catalina 34 sailboat

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• Sailboat Reviews

The Catalina 34, 30 Years Later

Attractive prices draw sailors from all coasts to this mid-size cruiser.

American sailboat manufacturers have had their highs and lows, and many have dropped right off the map, but Catalina has been going strong for more than four decades, and looks to be gearing up for at least 40 more. If you want a history lesson in how owner Frank Butler navigated this company through a fickle, cyclical industry, you can check out one of our many reviews of Catalina boats online at Practical Sailor . The more recent trends are the most relevant to this boat review, an update to one originally published in 1991.

Since 2010, Catalina has been redesigning its big-boat fleet (27-feet and longer). These are Series 5 boats denoted by the 5 at the end of their name. These include the 44-foot 445, the 37-foot 375 (see PS October 2010 ), the 35-foot 355, the 31-foot 315, and the 27-foot 275. Aside from beamier hull shapes, easier maintenance, and roomier interiors, these newer designs raise the bar on production quality. The approach makes marketing sense. If price alone is what a sailor cares about, Catalina can’t compete with itself-too many of its older boats are still on the market. Which brings us to the Catalina 34.

Exactly 1,800 Catalina 34s were built between the years 1991-1999, and the boat has gone through several iterations. The hull we focus on here is the relatively narrower one built between 1986 and 1995, generally referred to as the Mark 1, or Mark 1.5. The Catalina 34 sold between 1994 and 2001 (production run officially ended in 1999) is known as the Mark II has a larger cockpit. The boats are easiest to recognize from the stern-the Mark I has a traditional closed transom, the Mark 1.5 has a cutout for accessing a swim ladder, and the Mark II has an open transom.

There is nothing fancy about the design. Except for the old Catalina 38 (which was not a Frank Butler design), all Catalinas of this era have a similar conservatively modern look-fin keel and spade rudder, short overhangs, and a flattish sheerline. The distinctive cabin house and diamond-shaped sail emblem help identify a Catalina. The hull of the 34 is modern, with full sections to provide lots of room below. It seems more refined than the original (Mark I) Catalina 27, 30, and 36, which is probably why we prefer the 34. Like Catalinas of this era, the 34 combines a long waterline, a moderate to light displacement, and a large sail area to ensure good sailing performance. Some recent improvements such as a new elliptical rudder ($1,200 plus shipping) have raised performance a notch.

There are some design details we don’t like, such as the huge companionway hatches and molded furniture pans that limit access to the hull. The more serious complaints-slop in the rudder bearing, messy wiring-seem reserved to older boats.

Overall, we cannot take serious objection to any important aspect of the design. The 34s are wholesome coastal cruising boats, also suitable for island-hopping expeditions. Although some European boats have notched adventures in the North Atlantic, wed look at beefier designs for long offshore work. With any 20-plus year old hull, wed consider dropping the rudder and keel for inspection before heading too far offshore. The post 1988 era also brought in a five-year warranty against blisters, a problem reported on earlier hulls.

When Practical Sailor first took a close look at the Catalina 34 back in 1990, we were impressed by the equipment. Self-tailing primary winches are standard and adequately sized; sail-handling hardware is all good; brand-names abound everywhere-stove, pressure-water pump, and head. With rare exception (the traveller system and leaky ports in pre-1988 hulls), the deck hardware has held up well on this boat.

The list of standard equipment was complete enough that you could conceivably sail the boat away with no options, a far cry from the old-fashioned method of selling a base boat with no lifelines, bilge pumps, or cushions aboard. The 1990 boat we looked at carried a base price of $60,100 (approximately $110,000 in 2015 dollars), which included a mainsail and 110-percent jib, mainsail cover, two-burner stove with oven, hot and cold pressure-water system, two batteries, 110-volt shore power system, boarding ladder, and lots of other equipment.

Although prized in areas where local fleets are active, the Catalina 34 Mark I cannot be expected to hold its value as time passes. At last check, there were about three-dozen boats for sale in the U.S. Prices have continued to fall. The rate of depreciation can vary by region. Asking prices for a fully equipped 1990 Catalina 34 today is between $40,000 and $50,000.

The interior design is in the European mode, the first of the Catalinas to have the head aft by the companionway. Unlike European boats of this era, such as the Beneteau or Jeanneau of the same size, however, the Catalina is very full forward, with a big V-berth cabin and a big dinette and settee ahead of the L-shaped galley and nav station. (Some early models had the water tank forward, which is less desirable.)

The starboard-side aft cabin-entered through the galley-will likely be used as a guest cabin or storage space, especially in warmer climates where limited ventilation makes it less desirable than the V-berth for sleeping. It has a sizable athwartship berth, and theres a seating area between the berth and the galley. Cooks are never happy with a door that opens into their galley, but this is a necessary compromise for having an aft head, a valuable asset on a sea boat, where it can double as a wet locker for foul weather gear. The other galley complaint was the limited storage for LPG gas in earlier models, although members of the very active owners association offer various ways to solve this.

