Spencer 34 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Spencer 34 commenced in 1981 by Spencer Boats Ltd. This period saw Spencer Boats, which transitioned from plywood to fiberglass construction in the early 1960s, focus on custom and semi-custom sailboats ranging up to 53 feet, known for their seaworthiness and reliable offshore performance. The company’s design identity was deeply influenced by its commitment to building high-quality, enduring vessels. The Spencer 34 itself was specifically designed by Vladimir Plavsic as an IOR 3/4 ton racer, aimed at both competitive sailing and comfortable cruising. While primarily a masthead sloop, the Spencer 34 was also available with a fractional rig, offering some versatility in its sailing configuration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Spencer 34 exhibits a blend of performance and stability, characteristics that stem from its design ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 17.6, the boat suggests a balanced performance profile, capable of performing well in lighter winds without being excessively powered in heavier conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) stands at a robust 0.46, indicating a stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up to significant wind and contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 227 places the Spencer 34 in the moderate displacement category, suggesting it is a solid and capable cruiser, lighter than many traditional designs but not an ultra-light racer. It is described as a moderate weight sailboat that is very stable and stiff.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts and finishes can vary, the Spencer 34's hull design is noted for being comparatively spacious, offering more interior volume than 66% of similar sailboat designs. This suggests a more comfortable living space below decks compared to many of its contemporaries in the performance-cruiser category. Detailed information regarding the typical interior arrangement, such as the number and configuration of berths, the design of the galley or head, or the materials used for interior trim, is not widely available in general reviews.