This site is devoted to the Tartan 34-2 sailboat. You are welcome to submit pictures of your T34-2, to make comments on the blog, to share maintenance and sailing tips useful to other T34-2 owners. Jack
88 Comments
Wandering Star
3/28/2011 03:03:04 am
Nice site! About time we had our own website! :-) Wandering Star
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John Walker
6/3/2012 11:09:16 am
Hi Everyone, Please does do you have suggestions for installing a/c on Viva hull no 16? We are in Sarasota and will soon neeed it.
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Jack Harris
6/6/2012 11:20:52 am
I do not think that there is anything exceptional about the T34-2 that would prevent a standard installation in either of the two deck hatches. Best to get in touch with one of the A-C companies that sell the product. My boat is moored in Canada so we have little need for A-C!
jim
8/15/2011 09:51:47 am
we are about to purchase a 34-2
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Jack Harris
8/15/2011 11:45:02 am
The Hull ID has the hull number embedded in it. My hull ID is TAR34009J485. The hull number is the third through fifth positions, in this example 009. The remainder identifies the build date and model year.
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Bill Bennett
9/10/2011 12:17:49 pm
Jack, thank you for setting up this blog. I'm sure many will benefit from it. I have a clunk in my rudder on my 34-2, Cello, and am interested to know if anyone else has experienced this, and if so what the resolution was. Rudder bearings? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Robert Suberi
1/21/2012 10:31:09 pm
Yes, your tube is worn which happens over the years. You're hearing movement. There's a fix online if you haven't found one yet.
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Jack Harris
1/22/2012 02:31:01 am
Thanks Bob. Could you tell us where the fix is on-line so that Bill can pursue a repair?
jim
3/10/2012 08:36:41 am
Have you ever found a web site to help with your Problem?
jim
2/7/2012 08:30:20 am
We have added heat and air conditioning. After all the modifications , I need to finish the interior teak. It is not a dull finish or a gloss. Does anyone have any suggestions how to match the finish?
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Gary
5/16/2012 10:35:10 am
I am about to look at two Tartan 34-2s that are for sale. What do you recommend that I make sure to check. I am moving up from an S2 8.5
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Jack Harris
5/16/2012 10:54:13 am
Gary,
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John
6/6/2012 10:10:20 am
Traveller - Has anyone a comment about moving the traveller up onto the cabin top just infront of the doger? I have seen it like that on one T34-2?
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Jack Harris
6/6/2012 11:25:32 am
Virtually every review I have read by Perry in Sailing magazine compliments boats with the traveler just forward of the helm. It is the best location for single handing, and the best spot to control the boom. I have had cabin mounted travelers and I have had to stand in front of the helm. In addition, it means more complications for the dodger, and more expense to make such a move. There must be others out there that think that it is worth it, but I like what Sparkman and Stephens intended when the put the traveler where it is!
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7/17/2012 02:03:34 pm
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John
12/6/2013 08:11:04 pm
Do you know if anyone has the polars for the Tartan 34-2?
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Jack Harris
12/6/2013 09:22:29 pm
I have not located polar diagrams for the T34-2. There are internet sites with polars for the T-30 and T3500 (the latter done by Tim Jackett).
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John
2/27/2015 08:09:02 pm
I just purchased the Expedition routing software, and will be creating a custom polar for Athena. It may take a few months. If anyone is interested, I can probably send it out as a starting point.
Jack Harris
2/27/2015 08:46:16 pm
John,
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John
2/28/2015 12:53:18 am
Hey - You already know me. This is the S/V Athena (Hull 101, Home port is Kemah, Texas, sailing area is Galveston Bay and beyond (to Italy at some point)). I'm replying to my own post. Expedition is routing software...extremely expensive, crazy stuff used for Volvo Ocean Races and such. A bit over kill for my purpose, but pretty cool from a navigator/data freak perspective.
Malcolm Kimble
1/3/2014 03:34:25 am
Has anyone removed their Hurth transmission? I have a Universal M24 engine and am hoping the transmission can be removed for servicing without moving the engine and simply by unbolting and moving the drive shaft back towards the stuffing box
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John
1/16/2014 10:56:26 pm
Planning to take the Athena on the Newport-Bermuda race in 2016. Two years to make any modifications/additions necessary. Has anyone taken a 34-2 SD on a race like this? Any recommendations or advice?
