PJ-34 Information, Review, Specs

The S&S 34 was conceived by the renowned American naval architect Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for its high-performance yacht designs. While the indicates a production start year of 1970, the design itself was established as a class in 1968, following an initial commission by British yachtsman Michael Winfield. Early production of hulls in the UK was undertaken by Aquafibre Ltd., a company founded by Martin Broom to specialize in fiberglass (GRP) mouldings for the marine industry, including for other manufacturers., 3, 4, 9, 11] These Aquafibre hulls were then often finished by various boatyards. In Australia, Swarbrick Brothers also acquired moulds and became a significant builder, continuing production and even building new S&S 34s using advanced construction techniques. Some were even exported to the US and known as the Palmer Johnson 34.

The genesis of the S&S 34 in 1967-1968 marked a pivotal moment, influenced by Olin Stephens' work on the 1967 America's Cup winner Intrepid, which notably featured a separate rudder and keel. Stephens' design philosophy for the S&S 34 was clear: to create a racing boat that was inherently seaworthy and capable of performing admirably in all conditions. He envisioned an "all-round boat" equally adept at offshore racing and comfortable cruising. This innovative approach resulted in a vessel with a remarkably modern shape for its era, characterized by a fine bow, narrow stern, long overhangs, and distinctive tumblehome.

Throughout its production, the S&S 34 saw several variations. English versions, often from Aquafibre, typically featured a slightly raised doghouse, while Australian-built boats by Swarbrick tended to have a lower, uninterrupted cabin trunk. A notable evolution was the introduction of the Mark II version, which incorporated an updated keel and rudder-skeg configuration, including a deeper spade rudder, designed to enhance performance, particularly downwind. Early models typically featured a single-spreader masthead rig, but a "tall rig" option with two spreaders became available and is now common on newer builds, optimizing performance for both cruising and racing. While original British hulls by Aquafibre were known for their exceptionally high-spec solid fiberglass construction, later Australian-built S&S 34s, especially since 2004, have adopted advanced foam-sandwich construction with vinylester resins, resulting in lighter, stronger, and stiffer hulls with improved resistance to osmosis.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The S&S 34's design ratios underscore its capabilities as a capable offshore vessel. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 16.5, the boat exhibits reasonably good performance under sail, indicating it is not underpowered and can maintain decent speed and agility. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio, at 42%, is high, signifying a stiff and stable boat that can stand up well to strong winds without excessive heeling. The Displacement to Length Ratio of 291 places it in the heavy displacement category, suggesting a relatively heavy boat for its length, which contributes to a comfortable and steady ride, particularly in rough seas.

Qualitatively, the S&S 34 is celebrated for its exceptional speed to windward in heavy weather, with owners reporting impressive tacking angles as tight as 80 degrees. It is renowned for its ability to carry sail well, with the first reef typically taken around 25 knots of wind. As the boat heels, its waterline length increases significantly, contributing to its speed. Described as sea-kindly and forgiving, the S&S 34 offers a balanced helm and is easy and safe to handle, even for short-handed crews. While it has a reputation for being a "wet boat" when sailing to windward, its robust nature and Capsize Screening Formula of 1.9 highlight its suitability for ocean passages and blue-water sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications in the provided data are limited, the S&S 34 generally offers generous accommodation for a boat of its size, characterized by a functional and robust layout designed for offshore use. Headroom in the saloon is typically around 6 feet 1 inch (185cm).

The interior arrangement commonly features a V-berth in the forward cabin, which can convert into a double berth, though headroom in this area tapers down to around 5 feet 10 inches. A sea-going quarter berth is typically found on the port side, often integrated with a navigation station immediately forward, complete with a chart table and ample stowage. To starboard, the galley is generally L-shaped and designed to be compact and functional for use at sea, usually equipped with a double sink, a two-burner stove with an oven, and a top-loading refrigeration unit. Forward of the main saloon, the head compartment is fitted with a marine toilet and a vanity with a wash basin, often with a shower option. Hanging lockers and additional storage bins are typically found in this area. Owners often praise the finish quality, with newer boats featuring interiors bonded directly to the hull for structural integrity, and some earlier models showcasing elegant timber work.

Owner's Perspectives

The S&S 34 enjoys a strong collective endorsement from its owners, who consistently praise its exceptional seaworthiness and solid construction, often describing them as "bulletproof." Many owners highlight the boat's comfort in a seaway and its ease of handling, even short-handed, which has made it a popular choice for long-distance cruising and circumnavigations. Its legendary windward performance and ability to stand up to heavy weather are frequently cited strengths, making it a "truly wonderful sailing yacht for its size." The design is also noted for retaining its value well over time.

However, like any classic vessel, S&S 34s are not immune to age-related considerations. Some older boats, particularly those from the late 1970s to mid-1980s, may exhibit osmosis in the gelcoat. While newer builds utilize advanced foam core and vinylester resins, early models sometimes incorporated plywood in deck structures, which can be susceptible to rot if not properly maintained. Owners have also noted that compared to modern mass-production boats, the S&S 34 can feel "a bit smaller inside." Despite these points, the enduring appeal and impressive track record of the S&S 34 continue to attract sailors seeking a rugged, reliable, and capable offshore yacht.