Sadler 34

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PHN

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Wondered if a Sadler 34 from about 1990 would be a good choice for (1 - 2 person) ocean crossings and other heavy weather long distance sailing outside of the milk run. To be more specific I mean would it offer reasonable comfort, speed and reliability/durability or is it mainly a "floating brick" that has a hard time to get into motion? Normally I would consider something in the 37 foot range, but this one just came across.
 
In its day (when it was considered a "big" boat) it was popular for offshore passage racing. The editor of YM had one which did transatlantics and many others have made good liveaboard cruisers.. so the basics are there, but like any other 30+ year old boat condition is all.
 
I have only sailed the 32 but sailed with 34s. As far as I can see, they offer decent performance, but not sparkling in modern terms. In decent condition it would certainly get you there. Sadlers are fairly comfortable but the aft cabin in the 34 is more of an enlarged quarter berth than a cabin.
 
I used to race one thirty something years ago. Regularly.. Plus lots of cross channel trips from Gosport. Taught me masses about sailing. So I like them a lot. Friend of mine, ex fisherman, has one here where I live. He bought it specifically as a robust sailing boat.

I would certainly rate them capable for short handed trans Atlantic. Just add a Hydrovane!
 
Good strong old boat. Tiller steering. Very limited water capacity in the one I sailed. It would take a lot to prepare a minimally equipped local cruiser for ocean work IMHO. As others have said it’s all about the individual boat when they get old.
 
WoodyP said:
The twin keel version does slam a bit but I like them.
Click to expand...
I didn’t know that
Useful
Practicals aside ( like running new pipes or plumbing, insulation behind the mouldings ) I have always liked them . Especially the idea of a really big bilgekeeler
Ex editor of YW raced a single keel 34 two handed iirc , to NY. And wrote up his impressions of years of joint ownership , pretty favourable iirc

When I bought my R36 there was an immaculate Sadler 34 for sale in Japan .. now there’s an adventure for someone I thought but obv didn’t pursue it..
 
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Todka Sadler 34 ( last seen Portrush) managed Horta (1992) and Gibraltar (1996) like a pro with several trips across the Bay of Biscay in between.
Absolutely no probs. We got old. Wonder if she is past it?

Todka

As usual on this tub
It was 'turns' to cook the grub
Para said 'Nae sweat - I'll mak a pie'
So he rustled up a dish
Out of spuds and prawns - and fish
Which he'd caught whilst out....shopping nearby

When the radome left the mast
He said 'Skipper,' (rather fast)
'I'll don the bosun's chair and go on high'
Then shouted down, 'Some'ts wrong
It's not a chair, more like a thong
I can't see - I've got tears in me eye.'

So if you are on a cruise
Bent on sailing, pool or booze
And you're anchored (!) somewhere nice and warm and sandy
If your boat is grey - or green
And your mates are all has-been
You might do worse for crew than Parahandy.


Long John Sadler.
 
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