According to our owner survey, the interior is the most praised aspect of the 34, with comments like most room for the money appearing in a majority of reports.

Performance

The second most highly praised feature is performance, with several owners commenting on the boats favorable PHRF rating in their local fleets. We sailed the 34 on Lake Michigan, and found the boat to be a delight to sail.

It was a puffy day, so the boat was occasionally over-canvased and developed a strong weather helm-something that the newer, longer elliptical rudder solves. A flatter mainsail helps as well (the original Catalina sails on older boats have a fuller cut). Even with a well-cut mainsail, we suspect that cruisers will want to take an early reef as the wind builds. The standard furling jib in Southern California and the Chesapeake is a 155-percent genoa. Sailors in windier areas may want to invest in 110-percent working jib, which will perform better than the furled headsail.

The 34 sailed well on all points of sail, but it could have used an asymmetrical downwind. With a PHRF rating around 144, she is about in the middle of the speed range for contemporary boats her size, considerably slower than the J/35 but significantly faster than the Crealock 34.

Wed call her sailing ability respectable, good enough to make smart cruising passages and quick enough to sail to her handicap rating on the race course.

The Catalina 34 we sailed had the standard 5-foot, 7-inch draft fin keel, but the boat also is available with a wing keel option, drawing 3 feet, 10 inches. A tall rig, which adds 26 square feet of mainsail (a 5 percent increase), is also an option. Several respondents to our owner survey gave decidedly mixed reviews to the wing; others praising its seaworthiness and the good ride. Unless we were desperate for the shallow draft, wed be inclined to go with the standard fin rather than the wing. The nice thing about the fin keel is that you can upgrade to the longer elliptical rudder, a widely praised upgrade that greatly reduced the boats tendency to round up in puffs and adds lift. The new elliptical rudder for the wing keel version is not as deep, so the performance gains are not as noticeable.

Standard power is a three-cylinder Universal 25 diesel, which we found adequate. However, owners again report mixed feelings about the engine. Vibration with the two-bladed prop is a common complaint; a few thought the boat was underpowered. A three-bladed 15 x 10-inch prop (or the Catalina-specified 15 x 9 inch prop) solves both these problems. If you are looking at a pre-1988 boat, you’ll want to make sure it has the new alternator mount, which came with the upgraded Universal 25XP. Without this upgrade, you run a risk of the cylinder head cracking because of vibration.

Racers or performance cruisers who don’t want the drag of a three-bladed prop can opt for a feathering prop like the Autoprop, a folding Maxprop, or-the cheapest option-a well-balanced Martec two-blade.

Construction

Layup, laminates, plywood deck core (not balsa), and other construction details are conventional. The boat is generally well engineered and well-executed. It is certainly adequate for typical coastal cruising, weekending, and daysailing.

If good engineering is defined as doing a good job of adapting means to ends, or materials to functions, then the Catalina 34 is well-engineered.

The foredeck seemed to have a little more flex compared to balsa- or foam-cored boats in this class. But we know a 1972 Catalina 27 well, and its foredeck has the same feel now that it had when new. It has served well and, we must conclude, it was engineered and built as planned. We don’t like the way the pan liner flexes either, or the way it hides most of the inside of the hull, but it holds up and it performs the cosmetic function for which it was intended.

The chainplates seem small when we compare them to the half-inch stainless plates on a boat like the Carter 36. But we’ve never heard of a Catalinas chainplates failing, and they’re undoubtedly up to the job.

Some boats are overbuilt, which can be expensive-a waste of money for an American coastal sailor who has no plans to sail in the Southern Ocean. Worse is to build a boat no better than the Catalina 34 and charge $30,000 more.

The Catalina 34 is a successful, all-around design from a hugely successful company. Because Catalina sells so many boats and runs an efficient manufacturing facility, its boats typically sell for less than other brands of comparable size. The relatively large number of used Catalinas on the market mean that a buyer can be quite selective.

In general, satisfaction with the Catalina 34 rates very high. We suspect this is due in large part to the great support that owners get through the Catalina 34 International Association, Catalina, and Catalina Direct, an independent provider of upgrades and parts for older boats. This wide forum means that prospective Catalina owners buy with their eyes wide open-there are very few surprises that a previous owner has yet encountered-so long as they do their research.

We do not recommend the Catalina 34 for extended offshore cruising, at least not without making some modifications to the companionway, upgrading the rigging, and possibly stiffening areas of the hull.

• Catalina 34 International Association
• Catalina Direct
• Catalina Yachts

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Your Catalina 34 review was right on the money. I had many boats, and the ’86 Catalina 34 was so good that I kept her for 21 years. It had all of the problems that you mentioned including blisters, rounding, traveler, wiring, and loose steering post, but to me it was all a challenge that I enjoyed taking care of. After all, isn’t that part of the fun of owning a boat? The pros greatly outweighed the cons. I am a cruiser, and enjoyed countless voyages to new and old ports. She was a pleasure to own and sail. The association with its many members offered lots of ideas, and I used many of them. I love recounting them with sailing friends. I met Frank Butler at several gatherings, and he was always most helpful.

