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Islander 34 2

Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Islander Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Islander 34 2

Designed by renowned naval architect Robert Perry, this sophisticated cruiser represents the final evolution of Islander Yachts' popular 34-foot platform. Built from 1983 to 1985 with just 16 hulls completed, the Islander 34 2 combines Perry's signature performance-oriented design philosophy with practical cruising amenities. The fiberglass hull features modern Divinycell core construction for optimal strength-to-weight ratio, while the fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and excellent windward performance. With a displacement of 9,656 pounds and 3,771 pounds of ballast, this masthead sloop offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and capable offshore passages. Perry optimized the design for serious sailors seeking both comfort and performance. The generous sail area of 545 square feet and SA/Displacement ratio of 19.29 provide spirited sailing in light to moderate conditions, while the substantial displacement ensures steady motion in seaway. The moderate beam of 11 feet maximizes interior volume without compromising seaworthiness. The comfortable 20.47 comfort ratio and conservative 2.07 capsize screening value reflect the boat's suitability for extended cruising. With its proven Perry pedigree and quality Islander construction, the 34 2 appeals to discerning sailors who appreciate thoughtful design execution in a rare, well-built package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.33 ft / 10.46 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 6.17 ft / 1.88 m
Displacement 9,656.00 lb / 4,380 kg
Ballast 3,771.00 lb / 1,710 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 545.00 ft² / 50.63 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/Divinycell core
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Islander Yachts (USA)
First Built 1983
Last Built 1985
Number Built 16
Related Sailboats Tartan 34 2 · Hunter 34 · J/34 · Irwin 34 Citation · Ericson 34
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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
210
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
19.29
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
39.05
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
196.37
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
20.47
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
2.07
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. 7.09 kn
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
2.71
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. 1,100.52 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.68
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.60 ft / 4.15 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 31.50 ft / 9.60 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.50 ft / 4.11 m
SA Fore 258.40 ft² / 24.01 m²
SA Main 212.63 ft² / 19.75 m²
SA Total (100%) 471.03 ft² / 43.76 m²
Est. Forestay Length 40.36 ft / 12.30 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 22.5
Fuel Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
How It Compares

vs. Ericson 34, Hunter 34, Irwin 34 Citation, J/34, Tartan 34 2

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Islander 34 2 ★
34.3 ft
Ericson 34
34.1 ft
Hunter 34
34.4 ft
Irwin 34 Citation
34.3 ft
J/34
34.1 ft
Tartan 34 2
34.4 ft
LWL
Islander 34 2 ★
28.0 ft
Ericson 34
28.9 ft
Hunter 34
28.3 ft
Irwin 34 Citation
27.3 ft
J/34
28.5 ft
Tartan 34 2
28.8 ft
Beam
Islander 34 2 ★
11.0 ft
Ericson 34
10.8 ft
Hunter 34
11.6 ft
Irwin 34 Citation
11.3 ft
J/34
11.4 ft
Tartan 34 2
11.0 ft
Displacement
Islander 34 2 ★
9 lbs
Ericson 34
10 lbs
Hunter 34
11 lbs
Irwin 34 Citation
11 lbs
J/34
9 lbs
Tartan 34 2
11 lbs
Ballast
Islander 34 2 ★
3 lbs
Ericson 34
5 lbs
Hunter 34
5 lbs
Irwin 34 Citation
4 lbs
J/34
3 lbs
Tartan 34 2
4 lbs
Sail Area
Islander 34 2 ★
545 sq ft
Ericson 34
494 sq ft
Hunter 34
567 sq ft
Irwin 34 Citation
538 sq ft
J/34
525 sq ft
Tartan 34 2
538 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Islander 34 2 ★
210 s/nm
Ericson 34
159 s/nm
Hunter 34
159 s/nm
Irwin 34 Citation
168 s/nm
J/34
120 s/nm
Tartan 34 2
174 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Islander 34 2 ★
19.3
Ericson 34
17.1
Hunter 34
17.5
Irwin 34 Citation
17.0
J/34
20.1
Tartan 34 2
17.5
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Islander 34 2 ★
39.1 %
Ericson 34
Hunter 34
42.3 %
Irwin 34 Citation
J/34
41.3 %
Tartan 34 2
40.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Islander 34 2 ★
20.5
Ericson 34
21.5
Hunter 34
23.1
Irwin 34 Citation
24.1
J/34
26.2
Tartan 34 2
23.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Islander 34 2 ★
2.07
Ericson 34
2.00
Hunter 34
2.04
Irwin 34 Citation
2.00
J/34
1.71
Tartan 34 2
1.97
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Islander 34 2 ★
196
Ericson 34
Hunter 34
234
Irwin 34 Citation
J/34
127
Tartan 34 2
204
Hull Speed
Islander 34 2 ★
7.1 kts
Ericson 34
7.2 kts
Hunter 34
7.1 kts
Irwin 34 Citation
7.0 kts
J/34
8.2 kts
Tartan 34 2
7.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Islander 34 2 ★
2.7
Ericson 34
2.9
Hunter 34
Irwin 34 Citation
2.2
J/34
Tartan 34 2
2.7
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