Sparkman & Stephens S&S 34 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The accommodation reflects a traditional and practical sea-going philosophy. The standard Australian cabin offers 6′ 1″ headroom, tapering down an inch at the main bulkhead. The classic configuration places a secure sea-going berth on the port aft quarter with a navigation station slightly forward, while the galley is located starboard. Moving forward, hanging lockers and a dedicated head compartment lie ahead of the saloon. It is important to note the deck and coachroof differences between builds: the original Winfield deck moulds had a lowered deck creating a toerail and a doghouse, whereas Swarbrick Bros. developed their own deck mould to increase forward headroom, resulting in a flush cabin trunk with the deck raised flush to the sheerline on Australian boats. Consequently, interior volume and light can feel quite different depending on the boat’s origin, with the Australian-deck boats offering a more open feel.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

As a popular platform for serious cruising, the S&S 34 on the brokerage market commonly carries a well-rounded suite of cruising electronics and comfort gear. Chartplotters, solar panels, biminis, and autopilots are commonly fitted, reflecting the boat’s use as a passage-maker. It is also often seen with a full spinnaker, electric winches, a dodger, and a short-handed setup, underscoring the design’s easy handling and the owner community’s enthusiasm for efficient sail plans. For those looking further afield, a frequent owner upgrade includes an asymmetric spinnaker, AIS, an EPIRB, or even a full circumnavigation inventory. A cockpit shower is sometimes added by owners preparing for extended tropical cruising. It is worth looking for a boat where the original amidships engine position—which gives the best weight distribution and aids seakindly motion—has been retained unless a lighter modern engine was professionally installed under the cockpit.

What to Inspect

When surveying an S&S 34, condition is everything, and the boat’s history of vigorous offshore use demands a careful inspection. The hull is easy to drive and still fast after decades of use, but its seakeeping character comes with a well-known trade-off: the S&S 34, like most Sparkman & Stephens designs of that era, is a wet boat . Check deck hardware, dorade vents, and hatch seals carefully for evidence of water ingress. The rig was available in two sizes, a cruising rig and a racing rig that was 2 feet taller, and during the 1980s there were further variants with both keel-stepped and deck-stepped masts with larger cross-sections . Inspect the mast step thoroughly for corrosion or compression, paying close attention to the bilge structure on keel-stepped boats and the support pillar on deck-stepped versions. The forestay termination also evolved: in early British and Australian boats it terminated aft of the bow, while later Australian boats took it all the way to the bow end , a detail that affects deck loading and should be checked for cracks. Below the waterline, the MkII variants increased hydrodynamic efficiency with a deeper keel featuring a straighter leading edge and a curved spade rudder hanging from a smaller skeg ; examine the skeg and rudder bearings for play or moisture intrusion, especially on boats with the modified MkII configuration. With a 50% ballast ratio producing a stiff boat, it is critical to inspect keel bolts and the keel-to-hull joint for any sign of movement or leaking, as the first reef is typically not taken until a strong 25 knots of wind . Finally, consult the active owners association via their online discussion forum when researching specific known hull issues, as they maintain deep institutional knowledge on this class .

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The S&S 34 can be found on the used market across several key regions, with boats typically listed in Australia, the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda, Latvia, Italy, and the United States. The Australian market is particularly active, supported by a passionate owners association. Buyers in the United States should keep an eye out for boats originally marketed as the Palmer Johnson 34. When you find a candidate, focus on these essentials:

• Confirm the builder and deck mould version (original Winfield doghouse vs. Australian flush deck) and verify the interior headroom matches your needs.
• Identify the rig type (cruising vs. racing) and mast-step configuration (deck-stepped vs. keel-stepped), and check for standing rigging age.
• Inspect the rudder type (original skeg-hung vs. MkII spade on smaller skeg) and examine the skeg, rudder bearings, and keel joint.
• Look for a dry bilge and address the boat’s wet nature by checking all deck penetrations, portlights, and hatches.
• Prioritize a well-maintained engine installation, ideally with the weight centered amidships unless a documented lighter-weight repower has been done.