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Jack Harris
2/15/2014 10:56:24 pm
Reply from several Tartan owners via the Yahoo Tartan Group Forum:
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Dan Wallace
7/18/2015 10:27:18 am
Hi, I was wondering if you are still planning to do the Newport-Bermuda race in 2016? I owned a 34-2 and am interested in how it is going.
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John
1/22/2016 03:53:09 am
Dan - No, I will not be ready for the N-B this year. I will be a navigator on a large racer. I'll try for the 2018 race. There are a lot of upgrades to do, such as adding an interior manual pump, buying a storm jib, heavy weather jib and storm trysail, and so on (all required by the race rules). Struggling with the expense and logistics of doing it all.
Perry Lewis
4/4/2014 03:10:41 am
Dolce Vento Hull# 016 just checking in from Scituate MA. Just spent a lot of hours gelcoating the hull. A labor of love for a one man show. I have a video comprised of time elapsed pics. Any ways, we are on schedule for a relaunch the first of May. Good luck to all other 34-2 owners,
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John Geany
3/24/2018 07:36:31 am
Hi Dolce Vento Hull# 016 My name is John and I'm in Beverly Ma.
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Jack Harris
3/29/2018 08:14:49 am
Hi John, The deep fin keel is faster than the sheel keel as it allows it to point more effectively. And these boats sail fantastically! You really need to work to get the toe rail in the water, as it naturally wants to settle at around 20 degrees. What else do you want to know that the site does not provide?
jim blotter
8/6/2014 09:00:38 pm
Is this an active site?
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Jack Harris
8/6/2014 11:13:15 pm
I can either answer your question or pass it to a Tartan Yahoo group site for an answer.
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jim blotter
8/13/2014 11:06:34 pm
The starboard chainplate on our 34-2 hull 89 leaks alot of water when it rains. I have taken the cover off ,outside , and chaulked once with silicone and once with 4200 to no avail. The silicone lasted longer than the 4200 but it still leaks. When we're sailing you can hear the deck move , on the starboard side only. The port side seems to be ok but whatever I do, to repair, on the starboard i think i should do port also.
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Jack Harris
8/14/2014 04:30:34 am
I had the same problem, although I did not have a noisy deck! You might check to see if you have a leak elsewhere that is routing to the starboard chainplate. A thorough cleaning of the previous caulk and re-caulking did the trick for me.
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John Case
12/18/2014 05:22:19 am
I am looking for shoal keel t34-2 in hilton head area
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Randall Washington
6/1/2015 05:16:57 am
Has any had issue with their icebox not draining water after the ice melts?
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Daniel Wallace
10/9/2017 08:31:55 am
There is a small drain tube going into the bilge that gets easily clogged.
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John Swanson
10/9/2017 08:26:39 am
Dear me...maybe I just need a new boat. Trying to run a network cable from the mast back to the helm. Looks like it will require a couple of splices. It would be best if I could remove the salon floorboards to set in a larger pvc pipe for all of the wires beneath the floor. Does anyone know how on earth to remove a floorboard?
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Daniel Wallace
10/9/2017 08:31:09 am
There are about 5 or 6 bronze screws holding the sole to the interior pan.
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Capn Jimbo
10/19/2017 05:17:26 pm
Hi, and thanks for a nice blog. Need some advice - found a nice 34-2 on the hard, did a good pre-survey inspection for myself, and all was well short of a couple of soft spots, not bad really. Mostly dry and solid deck, cabin, hull, rudder.
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Daniel Wallace
10/20/2017 04:01:50 am
Certainly expected to find blisters on the keel bulb. I had a ton but they didn't effect her ability to sail on all points nor was there any apparent drag. Where are the soft spots? On the top deck? If the keel bolts are properly torqued in the bilge then I would say you might want to drop the keel, clean, fair the joint, then reattach it properly sealed. Then a small fiberglass or epoxy joint repair. I cant remember if one of the surveys on my boat found any excess moisture in the keel joint. You could call around to different surveyors and just ask them. They'll probably answer your question. I'm more worried about the soft spots you mention.
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Capn Jimbo
10/20/2017 06:22:09 am
Thanks for the reply. I am so used to inspecting encapsulated keels, where the moisture meter will pick up moisture, that I forgot the Scheel is lead, bolted on and only seems to have a thin fairing on it, if that. Thus the meter reflects off the lead (or any metal) and falsely shows high moisture. So now I believe it's dry.
