portland, ME has limited areas of draft to accommodate a 7.5' keel at low tide. However, fewer moving parts is a huge advantage as is better sailing performance. But, we might be forced into a less desirable marina or have a low tide +/- 1hr time block for coming or going from the marina. Last general question and ask for advice, what is the mast step situation on either of these boats and apart from waterlogged cores in the deck and hull, what are the critical points of interest to a new buyer that thinks he is somewhat savvy. All polite thoughts welcomed. Best regards, Jeff
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