Contour 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contour 34 is defined by its ability to maintain high average speeds without the extreme heeling associated with monohulls. According to a technical evaluation by renowned designer Robert Perry on Boats.com, the boat features a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of 174 and a potent Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 35.1. These figures translate to a vessel that is exceptionally responsive in light air, often capable of matching wind speed in under 10 knots of breeze.

Performance is further enhanced by a rotating 45-foot mast, which optimizes the leading edge of the mainsail. The design of the amas (outer hulls) is particularly sophisticated; they are shaped with a high prismatic coefficient of .66 at half-immersion, which helps prevent the bow from burying when the boat is pressed hard. In editorial tests conducted by Sailing Magazine, the boat was noted for its "fingertip control" and ability to reach speeds in excess of 20 knots, though it remains more of a "sport cruiser" than a dedicated racer. Unlike some narrower trimarans, the Contour 34’s main hull beam-to-length ratio is 7:1, providing a stable platform that feels secure even when crossing open water.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many of its contemporaries that featured narrow "tunnel-like" interiors, the Contour 34 was engineered with a focus on livability. The main cabin offers an impressive 6 feet 3 inches of headroom, a rarity for a folding trimaran of this size. The interior is typically finished in cherry wood, creating a warm, traditional aesthetic that contrasts with the boat's futuristic exterior.

The layout is centered around a large V-berth in the forward cabin, followed by an enclosed head with a shower to port. The main salon features twin 6-foot-6-inch settees that serve as comfortable sea berths, while the galley is positioned aft near the companionway. This emphasis on volume was a strategic move by builder Paul Contouris to appeal to couples moving up from smaller Farrier or Corsair designs. While the 34 SC is the most common variant, the hull served as the blueprint for the later "MK II" improvements seen across the Contour line, which focused on refined interior joinery and updated sail-handling systems.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should pay close attention to the structural components unique to the folding mechanism and the high-performance rig.

• Rudder Assembly: There have been documented instances of rudder failures under high load in older units. Many owners have since upgraded to high-performance aftermarket rudders (such as those from Phil’s Foils/Competition Composites) which utilize a more robust cassette system.
• Swing-Wing Pivot Points: The stainless steel pins and bushings in the folding arms require regular inspection for play or corrosion. While the system is designed for offshore use, neglect can lead to "squeaking" or vibration while underway.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many Canadian-built boats of its era, the Contour 34 uses cored construction for weight savings. Use a moisture meter to check around stanchion bases and the rotating mast step for signs of delamination.
• Centerboard Trunk: Ensure the centerboard operates smoothly from the cockpit. The pennant and the board itself can suffer from wear if the boat has been frequently grounded in shoal waters.

Community & Resources

The most active technical community for this model is the Contour 34 SC Owners Group hosted on Groups.io. This forum serves as a primary repository for original manufacturer manuals, refit diaries, and specific engineering solutions for the folding system. Technical discussions often involve input from the original builders and designers, providing a level of historical continuity rare for defunct brands.

The Verdict

The Contour 34 remains a premier choice for sailors who refuse to choose between 20-knot speed and a comfortable night's sleep.

Pros

• Exceptional Light-Air Speed: High SA/D ratio ensures movement when monohulls are forced to motor.
• True Versatility: The folding system allows for both blue-water crossings and trailering to new cruising grounds.
• Superior Headroom: Offers a much more spacious interior than the Corsair 31 or similar performance multis.

Cons

• Draft Sensitivity: Performance degrades significantly if the boat is overloaded with heavy cruising gear.
• Outboard Limitations: The standard 20hp outboard can struggle in heavy chop or strong headcurrents compared to an inboard diesel.
• Maintenance Intensity: The rotating rig and folding wings require more specialized attention than a fixed-keel monohull.