Event 34 Information, Review, Specs

The Event 34 was strategically positioned as a more contemporary alternative to the Quest 31 and the Snowgoose 35, often incorporating more modern manufacturing techniques and improved weight distribution. While it retains the narrow-beam philosophy typical of the Prout era (at 15' 8"), which allows the boat to fit into many standard marina berths and travel lifts, it offers significantly more internal volume than its predecessor, the Ranger 31. Many of these hulls were outfitted with a single diesel engine connected to a steerable Sillette-Sonic outdrive leg, a unique Prout hallmark that provides exceptional maneuverability in tight quarters by directing prop-wash with the rudder.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Prout Event 34 is characterized by its stability and predictable, "long-legged" cruising gait, a quality highlighted by editorial reviews in Practical Boat Owner. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio in the moderate cruising range (approximately 18.6), the boat is not designed for light-air racing but excels in consistent trade-wind conditions. Its low-aspect-ratio keels are integrated into the hulls, providing a shallow draft of roughly 2' 8" that allows for easy beaching and access to thin-water anchorages.

Handling is dominated by the masthead cutter or sloop rig, often featuring a small, easy-to-tack mainsail and a larger, high-overlap genoa. This configuration, known as the Prout "mast-aft" design, places the mast further back in the boat, which keeps the center of effort lower and simplifies sail handling from the cockpit. Anecdotal evidence from long-term cruisers suggests that while the Event 34 can struggle with windward performance in choppy seas due to its relatively low bridgedeck clearance—a common trait in Prout designs—it remains a highly capable passage-maker. According to editorial testing by Practical Boat Owner, the boat is capable of tacking through roughly 75 degrees, a respectable figure for a cruising catamaran of this vintage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Event 34 is surprisingly voluminous for a 34-foot vessel, primarily due to the wide central saloon and the efficient use of the hulls. The standard layout features a U-shaped central saloon with an adjustable table that can convert into a large double berth. Headroom is a significant strength of the model, with over 6' available throughout much of the living space. The galley is typically located midships in the starboard hull, offering a three-burner stove, oven, and ample workspace that remains stable even while underway.

Variations in the layout generally center on the forward sections of the hulls. In many models, the port hull contains a large forward head and shower unit with a one-piece molding for easier maintenance, while the aft sections of both hulls house private double cabins. A distinctive "owner’s" variant often replaces the forward single berth in the starboard hull with additional dedicated storage or a workshop area. The use of fine veneers and soft trim was a point of pride for the builder, intended to create a warmer, "yacht-like" atmosphere compared to the more clinical interiors of contemporary French catamarans.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Event 34 has maintained a presence in the cruising community through various digital narratives and blogs. Notably, the "Sailing Fiesta" blog has chronicled extensive journeys around the British Isles, showcasing the model’s suitability for northern coastal cruising and its ability to handle temperate weather conditions. The model also received contemporary praise in the European nautical press for being one of the first production catamarans to successfully bridge the gap between "niche multihull" and "mainstream family cruiser."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Event 34 with a technical checklist focused on the specific design choices of the Prout yard:

• Bridgedeck Slamming: The low bridgedeck clearance can lead to significant slamming in short, steep head-seas. While structurally robust, this can be fatiguing for the crew and puts stress on the hull-to-deck joins.
• Outdrive Maintenance: The steerable outdrive leg (often Sillette Sonic) requires specific maintenance. Check the bellows, the hydraulic lift mechanism, and the steering linkages for corrosion or play.
• Water Intrusion: Like many boats of this era, the large forward-facing saloon windows and deck hatches are prone to seal failure. Inspection of the interior woodwork below these windows often reveals tell-tale signs of long-term leaks.
• Weight Sensitivity: Small catamarans are highly sensitive to overloading. Excess cruising gear, heavy battery banks, and oversized anchors can quickly degrade performance and further reduce bridgedeck clearance.
• Hull Core Integrity: While many Prouts used solid fiberglass, some decks or specific hull sections may utilize wood cores. A moisture meter survey is essential to check for delamination or rot, particularly around through-hull fittings and stanchion bases.

Community & Resources

The Prout Owners Association serves as the primary technical repository for Event 34 owners. This group provides access to historical brochures, wiring diagrams, and a collective knowledge base for maintaining the unique Prout-specific components like the outdrive legs and the mast-aft rigging.

The Verdict

The Prout Event 34 is an exceptionally sturdy and safe offshore platform that offers a level of comfort and security rarely found in modern, lightweight catamarans of the same size.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and a proven safety record for offshore passages.
• Shallow draft and low-aspect keels allow for beaching and thin-water exploration.
• The steerable outdrive leg provides superior maneuverability in marinas compared to fixed-shaft monohulls.
• High internal volume and headroom for a vessel under 35 feet.

Cons

• Low bridgedeck clearance leads to "pounding" or slamming in heavy head-seas.
• Windward performance is limited compared to contemporary daggerboard catamarans.
• Age-related maintenance of complex systems like the steerable drive and older GRP.