I’m looking at a ’87 and would appreciate some insight. email me at [email protected] if you can share some feedback, etc.

My Catalina 34 1987 is on the market at RacineRiverside.com. She’s been a wonderful companion for 17 years. Sadly, I need to make a change.

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Catalina 34 MKII

Catalina 34 MKII is a 34 ′ 6 ″ / 10.5 m monohull sailboat designed by Frank V. Butler and built by Catalina Yachts between 1996 and 1999.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

CATALINA MII has a redesigned hull with a wider deck aft but the SAME as the earlier version at the waterline to allow one design racing. All boats have a deck stepped mast with compression post. Seats on the stern pulpit. New head mold for better drainage and easier cleanup. Revised deck mold, elimination of dorade vents, lower traveler, revised companionway hatch and slides, elimination of virtually all topside teak, relocation of engine control panel to steering pedestal, fixed cockpit table (option?), new interior cabinetry with louvered teak fronts in lieu of sliding black Plexiglas, addition of hanging locker in aft cabin, revised galley counter with trash bin and elimination of fold-up counter extension, rubber flooring in galley area, revised and relocated electrical panel.

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Catalina 34

The catalina 34 is a 34.5ft masthead sloop designed by frank butler and built in fiberglass by catalina yachts since 1985., 1438 units have been built..

The Catalina 34 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

Catalina 34 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Comparing Catalina 32's 34's and 36's

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I'm shopping for my first 'big boat' and the Catalina line is currently under review. I just spent 24 hours on a 32' in San Diego sailing, motor sailing, light winds, offshore and sleeping onboard at dockside. I was pleased with the 32's qualities but will probably go as big as a $50,000 to $60,000 budget will allow (ie, 20 year old 34 or 36 .... 38?). Can someone offer a comparative analysis regarding what qualities I will find when I do get to try out the 34' and 36' using the 32' as a baseline for comparison. Thanks in advance.  

The 38 is an old S&S design, pretty boat with tumblehome, it's the design Frank Butler took with him when he left S&S to form Catalina. Big genoa/skinny main, pinched ends old school design. The 36 has been around a while and at 50-60K you're looking at an older version (depending on where you live) Great layout (essentially unchanged through the years) The deck layouts changed somewhere around '88 and in the 90s the markII came out with an enlarged transom and a walk through. Prices jump considerably for these models. The 34 is not as old as the 36, and also comes in old deck/new deck versions, and the MarkII with the open transom. Roomy as well, not as practical a layout as the 36 for larger groups or kids. Catalina has done a terrific job of updating these two older designs along the way, with the newer versions being much more attractive looking boats. 34 and 36 will sport single spreader rigs, the 32 will have a double spreader somewhat more modern setup. Those that own Catalinas are very much behind the brand, obviously they are doing something right. Other than being common as dirt (the malibu of the seas) they do the job they're intended for. I'm sure certain Catalina owners will chime in here with more detail and comment.  

You don't mention the type and range of sailing you intend - both of which dictate what kind of boat you shoul;d consider much more so than the brand. Catalinas are okay for coastal sailing but many of the older ones have construction issues such as the problem some models have with wood keel posts or wood keel steps which rot and can cause lots of expensive repair. I think only certain sized Cats had this particular problem but it is an indication of other concerns you might consider before settling on any one brand.  

Type of sailing planned is southern California coastal, Cabo to Montery and marina live aboard for 3-4 days each month. I'm not locked in to Catalina's but for the moment let's focus on their pro/con aspects and comparing 20 year old Cat 32s, 34s, 36s and even 38s within the Cat family.  

Any of the Catalina's would be fine for what you want to do. I assume the 32 you mention was a 320. That boat was introduced in the early 1990s while the 34 and 36 were introduced in the 1980s. With your budget, you should be able to find a decent mid-90s 320, or a 1980's 34 or 36. The 34 or 36 will be a MK 1 version without the walk-through transom like the 320.  

