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Hans Christian 34
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Hans Christian/Union Ship Co.(Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Hans Christian 34

Robert Perry's design for the Hans Christian 34 represents a classic example of 1970s cruising yacht philosophy, emphasizing seaworthiness and comfort over speed. Built by Hans Christian/Union Ship Co. in Taiwan between 1974 and 1979, only 34 of these fiberglass vessels were constructed, making them relatively rare finds in today's market. The boat's traditional long keel configuration and substantial 19,400-pound displacement create exceptional stability and tracking ability, particularly valuable for offshore passages. With 7,200 pounds of ballast providing a reassuring foundation, the HC 34 delivers the kind of steady, predictable sailing characteristics that inspire confidence in challenging conditions. The cutter rig offers versatility in sail handling, allowing crews to balance power and control across varying wind conditions. At 34 feet overall with an 11-foot beam, the design prioritizes seaworthiness over interior volume, though the layout remains comfortable for extended cruising. The impressive comfort ratio of 40.17 indicates a motion that favors relaxed passage-making rather than spirited performance sailing. With a capsize screening formula of 1.64, this yacht falls well within accepted parameters for offshore work, making it an excellent choice for serious cruisers seeking a proven platform for coastal and blue-water adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.00 ft / 10.36 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.16 ft / 8.89 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Displacement 19,400.00 lb / 8,800 kg
Ballast 7,200.00 lb / 3,266 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 676.00 ft² / 62.80 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Hans Christian/Union Ship Co.(TAIWAN)
First Built 1974
Last Built 1979
Number Built 34
Associations Hans Christian Owners Association
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Known Issues & What to Watch For
High Hull/Deck
The teak deck overlay, used extensively on Hans Christian boats of this era, is prone to seam compound failure and fastener corrosion, allowing water to penetrate into the underlying fiberglass deck and core, causing delamination and rot in any balsa-cored sections.
1974–1979 production
High Hull/Deck
The hull-to-deck joint on early Hans Christian 34s was through-bolted and bonded but is known to develop leaks, particularly at the bow and stern quarters. Inspect for separation, sealant failure, and interior water staining along the entire joint.
1974–1979 production
High Keel
The long keel attachment on these Taiwanese-built boats used mild steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion and weeping rust stains in the bilge. The bilge often fills with ballast and limber material making visual inspection of bolt tops difficult without excavation.
Medium Hull/Deck
The ornate exterior teak trim (toerails, caprails, handrails, and chainplates covers) was fastened through the deck and hull sides with numerous fasteners, each a potential water intrusion point. Corrosion of bronze or mixed-metal fasteners beneath the trim is common and often hidden.
High Rigging
The chainplates on the HC 34 are inboard-mounted and pass through the deck under teak trim or fiberglass cover plates. The deck penetrations are notorious for leaking and for allowing moisture to degrade the surrounding laminate and interior structure over time.
Medium Accommodations
The extensive interior teak joinery, while beautiful, was assembled using iron or steel fasteners in early Taiwanese production. These corrode and stain the surrounding wood, and fastener failure can cause joinery panels to loosen or separate.
1974–1979 production
Medium Hull/Deck
The portlight frames and opening ports were frequently bronze or aluminum set in teak surrounds; galvanic interaction between dissimilar metals and teak tannins accelerates corrosion of the frames and surrounding fasteners, leading to chronic leaks at the cabin sides.
Medium Engine
Early HC 34s were often fitted with Perkins 4-108 diesels whose raw water cooling systems, including bronze fittings and heat exchangers, suffer from galvanic corrosion accelerated by poor or absent bonding systems in early production boats. Verify the bonding system integrity and inspect all through-hulls carefully.
1974–1979 production
High Electrical
The original electrical systems on Taiwanese-built Hans Christian boats of this period used undersized wiring, non-tinned copper conductors, and minimal overcurrent protection. Much of the original wiring is typically degraded and should be treated as a fire hazard requiring full replacement.
1974–1979 production

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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
 201
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
 15.04
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 37.11
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 349.29
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
 40.17
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
 1.64
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. 7.24 kn
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. 1,146.11 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
Water Capacity 120 gals / 454 L
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