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Peterson 34
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Island Yachts /Composite Technologies (Usa)  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Peterson 34

Designed by renowned naval architect Doug Peterson during the height of the IOR racing era, this 34-footer represents a compelling blend of performance and cruising capability from the late 1970s. Built by Island Yachts and later Composite Technologies between 1976 and 1981, with only 91 hulls produced, the Peterson 34 has earned a reputation as a well-balanced boat that appeals to sailors seeking both speed and comfort. The design features Peterson's characteristic fin keel and spade rudder configuration, delivering responsive handling and solid windward performance. With a displacement of 10,800 pounds and 5,100 pounds of ballast, she offers reassuring stability while maintaining the lighter feel typical of Peterson's designs. The masthead sloop rig provides 565 square feet of sail area, giving spirited performance in a variety of conditions. Her moderate beam of 11.25 feet creates a comfortable interior while preserving sailing efficiency. The 6.25-foot draft may limit some shallow-water cruising but contributes significantly to her sailing capabilities. With a comfort ratio of 22.19 and capsize screening formula of 2.04, she's well-suited for coastal cruising and club racing, though her design lineage suggests she can handle more demanding conditions when properly equipped and sailed.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.92 ft / 10.34 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.25 ft / 8.61 m
Beam 11.25 ft / 3.43 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 10,800.00 lb / 4,899 kg
Ballast 5,100.00 lb / 2,313 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 565.00 ft² / 52.49 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Island Yachts /Composite Technologies (USA)
First Built 1976
Last Built 1981
Number Built 91
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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
 120
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
 18.57
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
 47.22
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
 213.86
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
 22.19
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
 2.04
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. 7.12 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
 2.77
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. 1,135.58 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. 19.09
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 46.50 ft / 14.17 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.60 ft / 4.45 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 41.30 ft / 12.59 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.70 ft / 3.57 m
SA Fore 339.45 ft² / 31.54 m²
SA Main 241.61 ft² / 22.45 m²
SA Total (100%) 581.06 ft² / 53.98 m²
Est. Forestay Length 48.74 ft / 14.86 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 2QM15G
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 12 gals / 45 L
Water Capacity 18 gals / 68 L
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