Schock 34 PC — Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Schock 34 PC is fundamentally a sailor's cruiser. Utilizing a masthead sloop rig and a well-balanced fin keel, the boat possesses a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 196 and a sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 18.4. These numbers indicate a vessel that is lively in light air but remains stiff enough to handle offshore chop. Under sail, the 34 PC is noted for its responsiveness; the internally mounted spade rudder and wheel steering provide immediate feedback, a trait inherited from its Nelson/Marek racing lineage.

In a notable 1987 review for Yachting Magazine, writer Chris Caswell highlighted the boat's dual nature, observing that while it looks like a refined cruiser, it remains a competitive threat in club racing. Its Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) rating typically hovers around 117, placing it in the same speed class as the storied C&C 35-3 or the Cal 40. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks well upwind and, thanks to its elliptical keel design, maintains excellent lift. While a standard deep-fin keel (6.5 feet) was the most common configuration, a shoal-draft wing keel (4.5 feet) was offered to accommodate the thin waters of the East Coast and the Bahamas without significantly sacrificing stability.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Schock 34 PC was a significant departure from the bare-bones Schock 34 GP. While the GP was a "stark interior best suited for young men intent on winning," according to period reviews, the PC model features a warm, teak-heavy aesthetic designed for extended stays. The layout is optimized to sleep seven people across a tri-cabin configuration. The forward V-berth is private and served by an adjacent head with a shower, a rare luxury for a performance boat of this size in the 1980s.

A key highlight of the design is the aft cabin, which features a double berth on the port side, effectively creating a "stateroom" feel that was ahead of its time for a 34-foot racer-cruiser. The galley is L-shaped and positioned to starboard, typically equipped with a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. Opposite the galley sits a dedicated navigation station. The main saloon features a drop-down dinette table and a straight settee, providing a social hub that feels surprisingly spacious due to the boat’s 11.58-foot beam.

The 34 PC has a specific sibling in the Schock 34 GP. While they share the same Nelson/Marek hull, the GP is 1,850 pounds lighter and carries a mast that is two feet taller. The PC version is essentially the "domesticated" version of this hull, featuring a full-length cabin trunk and a step-through transom for easier water access.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Schock 34 PC gained most of its notoriety through editorial recognition in major nautical publications during the late 80s. Its status as a "Performance Cruiser" was cemented by high-profile endorsements from racing legends like Dave Ullman, who demonstrated the hull's potential by winning prestigious West Coast series with the 34 GP sister ship. The PC model itself became a staple of the "racer-cruiser" category in Southern California, where the W.D. Schock yard was based.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Schock 34 PC with the scrutiny required for any balsa-cored vessel of its vintage.

• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many boats from the W.D. Schock factory during this era, both the deck and hull utilize balsa coring for weight savings. It is vital to use a moisture meter to check for delamination or saturation around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step.
• The "Schock Smile": Buyers should inspect the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. A vertical crack, colloquially known as the "Schock Smile," can indicate movement in the keel bolts or compression in the fiberglass grid.
• CNG Fuel System: Many original models were fitted with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stoves. Finding refill stations for CNG tanks has become increasingly difficult; many owners opt to convert these systems to Propane (LPG), which requires a dedicated, vented locker.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder is high-performance but prone to wear in the top and bottom bearings. Any "slop" or vibration in the wheel while under power or high sail load should be investigated.
• Standing Rigging: Given the boat’s age and performance orientation, the rod rigging (if equipped) should be dye-tested or replaced if it is more than 15 years old.

Community & Resources

Support for the model is largely found through the broader community of Schock owners.

• W.D. Schock Corp: While the original company has seen various transitions, historical data and occasional technical support are sometimes available through the remaining entity or its successors.
• Nelson/Marek Design Archive: As the designers of numerous America's Cup and IOR yachts, the Nelson/Marek legacy remains a point of pride and a resource for technical sail-plan data.

The Verdict

The Schock 34 PC is a rare find for a sailor who refuses to choose between a comfortable interior and a fast hull. It remains a "sleeper" in the used market, often out-sailing much newer and more expensive production boats.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and PHRF competitiveness.
• True three-cabin layout with a genuine aft stateroom.
• Sturdy Nelson/Marek design with timeless lines.
• Transom boarding ladder and cockpit ergonomics suited for cruising.

Cons:

• Balsa core moisture issues can lead to expensive repairs.
• Limited production makes finding specific replacement parts difficult.
• CNG fuel systems are largely obsolete.
• Relatively deep draft (6.5') can be a limitation for some cruising grounds.