Evolution of the Catalina 34

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1985 price list... ah, the good old days

The original C34 was introduced in 1986 (first hulls produced in 1985). Designed by Frank Butler, it quickly gained popularity as a fast, stiff, and sturdily built cruising yacht. It is a great light-air performer with commodious accommodations. The C-34 has evolved since 1986, always having the choices of the tall (approximately 52 feet) or the standard (approximately 50 feet) mast, and later in-mast furling. Additionally, the early models had deck-stepped masts (1986), then quickly switching to keel-stepped, and finally back to deck-stepped. It also offered a choice of a wing (4 feet 3 inch) or fin (5 feet 7 inch) keel. The model launched with a Universal 25 (21HP) diesel engine, evolved to a 25XP (23HP), and finally to the 35XP. The easiest way to identify the three different models of the C34 is to look at the stern.

The Mk I

87small.jpg
1986-1989 Enclosed stern.

Sugar scoop.jpg
In 1989, a "sugar scoup was added to the Mk 1 transom for use as a swim/boarding platform.

The Mk 1.5

In 1990 the cockpit floor was extended through the transom.
Mk1.5 (Small) (Small).jpg
The "Walk Thru" transom on the Mk 1 hull has been coined the Mk 1.5.

The Mk II

In 1994 the transition began to a wider stern shape. The official roll out of the C 34 Mk II was in 1998.
MkII(small).jpg
Hulls produced in the 1995-1997 transition years with the wider profiles are considered Mk II's.

Items of Interest

Original C34 Review, 1985 (published with permission by Sailing Magazine) - click to enlarge