I'm also shopping the same three models for weekends and longer on the Chesapeake. The 320 being a newer design carries the max beam further aft than the older 34 or 36. This gives the 320 a roomier aft cabin than the MKI 34-36, and only the MKII boats can compete with the 320 on that count. The aft cabin on a 34MKI is arguably nicer than the cubby hole on the 36MKI, but the 36 has a lot more storage than the 34 and both MKI boat beat the 320 when it comes to storage. I would rate the galley of the 34 to be the "worst" of the 3 boats but still quite adequate. The head on the 320 is the smallest of the 3. In 1990 the 34 and 36 got walk through transoms. In 93 the 36 got a redesign of the nav station so they could add a door to the aft cabin. The forward facing Nav station on the early 36's provides a good deal more room than the later outward facing design or the rear facing station on the 320/34. I've read that the 320 is quick for its size and will stay close to a 36 or 34 but PHRF ratings on the Chesapeake seem to counter that arguement. There is a wide gap between the rating for a 34 and a 320. The 36 generally rates a few seconds quicker than the 34 here on the bay. As others have pointed out, the 320 is the newest design and being a smaller boat may let you buy the newest within your budget. Personally I think the 320 is a really nice boat in many aspects but it has less storage than our current 32' boat so we are leaning towards the 34 even though the aft cabin and galley on the 320 are as nice or better than the 34. Our current boat has a "sugar scoop" transom and we find its a really nice aid in boarding from a dingy, and think we'd miss the convienince of the step so we're contemplating post '90 MKI's to the 320 and trying to decide.  

Hello, You didn't say how many people will be on board. If it is just 2 or so, the 323 is the best choice (for the same money you can get a newer 320 than an older 34 / 36). If you will have more than 4 people on board, and for longer than 2 nights, the 34 and 36 have a lot more room below. And if you will be spending more than a week aboard, the 36 has the storage capacity and tankage for those trips. Barry  

I have to assume the last 2 posters were refering to Inside Storage as a problem for the c320 as I wish I had 1/2 the cockpit accesible storage on my NC (mine is all on the inside now) that I had for 6 years on the c320. I could literally throw 2 folded Dahons into the cavernous port lazzerette followed by say 10 throwable PFDs and 5 life vests plus odds and ends. For example also the aft port locker would also hold 10-15 thowables and the aft starboard locker another 5+. The fridge is larger than my NC and the 34 or 36 also I beleive. As for choosing one of the three I would definitly skip the 34 and choose between the 320 and 36 (with the wet bilge). The head on the 320 is probably the smallest in the 25 to 35 range of any make though but at 5'7" it didn't bother me or my wife at all. The fuel and waste tanks are small but the water is reasonable (we aren't heavy shower users).  

Having spent time on the 320, 34MKII and 36 MKII, I think that they can all work for you dependent on your needs. The 320 was designed as a boat for a couple. The design of the boat is set up for a couple to sleep and sail. Certainly you can put more aboard, but sleeping room would be at a premium. It is a really good sailing boat, and it is my understanding that it holds its own on the beer can circuit. The 34 and 36 are very similar boats with the exception of the salon. I really prefer the salon in the 36 to the 34 ( I own a 34 by the way) and prefer the aft cabin in the 34. The cockpit is identical, so is a wash. I don't understand the comments on the galley, because on the MKII they are so similar I really have no favorite. Tankage is basically the same on both the 34/36, and I think on the 320 as well. Careful of boat and slips. The 34 is actually 35'8" LOA, and the 36 is something like 36'10". Particular marinas can cost you on that difference. FYI, the 36 has been discontinued, and the 34 is about to bite the dust as well based on what we are heariing. All of the Catalinas have an active owners group. Catalina seems to be focusing on the 35 and the new 375, this less need for the 34 and 36. Support has always been good, and we assume it will continue to be even after they are discontinued.  

Listen to Tommy...he knows his Catalinas the way other sailors know barbeques.  

I also own a C34MkII and not surprisingly, highly recommend that boat. Unfortunately, many others do too which keeps the used market prices up. For $60k, expect to buy an older "plan Jane" in California. For more than the last decade, Catalina has been facing a tougher environmental regulations and a tougher business climate in their Woodland Hills facility. Their long term strategy after buying out Morgan, was to migrate manufacturing of the bigger boats from California to Florida. Originally, both the C34 and 36 were slated to be phased out. They decided to keep the 34 after all and It's molds and patterns have been shipped to Florida along with the C42's. My guess is the used boat market for the C34 will remain high on the west coast when factoring in the additional shipping for new boats from Florida. Catalina has been around a very, very long time. For example, the wooden keel blocking referred to earlier was on the C30s built in the mid 1970s. The design was changed to eliminate the wood by the early 80's and the C320, 34, and 36 never had wood blocking. Also mentioned are the excellent owner maintained websites. I highly recommend you visit them. www.C34ia.org www.C36ia.org Funny how we all view features differently. For us, the C36 galley was a turn off (we first considered the 36) as we felt it was too close to the companionway and we'd constantly bump into it coming down the steps, and there wasn't a good place to mount a galley safety strap for cooking in a seaway. I do wish that there was a longer settee in my boat however. I'm 6'1" and it is a little short when I rig it as a sea berth. I do like the head near the companionway as it keeps wet foulies away from the rest of the interior. The boat carries 45 gallons of water which I find adequate, but only 25 gallons of fuel. So factoring in a reserve, I only get about 30-36 hours motoring endurance which means a fuel stop at Morrow Bay if the winds aren't cooperating. You need to optimize the boat in order to get it to consistently sail to her 147 rating, but I do get to pick off the occasional J Boat or Santana. They are well suited for our breezes here on San Francisco Bay. But are slow in winds under 10kts and painfully slow under 5kts. I have seen the 320 on jack stands and man, they have a fine keel and their hull is remarkably fair too. What I didn't like about them was their high free board (about as high as the 34's) and relatively high beam to length ratio. The other thing to look out for was for a couple of years they were not extending the toe rail all the way past the cockpit (aesthetic reasons) but this made a slipping "hazard" that they corrected in latter years. I have always liked the 36 too (other than the galley) and thought that they had the best exterior proportions of all of Catalina's mid-30 footers.  

