Back to Search
Somo 34
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Taylor (Esp)  ·  First built: 1980
+ Add to Compare
About the Somo 34

Designed by renowned Argentine naval architect German Frers and built by Taylor in Spain starting in 1980, this 33-foot sailboat represents European craftsmanship from an era when performance cruisers were gaining popularity. The Somo 34 features Frers' characteristic attention to both sailing efficiency and livability, packaged in a moderate displacement hull that balances comfort with reasonable performance. With its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration, the boat offers predictable handling characteristics that appeal to both experienced sailors and those developing their skills. The masthead sloop rig provides straightforward sail handling, while the 508 square feet of sail area delivers respectable performance in varying wind conditions. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to confident stability, making this an attractive option for coastal cruising and longer passages. The comfort ratio of 21.91 suggests a boat that prioritizes seaworthiness over pure speed, while the capsize screening value of 1.99 indicates good stability margins for offshore work. Hull speed calculations show the boat capable of sustained speeds around 7 knots in appropriate conditions. This combination of characteristics makes the Somo 34 well-suited for sailors seeking a capable cruising boat that won't compromise safety for performance, whether exploring coastal waters or undertaking more ambitious voyages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.14 ft / 10.10 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.49 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 5.84 ft / 1.78 m
Displacement 9,480.00 lb / 4,300 kg
Ballast 4,575.00 lb / 2,075 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 508.00 ft² / 47.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Taylor (ESP)
First Built 1980
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
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
 18.21
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
 48.26
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
 203.72
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
 21.91
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
 1.99
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. 7.03 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
 2.8
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. 1,031.36 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. 18.2
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.14 ft / 13.15 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.11 ft / 4.30 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 39.37 ft / 12.00 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.33 ft / 3.15 m
SA Fore 304.35 ft² / 28.28 m²
SA Main 203.35 ft² / 18.89 m²
SA Total (100%) 507.70 ft² / 47.17 m²
Est. Forestay Length 45.39 ft / 13.83 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Find a Somo 34 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace