Schock 34 PC Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Schock 34 PC emerged during a prolific period for W.D. Schock Corporation, a company with a long-standing legacy in American sailboat manufacturing, particularly on the West Coast. Founded by William "Bill" D. Schock in 1958, the company established itself by producing accessible yet competitive sailing vessels, specializing in fiberglass construction from its inception. The 34 PC, built from 1986 to 1990, exemplifies W.D. Schock's design philosophy of robust construction and performance-oriented craftsmanship.

The design partnership of Bruce Nelson and Bruce Marek, a highly respected team in performance yacht design, was responsible for the Schock 34 PC. Their goal was to create a boat that could perform well on the racecourse while still providing the comforts necessary for cruising. During its production run, approximately 40 units of the Schock 34 PC were built. Owners had the option of a standard fin keel, drawing 6.5 feet, or a shoal draft wing keel version, which reduced the draft to 4.5 feet, offering versatility for different sailing grounds. A lighter, more race-focused derivative, the Schock 34 GP, was also developed, highlighting the core performance potential of the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Schock 34 PC lives up to its "Performance Cruiser" moniker through its well-balanced design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.3, the boat is well-powered and capable of performing admirably in lighter winds, suggesting it can accelerate quickly and maintain speed even when the breeze is modest. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.37 indicates a good level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its sail plan in stronger winds, providing a stiff and secure ride.

Furthermore, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 196 places the Schock 34 PC firmly in the lighter-to-medium displacement category for its length. This contributes to its lively performance characteristics, making it more responsive and agile than heavier, more traditional cruisers. Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Schock 34 PC for sailing and handling wonderfully, noting its good handling and maneuverability in various conditions. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration further contribute to its responsiveness and control under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout are less comprehensively documented, the Schock 34 PC is designed with a comfortable interior, aiming to provide livable accommodations for cruising. Typically, boats of this size and era from a builder like W.D. Schock would feature a conventional layout designed for practical use. This would generally include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, a galley, and a navigation station. A private head compartment would also be standard. Given W.D. Schock's reputation, the interior likely features a thoughtful balance of fiberglass moldings with a degree of wood trim to provide a warm and functional living space. Storage would be integrated throughout the boat, and ventilation would be provided by opening ports and overhead hatches.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Schock 34 PC generally express satisfaction with its robust construction and sailing characteristics. One owner noted a lack of hull blistering or other lay-up issues, testifying to the boat's build quality. The consensus among those who have sailed her is that the boat handles exceptionally well, making for an enjoyable experience on the water. While some discussions among sailing enthusiasts might compare its speed to more dedicated racing designs like the Schock 35, the 34 PC is consistently appreciated for its intended purpose as a performance-oriented cruiser that delivers a balanced sailing and living experience.