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Daniel Wallace
10/20/2017 06:52:25 am
It is solid glass on the entire hull. I installed Twinscope forward looking sonar bulb transducers about a foot forward of the keel on each side of the centerline. Scary thing to do but I can guarantee there's no core below the water line and I don't think there is any core in the hull at all, either. If the area's around the chainplates will flex under weight then I might be cautious about the boat. If not then I would have to consider long and hard whether it's worth tearing into/up. These boats are exceptionally strong and fast. Chainplate cover leakage isn't abnormal. Seemed like I did it every year or so. Where did they install the raw water inlet? Mine had it installed on the port side halfway between the centerline and keel even with the engine. So if you are healed over to starboard the inlet would go in and out of the water which lead to constant engine over heat buzzers. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vt8w6lam03fujwa/AAAiTskbt_B0JETltHOAc5qKa?dl=0 That link is to pictures of my Tartan.
Jeff Cochran
6/13/2018 05:24:39 pm
My wife and I are pretty excited about our new Tartan 34-2, hull #75
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joe avellar
7/26/2018 09:41:33 am
Hi. I have a Tartan 34-2 #33 in Stamford, CT. Replaced the rigging last year and now my older 145% jib doesn't perform worth a damn. Was thinking of replacing it. Any preferences on the best size for cruising and performance?. What do people like and why? And who do you like for sailmakers? Got a wonderful main from Precision in Canada 2 years ago to replace the original 1986 Main. The Canadian dollar makes sails from them at least 40% less.
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Chuck
12/15/2018 03:11:31 pm
Hello all T34-2 owners and admirers,
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Jack Harris
12/18/2018 06:32:34 am
Hi Chuck,
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Chuck
12/18/2018 01:53:24 pm
Hello Jack,
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Jack D Harris
12/18/2018 06:02:06 pm
Hello Chuck,
Jack D Harris
12/18/2018 05:55:35 pm
From http://www.phrfne.org/page/handicapping/base_handicaps:
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Chuck
1/12/2019 01:47:08 pm
Thanks Jack. I will be driving past Picton area in late January would you mind if I took a look at the outside of your hull? I would love to see one while out of the water re keel and rudder. Also what is the preferred modern propeller these days? I am thinking 2 or 3 blade feathering, and size? There seems to be a few boats for sale currently but all in the USA. Again thank you.
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Jeff Cochran
7/5/2019 07:07:33 pm
The steering brake on my 1987 34-2 was inoperable.
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Jeff Cochran
3/31/2020 08:12:46 pm
Well, Our OSHeet! had an terrible mishap this Winter here in Cleveland. The wind knocked her over on her stands. She is a total loss... My wife and I are devastated, she was an amazing boat. Sailed so amazing! unfortunately,
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Don Evans
4/30/2020 06:39:31 pm
To Jeff Cochran, Real sorry to hear about your mishap. Curious why insurance deemed it a total loss and chose not to do repairs. It's not like we can buy new ones!
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Scott
6/2/2020 07:42:57 am
1985 t 34-2. Hull 12. Can anyone tell me if the hull is cored below the waterline?
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Daniel Wallace
6/2/2020 08:04:40 am
No area of the hull is cored. All solid glass, somewhere just shy of 2" near the keel and tapering gradually up.
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Scott
6/2/2020 08:42:31 am
Thanks! Made my day.
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richard brunt
6/26/2020 03:46:42 pm
The brochure from the 34-2 website says the hull is cored.
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Jack Harris
6/2/2020 08:14:06 am
Thanks for the quick reply Dan. You had an earlier post detailing this point. Nice to know we are solid below the waterline!
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Daniel Wallace
6/26/2020 03:50:11 pm
The coring is topsides to the toerails not on the hull proper.
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Scott
6/26/2020 03:52:34 pm
That's the question. Coring above the waterline is no big deal. Below can be a problem.
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Daniel Wallace
6/27/2020 06:30:18 am
Just for interest. If you ever have a power failure that effects one section of the boat, there is a bolt that connects the deck to the hull. It is on the center-line directly behind the rudder post. The wire cable was run by it and held up by it. It chafed my portside power feed in the Dominican Republic. Definitely take a look when doing your preventive maintenance of your boat.
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Scott
6/27/2020 10:02:44 am
I have hull 12 and have a universal 5424. I thought these came with a yanmar. This makes me think my boat might actually be a tartan 33r. Did some 34-2 have the 5424?
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6/28/2020 11:34:52 am
Hi Scott,
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Scott
7/25/2020 06:46:20 pm
Has anyone used the emergency tiller? Where can I get parts?
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Wandering Star
7/25/2020 07:19:57 pm
There probably are parts out there but it could be easier and less expensive to have one fabricated. What I remember is it is a very simple slip fit and shouldnt be difficult to do.
Jack Harris
7/25/2020 07:39:49 pm
I would call Tartan in Painesville, Ohio. It is a straight foward part that is inserted after you remove the cover plate.
Scott
7/25/2020 07:23:03 pm
Thanks. I’ll post with details when I get to it.
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9/8/2020 07:50:02 am
Just saw this 34-2 show up on Facebook near me.. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/345376883493177/
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Greg
12/5/2020 10:10:17 am
Looking seriously at purchasing a 34-2. A couple of questions...
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Scott
12/5/2020 10:14:55 am
I often single hand. It's not bad, but a bit awkward if I am behind the wheel. I find I am often forward of the wheel, sitting on the lazarette bench, which is a better place to be. Actually I want to install a strong autopilot so I can be closer to the dodger: when there's wind there's often rain...
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Jack Harris
12/5/2020 11:25:09 am
Hi Scott. I have a bimini that I find does a good job protecting me from sun and rain, unless the rain is horizontal! And the autopilot allows me to duck under the dodger if it is really inclement. I am having replacement dodger and bimini made this winter by Quinte Canvas (TopShop) in Kingston, Ontario.
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Greg
12/5/2020 10:59:46 am
Thanks for the quick reply. How does she do in light wind?
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Jack Harris
12/5/2020 11:21:32 am
Hi Greg and Scott -- Unlike Scott, I love single-handing from behind the wheel. The traveler just ahead of the pedestal is perfect for my trimming the main without using the main sheet, and the winches are placed where I can easily tail the genoa. My last boat had a cabin-top traveler and winches to accommodate crew that were too far forward so I had to sit/stand ahead of the wheel, which I found awkward and, with guests, crowded. Tartan designed the boat to be easily single-handed, with ample seating aft for the helmsman, or seated on either side of the wheel. In addition, Tartan even angled the deck at the stern so you can stand straight up on the low side.
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Greg
12/5/2020 12:28:58 pm
Thank you both.
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Daniel Wallace
12/5/2020 01:37:50 pm
I singlehanded 5000 miles without an autopilot. You can easily use the mainsheet and traveler from either side of the wheel. These boats will sail themselves pretty easily once you get the hang of it. It is kind of a hop over to traveler but not to bad.
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Jack Harris
12/5/2020 01:45:56 pm
I agree with Dan who has lots of offshore experience with his boat. I have no difficulty adjusting the mainsheet from behind the wheel. I use the traveler extensively to center the boom when need be so the mainsheet blocks are usually not center lined (although it is not much a a reach when they are), and make additional adjustments with the main sheet as needed.
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Greg
12/5/2020 03:30:06 pm
Thank you all. This is very helpful. Boat has some issues that seem solvable. Hope it works out. Life long sailer but first time boat owner.
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Daniel Wallace
12/5/2020 03:34:17 pm
Which boat are you looking at, Greg? A boats sailhandling equipment and installation can make things easier or harder. Whether cruising or racing, these are fast boats. I have kept up with a deep keeled Sabre 38 without a huge amount of trouble. They are good in light air and heavy. Exceptionally sea kindly. Not much I can think of to say that isnt positive. Like any boat, you will have to develop the muscle memory of handling her through practice. She will take the mistakes and reward the effort though.
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Greg
12/5/2020 04:11:44 pm
I’m looking at Hull 105 on Lake Erie. She has clearly been well cared for, but was the victim of a collision 12 years ago. Repair was done but maybe not well. Survey revealed a large delaminating area above and below the water line. Appears to be only gel coat. Area is dry, but the fix will be several thousand. Wet in other areas, but not more than you’d expect for a boat this age.