The 34MkII would probably be above his $50-60K budget though. In that range he might be able to find a late 34MkI with the open transom or a mid 90's C320. MikeA and I are basically shopping for the same boat. I'm glad we're on separate coasts. ;-)  

You should also factor your sailing grounds into the rig size on a 34/36. They are great sailing boats, but if you sail in light wind areas, the Tall Rig does make a difference. GeorgeB probably does not have that problem often in his area, but in the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake, a tall rig is an advantage. Because of my situation (boat is also chartered) I went with the Tall Rig and a 130 rather than having to rely on the 150 that a lot of the boats have as standard. GeorgeB, there seems to still be a lot of confusion on whether the 34 continues or they just produce the hulls they already have done. One of the C34.org members just did a tour of the Florida factory over Christmas, and the guide (plant manager) did not know that the molds were being shipped to him. Catalina sometimes has a communication problem, but I think that he would know if they were coming and that they were going to be producing the C34. Lots of rumor, and this may just be another one. However, they certainly have too many models at the moment and have to focus somewhere.  

Rumors and rumors of rumors. I got my information from the owner of Farallon Yachts. Pat even told me what the last hull number to be produced in Woodland Hills (which I have since forgot). She was most concerned about the new pricing structure for the C34 now that cross country shipping is factored in which erodes the price competitiveness with Beneteau and Tartan. Production will be phased in at Ft. Lauderdale after the last 34s and 42s are finished in California. The C34 is still listed on the Catalina Website whereas the C36 and C310 have been taken off (and discontinued). Recently, the 34 has been one of the most popular of Catalina's thirty footers and it would be a shame if they discontinued (rumored to be slated for phasing out over time after being transferred to Florida) the boat in the future. Catalina's are by no means a "light" boat and their "sling" weight is considerably greater than their designed weight. The added weight definitely helps in our fresh Bay breezes. My previous boat was a tall rig 28' which was a delight in the lighter winter breezes. But I hardly ever saw the foot of my mainsail between Memorial Day and Labor Day as we usually put in the first reef at the dock and often set the second reef later in the day. You definitely want to match your rig to the prevailing wind conditions in your area.  

I am also considering both of these Catalina models (mid to late 80's models). Please give me your input on how these boats handle at sea. Is the 36 much more stable? and what about the deep vs shoal draft? Thanks in advance for your opinion.  

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Catalina 34 MkI Wing keel

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 25th March 2020

Catalina 34 MkI's main features

Catalina 34 mki's main dimensions, catalina 34 mki's rig and sails, catalina 34 mki's performances, catalina 34 mki's auxiliary engine, catalina 34 mki's accommodations and layout.

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Home > Find Your Sail > Search by Make and Model > Catalina > Catalina 34

Catalina 34

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Let's connect, your trusted partner for catalina 34’s.

Building Lasting Relationships Through Quality and Precision

Our team of Precision Sails experts conducted extensive research on the web to gather information about the specific sailboat in question. We thoroughly scoured various online sources to compile relevant and accurate information for the boat owner. Our team carefully curated the information to ensure that it would be helpful and informative for the user. We understand the importance of having a deep understanding of your boat’s features, and our goal is to provide comprehensive and reliable information that will enable boat owners to make informed decisions about their sailing experience. By sharing our expertise and knowledge, we hope to empower our customers to get the most out of their sailing adventures.

All About Your Catalina 34

Rig specifications.

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Catalina 34 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Catalina 34 stands out as a sailboat that excels in a wide variety of conditions. One of its standout features is its responsive steering and handling characteristics. The balanced rudder design provides excellent control, ensuring the boat responds to your actions quickly. In addition to its incredible sailing capabilities, the Catalina 34 is also equipped with a Universal diesel engine which provides about 21 horsepower. This combination of sail and engine power gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can rely on the Catalina 34’s performance in various situations.

The Catalina 34 is a sailboat that not only provides exceptional performance, but a classic and traditional design that is reminiscent of older sailboats. This sailboat offers lots of storage in the interior, as well as a cozy saloon and galley. Also featured in the interior is beautiful woodwork and high-quality upholstery. Above the water, you’ll find an unobstructed foredeck with lots of space to drop or raise the anchor and perform maintenance. Down the sides you’ll find a wide walkway for crew and guests to walk comfortably. Finally, at the helm you’ll find the primary winches and cleats, which allows the skipper to control the sails without having to leave the cockpit.

