The C&C 34 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder and a fixed fin keel or centreboard. It displaces 10,100 lb (4,581 kg) and carries 4,100 lb (1,860 kg) of lead ballast.[1][3]
The boat has a draft of 5.90 ft (1.80 m) with the standard keel, 6.40 ft (1.95 m) with the optional deep keel. There was also an optional stub keel and centreboard version. That version has a draft of 6.90 ft (2.10 m) with the centreboard extended and 4.00 ft (1.22 m) with it retracted.[1][3]
The boat is fitted with a Universal Atomic 4 30 hp (22 kW) gasoline engine. The fuel tank holds 20 U.S. gallons (76 L; 17 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 40 U.S. gallons (150 L; 33 imp gal).[1][3]
The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 105 with a high of 117 and low of 93. It has a hull speed of 6.82 kn (12.63 km/h).[3][5]