Islander 34-2

Description

The Islander 34, designed by acclaimed naval architect Robert Perry and produced by Islander Yachts from 1983 to 1985 in a limited run of approximately 16 hulls before the company's bankruptcy led to the molds being sold to Nordic Yachts for a few additional builds as the Nordic 34, is a responsive masthead sloop racer-cruiser renowned for its balanced performance, seakeeping qualities, and inviting interiors, constructed with solid fiberglass hulls cored in Divinycell foam for lightweight rigidity and featuring a sleek profile with raked stem, reverse transom, spade rudder, and fixed fin keel (or optional shoal-draft wing keel). Measuring 34.33 feet LOA with a 28.00-foot LWL, 11.00-foot beam, 9,656-pound displacement, and 3,771 pounds of lead ballast, it carries a generous 545-square-foot sail area on aluminum spars (I=38 ft, J=13.6 ft, P=31.5 ft, E=13.5 ft) for spirited upwind ability. Auxiliary power is provided by a reliable 22-hp Yanmar diesel engine with a 15-gallon fuel tank and approximately 40 gallons of freshwater capacity; the two-cabin interior sleeps four comfortably in a layout featuring a private aft cabin with en-suite head, V-berth forward, U-shaped galley with two-burner stove and sink, convertible dinette in the saloon, and varnished teak joinery throughout for a cozy, traditional ambiance with good ventilation via multiple ports and hatches. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 19.29 signaling lively acceleration, displacement/length ratio of 196.37 for efficient speed, comfort ratio of 20.47 for offshore poise, hull speed of 7.09 knots, and a PHRF handicap around 144, the Islander 34 remains a sought-after gem for club racing and coastal voyaging, embodying Perry's philosophy of fun, fast, and forgiving design in a compact, easy-to-handle package.