Catalina Yachts is a well-known name in the sailing world, known for their quality and attention to detail. Established in 1969, they’ve had decades to perfect their craftsmanship. In 1986, they released the Catalina 34 to fill the gap between the 30’ and 36’ models. Aside from filling the gap, their goal was to create a sailboat that would strike the perfect balance between performance, comfort and timeless design, and they did just that. This is a sailboat that found great success in both cruising and competitive racing, which gained it a loyal following of enthusiasts who appreciated its capabilities. Over the years, the Catalina 34 underwent a series of refinements and enhancements, reflecting Catalina’s commitment to continuous improvement. The feedback from sailors and advances in technology shaped the evolution of the boat, resulting in a vessel that embraced modern design elements while preserving its timeless appeal.

The Catalina 34 features a masthead sloop rig, which combines a single mast positioned near the bow with a forestay supporting the headsail. This configuration provides excellent balance, stability, and maneuverability. The masthead sloop rig on the Catalina 34 offers several advantages. The positioning of the masthead allows for a larger headsail area, enhancing upwind performance and maximizing sail power. This configuration also provides excellent balance and stability, ensuring a comfortable and responsive sailing experience.

The Catalina 34 is a well-designed vessel that combines performance and handling capabilities with style and luxury. It offers a safe deck layout, a spacious interior and a sail plan that optimizes performance in all different wind conditions. The quality craftsmanship and construction reflects Catalina’s commitment to quality and attention to detail. Whether you are a novice or veteran, you are sure to find something for you with the Catalina 34.

Recommended Sails For Your Catalina 34

We would love to help you enhance your sailing experience on your Catalina 34. That’s why we have put together a list of expertly curated sail recommendations just for you. You can find more information about each sail and what makes our sails stand out by following the links to our education page.

You need a mainsail designed to give you the greatest mileage out of your vessel. Precision Sails’ custom designed mainsails come with all the standard options needed to get sailing right away, and custom options to optimize handling, performance, and shape.

Jibs, genoas, yankee cut, staysails, or working jibs, we do it all. No matter what headsail you need for you sailboat, Precision Sails’ team of sail designers will work with you to ensure your new head sail fits and performs for you. Our headsails come complete with all standard options required for the best performance and durability. Learn more about our available headsail options and customization here.

Downwind and Light Wind Sails

Sail downwind easily with your choice of our downwind and light wind sail options. We custom design and tailor every sail for your needs. Explore our symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers and code zeros, including what options are available for each.

Want to Take Your Catalina 34 to the Next Level of Performance?

Then, it’s time to consider the sails you’re using. That’s why we offer custom-fit sails designed to optimize the performance of your Catalina 34. Our team of experts takes pride in using only the best materials and cutting-edge technology to ensure that our sails are of the highest quality.

With our custom-fit sails, you can expect maximum speed, power, and maneuverability on the water. A true game changer – a paired combination of head sails and mainsails. When two sails are designed in tandem we can optimize their performance to work together. The best part? We keep your measurements and designs on file, so you can develop your sail inventory over time, we’ll always be ready to pick up where we left off in your sail customization journey.

Reliability and Durability

Our sails don’t just improve your boat’s performance – they also provide you with peace of mind during your extended sailing journeys. Our sails are not like off-the-shelf options that have a short lifespan. Instead, we can tailor the design of the sails to withstand the specific demands of your boat, ensuring their durability and reliability.

Providing Unparalleled Service

And, we’re not just about high-quality sails. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best service possible. From helping you take accurate measurements to delivering your custom sails, we’re here to make sure you’re satisfied with your experience.

Trust us to exceed your expectations and take your sailing experience to the next level.

“ Covid took over the world and I had the sails shipped to a relative in the US. My boat is in the US so I couldn’t get to it. I asked Precision Sails if they would honor their warranty until I can install them: they said absolutely. Summer 2022: we were finally allowed to cross the border. The genoa was fine but the main sail was too thick to furl in the mast, the reinforced tack and hoist point were the culprits. So we manage to find a sail maker in Canada to modify the main. Precision Sails paid everything, transport and modifications to achieve the final result. They hold their word no matter what and plus if the modified sail wouldn’t fit again they would have made another one at no charge. WOW! Thank you Precision Sails! -Luc F (BBB)

“ I have had two sails made by Precision Sails in the last 12 months. Both have exceeded my expectations. The fit to the boat and the performance of the sails are exceptional. The sail designer worked with me to make sure the resulting sail fit my objectives. Precision Sails has excellent documentation and videos to assure that your measurements are accurate. The sails are first rate and the price was very competitive. I am a very happy repeat customer. -Terry Noreault (Facebook)

