Panda 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Panda 34 commenced in 1983, emerging from an era when Ta Shing was establishing its reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and solid construction. While Gary Grant is credited as the designer, the yacht's origins are deeply intertwined with the successful Baba 35, designed by Robert Perry. Perry's philosophy for the Baba 35 emphasized a sturdy bluewater cruiser with classic aesthetics, and the Panda 34 is understood to embody a "reworked" version of this design, aiming to enhance its proven capabilities. During this period, Ta Shing was renowned for its unwavering commitment to hand-crafted quality, utilizing robust construction methods, including solid fiberglass hulls, premium woods, and hand-joined cabinetry, ensuring both longevity and aesthetic excellence.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a long keel design, the Panda 34 is inherently geared for directional stability, a highly desirable trait for offshore passages, though it may be less agile in close quarters compared to fin-keeled counterparts. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.28 suggests she is a heavy displacement cruiser, likely performing best in moderate to strong breezes rather than excelling in light air. This is reinforced by her displacement to length ratio of around 329.46, firmly placing her in the category of heavier, more traditional cruising yachts. The ballast to displacement ratio, at approximately 0.343, contributes to a reasonably stable and stiff motion, providing excellent righting capability. Owners and reviewers generally describe the Panda 34 as a solid and comfortable vessel, well-suited for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts of the Panda 34 can vary, the interior typically reflects the high-quality, traditional finish synonymous with Ta Shing builds. Leveraging solid teak for galley components, trim, and hatches, the interior is designed for durability and a warm, inviting atmosphere suitable for long-term living aboard. Though maximum headroom specifications are not widely detailed, Ta Shing's reputation for comfortable bluewater cruisers suggests a practical layout maximizing living space within her nearly 11-foot beam. Common arrangements for a boat of this size and vintage would generally include a V-berth forward, a functional head, a main salon with settees and a table, a well-appointed galley, and often a quarter berth or navigation station. Storage is typically ample, with carefully crafted cabinetry and lockers throughout. Given Ta Shing's commitment to quality, good ventilation would also have been a priority for comfort in various climates.