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Express 34
Designer: Carl Schumacher  ·  Builder: Alsberg Brothers Boatworks  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Express 34

Designed as a performance-oriented cruiser, this 34-foot sailboat represents a compelling blend of speed and comfort that has attracted sailors seeking spirited sailing without sacrificing livability. The Express 34 emerged during an era when manufacturers were recognizing the growing demand for boats that could deliver exhilarating performance while still providing the amenities needed for extended cruising adventures. Built with a focus on coastal and near-offshore sailing, this boat excels in conditions where responsiveness and speed matter most. The design emphasizes clean lines and efficient sail handling, making it particularly appealing to couples or small crews who want to maximize their sailing experience without requiring a large team to manage the boat effectively. The Express 34 has earned recognition for its balanced helm characteristics and predictable handling, traits that inspire confidence whether navigating congested harbors or reaching across open water in fresh breezes. Below deck, the layout prioritizes function while maintaining comfort levels appropriate for weekend getaways or longer coastal passages. This model continues to attract sailors who appreciate the marriage of performance sailing with practical cruising capabilities, representing solid value in the competitive mid-size sailboat market.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$42,500 – $42,500
typical asking price
Median $42,500  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$42,500 – $42,500 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.00 ft / 10.36 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.33 ft / 8.63 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 8,500.00 lb / 3,856 kg
Ballast 3,700.00 lb / 1,678 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 534.00 ft² / 49.61 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carl Schumacher
Builder Alsberg Brothers Boatworks
First Built 1986
Last Built 1988
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
98
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
20.58
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
19.09
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.06
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.13
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
3.59
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 44.3
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 38.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.8
SA Fore 287.95
SA Main 246.4
How It Compares

vs. Catalina 34, J34, Olson 34 Ericson

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Express 34 ★
34.0 ft
Catalina 34
34.0 ft
J34
34.0 ft
Olson 34 Ericson
34.0 ft
LWL
Express 34 ★
28.3 ft
Catalina 34
29.3 ft
J34
26.0 ft
Olson 34 Ericson
28.0 ft
Beam
Express 34 ★
10.5 ft
Catalina 34
11.9 ft
J34
11.2 ft
Olson 34 Ericson
10.8 ft
Displacement
Express 34 ★
8 lbs
Catalina 34
11 lbs
J34
8 lbs
Olson 34 Ericson
10 lbs
Ballast
Express 34 ★
3 lbs
Catalina 34
5 lbs
J34
3 lbs
Olson 34 Ericson
Sail Area
Express 34 ★
534 sq ft
Catalina 34
514 sq ft
J34
505 sq ft
Olson 34 Ericson
546 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Express 34 ★
98 s/nm
Catalina 34
150 s/nm
J34
Olson 34 Ericson
114 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Express 34 ★
20.6
Catalina 34
15.7
J34
20.1
Olson 34 Ericson
18.2
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Express 34 ★
19.1
Catalina 34
22.0
J34
17.7
Olson 34 Ericson
23.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Express 34 ★
2.06
Catalina 34
2.09
J34
2.23
Olson 34 Ericson
1.98
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Express 34 ★
Catalina 34
213
J34
Olson 34 Ericson
215
Hull Speed
Express 34 ★
7.1 kts
Catalina 34
7.3 kts
J34
6.8 kts
Olson 34 Ericson
7.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Express 34 ★
3.6
Catalina 34
J34
3.0
Olson 34 Ericson
2.7
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