“ The staff were very helpful and responded promptly with a quote. The follow up was excellent and the new mainsail is well built and fits the boat perfectly. -Rick Clark (Facebook)

“ I just received my asymmetrical spinnaker, with sock and turtle bag, along with a new 135 Genoa. The entire process was simple and both sales and the design team were in regular contact if there were any questions. The customer portal was easy to use and lets you keep track of where in the process your sails are. Great sails, great service -Graham Edwards (Facebook)

“ Just received our Mainsail for our Hunter 41 with an in mast furling main. Installed perfectly and the quality is amazing. Can’t wait to get out into big water and shake it out. Outstanding customer service. -Karl Messer (Facebook)

“ Great new genoa for my Beneteau 46 – looks and performs great. Thanks for making it such an easy design, ordering, and delivery process. -Jim MacDonald (Facebook)

“ Very responsive, excellent quality, very fair prices. When they were not happy with the graphic on the first sail Ron called to let me know and they sent me a second sail at no charge. Highly recommended! -Gerry Beltgens (facebook)

“ Great price and a quick turnaround got me to buy. A well built sail that works in light and heavy winds will bring me back. -Edmond Dee (Facebook)

“ I sail out of Whitby Ontario. No one local wanted to deal with me because I am not value for money based on the size of my sailboat. I drop a request to Precision via the web and “boom”, instant response followed by ZERO pressure initial consultation! Signed up for three easy payments and that was that! During process, the team helps you all the way with measurements and good follow up questions. BTW my Kirby 25 slips effortlessly through the water with these new sails. Also, lots of positive comments on the boom cover when sitting at the dock! -John Thompson (Google)

“ Wow, just Wow. I knew the sails on my Hunter 27 where a little old and stretched, but I didn’t’ realize what a difference new sails could make. The boat points better than it ever has and is not nearly as sluggish as it was. I enjoyed the entire process of sail making with Precision Sails. I enjoy watching a lot of You Tube sailors and many of them promote Precision Sails. I also tend to side with the cruising rather than racing lifestyle. After reviews and recommendations, I decided on Precision. I really enjoyed working with the Design Team on my sails. Can’t wait to go sailing again. Thank you Precision sails for making my old boat new again. -Jonathan Pilgrim (Google)

“ We love the design, quality, construction, and performance of our new 95% furling jib from Precision Sails. The sail works well with our staysail and performs better than expected on all points of sail including poled out dead down wind. The new 95% jib does not get as overpowered as our old 135% Genoa and it is easier to tack with the staysail deployed. The design team made the process of getting accurate dimensions easy, took the time to understand our requirements, and was a pleasure to deal with. I will definitely do business with Precision again! -Charles Clark (Google)

“ Quality throughout the whole process… starting with quotation, options and cloth alternatives. Quick delivery time and the product is very good quality. I am very pleased to carry my Precision sails on my boat. I recommend them 100%! -Marcos D.

“ Got everything trimmed right today. Out sailing now. It’s perfect. I love the sail it’s perfect it’s exactly what I wanted thank you so much. -Elizabeth H.

“ I just received the 2nd custom-made sail I’ve ordered through Precision Sails. The process for providing measurement information and custom images is very clearly laid out in the forms on their website, in addition to several instructional YouTube videos. The results turned out beautifully, just as I had pictured it for both sails! -Michael Shafer (Google)

“ Precision Sails was great! They built our spinnaker for our Hunter 260, and it is great, at a good price. I will be getting other sails from Precision when we need to replace them on our new (to us) Lagoon 410. -Scott Huckerby (Google)

“ Just received my new mainsail from Precision Sail Loft and am over the moon about it. Darryl walked me through all my options and gave great advice. The measurement form is foolproof. They keep you updated with the status of your order every step of the way. I can recommend them highly enough. -Henry Gomez (Google)

“ This summer was our first experience buying a new sail for our Catalina 28MkII, we also race-crew a friend’s C&C 27 with newer Precision main and Genoa. Several other boats at our club have Precision sails and after couple of quotes from notable lofts narrowed it down to Precision to replace our #2 up front. We were late ordering in mid-July when COVID19 was wrecking everyone’s delivery schedule yet we had our new sail within 5 weeks, which seems a minor miracle. Bottom line, love the sail (excellent design/fit, quality), easy to work with these folks despite the time/distance to Ottawa, cutting edge tech engagement which is a confidence builder, and they seem to be getting it done for their clients despite the present challenges. So we just ordered a new main from Precision for spring delivery. -Dale Caseley (Google)

“ I was introduced to Precision Sails through Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose on You Tube. I decided to try the online experience myself. I provided the measurements and had good conversations with the sales team and with the sail designer. The new Genoa arrived in great condition and was a perfect fit! Couldn’t be happier!! -Brad Hamrlik (Google)

