S&S 34 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the S&S 34 traces back to a commission that resulted in Sparkman & Stephens design #1959, with Olin Stephens himself guiding its creation. Production of this iconic design began in 1968, marking its entry into the sailing world. The core philosophy behind the S&S 34 was to create a racing boat that was inherently seaworthy and capable of exceptional performance across all conditions. This commitment to a blend of speed and resilience has defined the boat's enduring appeal.

Aquafibre Ltd., one of the primary builders, played a crucial role by specializing in the production of high-quality fiberglass hulls and decks. During this era, Aquafibre's operational model involved supplying these robust fiberglass mouldings to various boatyards for final fit-out, rather than producing complete vessels under its own brand. This allowed other builders, including Broom Boats in the UK, and even other entities that marketed the boat as the Palmer Johnson 34 in the US, to leverage Aquafibre's expertise in composite construction.

Over its production run, the S&S 34 saw several iterations. The version built by Aquafibre in the UK notably featured a slightly raised doghouse, while the Australian version, produced by Swarbrick Brothers, maintained an uninterrupted cabin trunk. A later Mark II version introduced updates to the keel and rudder-skeg configuration, reflecting continuous refinement of the design. Additionally, various rig specifications, including different mast heights and sail plans, were available, providing options for varied sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The S&S 34’s design ratios clearly articulate its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.42, the boat possesses a moderately powerful rig, offering a good balance for both cruising and competitive sailing. Its high Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 59% (0.587) is particularly notable, contributing significantly to its exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to considerable wind. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 291.13 classifies it as a heavier displacement cruiser, emphasizing its robust build and offshore capabilities rather than prioritizing light-air acceleration.

Anecdotal evidence from owners and reviews consistently praises the S&S 34's handling. It is widely renowned for its seaworthiness and reliable, often exciting, performance under sail. Owners frequently highlight its impressive ability to sail to windward, with reports of achieving tacks as tight as 80 degrees in winds over 10 knots. However, this spirited windward performance often comes with the characteristic of being a "wet boat," particularly when driving hard into a chop. Overall, the S&S 34 is considered well-suited for both racing and extensive offshore voyages, a testament to its balanced design and robust construction. Its proven track record includes several circumnavigations.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications for the original S&S 34 models are not extensively cataloged, the design prioritizes seaworthiness and sailing performance, which often translates to a functional rather than overly spacious interior. Descriptions from owners suggest that the interiors are generally simple, a common characteristic of performance-oriented boats of its era. The hull's pinched stern, while contributing to its sailing characteristics, can limit usable lazarette space and overall interior volume in the aft sections.

Typical layouts often include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon with settees and a table, and a compact galley. While specific headroom figures are not universally available, older designs tend to have more modest standing room compared to modern cruisers. The general finish quality would have reflected the builder's standards of the late 1960s and 1970s, typically featuring sturdy fiberglass construction complemented by wood trim. Modern iterations or extensively refitted S&S 34s may feature optimized and more stylish interior layouts, drawing on years of owner experience to enhance functionality. Owners often focus on optimizing the existing layout for efficient storage, which is crucial for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the S&S 34 frequently commend its enduring strengths, particularly its solid construction and a comfortable, predictable motion in a seaway, directly attributable to its stable design. Its reputation as a highly capable offshore vessel and a competitive racer is consistently echoed, with many appreciating its exceptional sailing ability, especially its strong performance to windward. The global S&S 34 Association stands as a testament to the passionate and supportive community surrounding these yachts, fostering both racing and cruising interests.

However, like any classic vessel, the S&S 34 is not without its considerations for owners. The aforementioned tendency to be a "wet boat" when sailing hard upwind is a commonly noted characteristic. Furthermore, while robust, older fiberglass boats like the S&S 34 can experience issues such as deck core deterioration, often referred to as "deck rot," which may require attention. While keel bolt problems are not specifically cited as a widespread issue for all versions, it is a general maintenance concern for older boats that owners may monitor. As with any yacht of its vintage, routine maintenance costs for sails, rigging, and engine servicing are expected.