Chinook 34 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Chinook 34 lies in the "Vigilant Class" design by Frederick Geiger, originally conceived for wood construction. Yacht Constructors, Inc. was established in 1954 by five visionary sailors who aimed to utilize the then-novel material of fiberglass for larger sailboat hulls. Their pioneering spirit was famously demonstrated through a "bullet-proof" fiberglass sample and an incident where Hull No. 2, a Chinook, survived a 15-foot drop during its launch without damage, unequivocally proving the strength of their innovative construction methods.

Geiger, a designer known for his aesthetically pleasing and functional yachts, created a vessel that would become the foundation of the builder's reputation for durability. Yacht Constructors, Inc., and later Cascade Yachts, distinguished itself by employing a meticulous hand lay-up method, using woven roving and cloths with a low resin content (approximately 50%). This contrasts sharply with methods that yield higher resin content, resulting in a more brittle laminate, underscoring the Chinook 34's robust build quality. Due to the early nature of fiberglass production and the builder's practice of sometimes selling bare hulls, details regarding the rig and interior of individual Chinook 34s can vary considerably.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chinook 34, with a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.01, suggests a moderate performance profile, indicating it will perform well once the breeze builds rather than excelling in very light airs. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.375 points to a solid level of stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind. With an exceptionally high displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 440, the Chinook 34 is categorized as a very heavy displacement vessel for its waterline length. This heavy build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, characteristic of a capable blue-water cruiser. Owners have described the Chinook 34 as a "nice comfortable boat" in normal conditions that performs well downwind and exhibits a better motion in various sea states, underscoring its reputation as a "good sailing boat" particularly suited for offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior layout of the Chinook 34 can vary, a common trait for early fiberglass boats where some hulls were sold for owner completion, allowing for customization. Despite these variations, the Chinook 34 is generally considered a blue-water vessel designed with an interior that, for its era, was accommodating. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, anecdotal evidence from owners suggests that an original interior can be "very accommodating even by modern standards." Common areas typically found would include a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head, although specific configurations and finishes might differ significantly between individual boats. Owners have noted potential issues such as soft spots on the cabin sole near the stringer by the head, suggesting areas that may require inspection or maintenance on older models.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chinook 34 frequently commend its solid construction and seaworthiness, reflecting the builder's emphasis on durability. The boat's heavy displacement contributes to a comfortable motion, a highly valued trait for cruising. It is often regarded as a capable blue-water vessel. However, some recurring issues noted by owners include common problems with original deck work and the tendency for soft spots to develop in the cabin sole, particularly around the head area, which may require repair. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the Chinook 34 maintains a dedicated following, embodying an ownership experience characterized by reliability and a proud legacy of craftsmanship inherent in Cascade-built vessels.