“ This summer I purchased a main and a Genoa for my Dufour 385 from Precision. The sails arrived in the time frame promised and fit perfectly. The quality appears to be excellent. I highly recommend Precision Sails. -John McCracken (Google)

“ Was extremely impressed with the ease of choosing and ordering a new mainsail for my Montgomery 17. I’m always a little hesitant when giving sensitive info on-line… as this transaction was done with a lot of research…I actually paid them (Precision) a visit in Victoria, B.C. (yes they do exist). We worked out the kinks via e-mails, and now can enjoy a good laugh over “the incident”…which they took care of in a very professional manner!…very happy with the fit (perfect!), function and quality of my new sail! Thanks guys p.s. great price too!! -Alan Cade (Google)

“ Ordered sails for my last boat and was very happy, now I’m ordering for my new boat. Great and friendly service. -Gord Fulcher (Google)

“ Great customer service after receiving a quote for a new head sail. Even after explaining we may not be in the market for one right now, the sales rep I spoke with took 10 minutes to chat with me about other options and gave me recommendations for sail makers that could help us keep costs down and work with our damaged head sail. So much appreciation for this kind of service and honesty, will be back when the current head sail fails us and we are ready for a brand new one!!! -Krista Scholl (Google)

“ The whole team at Precision Sails was fantastic from start to finish. We’ve had a laminate main and genoa made so far and have a spinnaker on the way. They listened carefully to our needs and recommended a great sail cloth. We couldn’t have gotten more bang for our buck! -Noah Regelous (Google)

“ What a great experience! These boats are our babies and it’s obvious Precision Sails loves sailing. They make it easy and low stress. I can’t wait to buy another sail. -Lane Roth (Google)

“ Our new sails performed flawlessly. Several of our crew were seasoned Annapolis sailors, who commented on the quality of the sails and of how they seemed to improve Godspeed’s performance. We were also impressed with your consult-measure-design process. Your sales persons were knowledgeable and helpful. As was the designer, who I spoke with several time. We had obtained quotes at the Annapolis Boat Show from North Sails and Quantum Sails — both were more expensive than your quote for equivalent quality and options.” -Randy Gillies

“ We received our spinnaker and launched it yesterday and I just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with it. The service we received from your company was exceptional and the quality of your product is second to none. We will certainly be return customers in the next few months to replace our main and jib sails and will recommend your company to all our sailing buddies. Once again-thank you.” -Daniel Jackson (Google)

“ Experts in design and customer service. Always kept me informed of the status of my sail. Sailing friends were very complimentary of the design and quality workmanship.” -Pete Klein (Facebook)

“ These guys stand behind their work and design. Top notch in customer service – their goal is to ensure you are happy. I recommend and will purchase from them again.” -Chris Eisenberg (Facebook)

“ we had good communication during the planning stages and the knowledgeable people at precision sails really got me fixed up good! The sails look and work fabulous! my boat sails better than it ever had! couldn’t be more pleased with the product AND the service!” -Fred Jelich (Facebook)

“ The whole staff at Precision Sails were great to work with, and very responsive to all my inquiries about measurements and design. My new main and head sail, made from the Challenge Warp Drive sailcloth, arrived earlier than promised, and fit perfectly. The workmanship is superb and the attention to detail is top notch. I would not hesitate to purchase sails from them again, and will be recommending them to my fellow sailors. Thank you, Precision Sails: 5 Stars!” -Richard Hendry (Google)

“ Precision Sails built a great mainsail. Everything was done as expected at a good price and a good turn around time. They were on top of each step and advised me accordingly. I will likely have them start on a head sail soon.” -David B. (Google)

“ Our new furling jib for a Corsair 27 Had to be specially designed due to the height of the furler, but this was accomplished quickly and in short order we had our sail which fits beautifully and has a great shape. It’s everything we could have wanted, high tech design, thoughtfully executed and affordable.” -Nancy Y. (Yelp)

“ Really impressed how much better the performance on my boat has been with a new mainsail from Precision. The process was great and appreciated the advice during the design stage for club racing configuration. -Carl Lingen (Facebook)

“ Precision sails delivered a high quality product at a very reasonable price. The sail they created is custom fit for my boat and the challenging conditions under which she will be used. -John M. (BBB)

“ My new warp drive tri-radial mainsail from Precision Sails exceeded my expectations. I would put their product against any of the big lofts. The quality control and attention to detail is exceptional. Fun group of sailors to work with. Highly recommended. -David Sestini (Google)

“ Followed advice of their design team for our Hunter Passage 42. Very happy with the increased low wind performance of our head sail. -Caleb Coggins (Google)

Request a Catalina 34 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Catalina 34? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will send you a preliminary quote based on information we have gathered from sailors similar to you.

We will give you a call in order to narrow down the options on your quote and improve the accuracy. If you want us to call you at a specific time, feel free to schedule a time on our calendar!

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will reach out to offer some suggestions and get started on finding you the perfect sail!