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Daniel Wallace
12/6/2020 04:34:26 am
Greg, These boats aren't that old in the grand scheme of things, really. I hope you haven't fallen in love with or have 'gottahaveitatanycost-itis' on this boat. I think you should seriously consider a different if it is one on Yachtworld. Delamination is a creeping cancer and you shouldn't 'expect wet area's'. That sounds like broker bilge to me. The current owners need to have it fixed or agree to pay the final bill, preferably the former.
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Greg
12/6/2020 09:28:27 am
Thanks Daniel. Doing some homework and if I go forward the repair will be done at owners expense in an indoor facility of my choosing. Reaching out to connections at Tartan for their thoughts.
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Daniel Wallace
12/6/2020 11:22:44 am
I'm not sure that Tartan will be able to give you anything more than any builder. It isn't the same company as the Tartan of old. Call some boat yards specializing in hull and insurance damage. They will know what is appropriate and a candidate to be repaired and what is not worth it if it is indeed repairable. Not trying to scare you away from this type of repair but it needs seriously reflection on what this particular boat is giving you. Not knowing what 'large area' is, it stills puts that cold cold chill down my spine. You may have some bucks in a survey but it is the only insurance you are going to get as to whether this is a sound vessel. The surveyor works for YOU and should be telling you everything and explaining it and the ramifications. Then take his survey and have another surveyor or two look at it for their opinions.. Why it took a survey to find a "a large delaminating area above and below the water line" and "Wet in other areas, but not more than you’d expect for a boat this age." concerns me greatly. This is not a 'normal' thing for a 34-2, mark my words... Careful and 'hold Fast'..
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Greg
12/14/2020 12:09:04 pm
Though I’m still considering the 34-2 I have just come across at 372 that is interesting. I don’t see a good owners forum anywhere on this model. Does anyone here have experience with them?
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Scott
1/26/2021 10:07:32 pm
Does anyone have anything to say about the baby stay? It's in the way, and I have it pinned to the side. I sail in some heavy winds and think I should use it to prevent mast pump. But I want to be able to move it to the side in light winds. I don't know what to do.
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Daniel Wallace
1/27/2021 04:29:14 am
Essentially, the baby stay supports and keeps the mast upright and vertical from the keel step through the cabin top while the mast is being raked to effect sail shape. It can be fixed or adjustable like mine was. While at rest, it can be moved 'out of the way'. Underway, it needs to be attached and taut. While it won't do much for mast bump (that is the rigs purpose), it will keep the mast from damaging and eventually delaminating the cabin top. Likewise when not underway for a day or two, ease the backstay so it isn't bending the mast unnecessarily.
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Jack Harris
1/27/2021 08:23:53 am
Dan is correct. I have an adjustable baby stay and I usually keep it taut. But I would not sail with it detached. I don't have an adjustable backstay. Tartan indicates that the baby stay prevents mast "pumping."
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Scott
1/27/2021 08:26:47 am
How do I make it adjustable? My backstay is adjustable. How do I rig it to be tensioned and still release?
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Jack Harris
1/27/2021 09:16:28 am
Take a look at some of the photos on the website -- under All About the Tartan... Brochures and Photos, Exterior....
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Daniel Wallace
8/20/2022 04:00:10 pm
Just throwing this out there but if there is only one thing I would add to a sailboat sail handling system it would be adjustable genoa lead cars. I had them and they are fantastic! Essentially it is a double block at the front of the genoa track and the car has blocks on it. It allows you to tweak your jib/genoa and get the shape just right.
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AuthorJack Harris is the owner of "Temptation," a 1985 Tartan 34-2. Jack is a Professor of Sociology and an international consultant to local governments. He sails out of Prinyer's Cove, Picton, Ontario, Canada. ArchivesCategories
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- Tartan 34-2 Home Page
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T34-2 Owners Pages
- Hull #3 - "Ocean Razor"
- Hull #4 "Carpe Diem"
- Hull #9 - "Temptation"
- Hull #11 - "Bad in Plaid"
- Hull #12 - "Bellwether"
- Hull #22 - "Rose Claire"
- Hull #23 -- Scarlett
- Hull #24 - "Liberty"
- Hull #30 - "Further"
- Hull # 37 "Logged Out"
- Hull #39 - "First Rate"
- Hull #49 - "Scot Free"
- Hull #54 -- "Sea Panda"
- Hull #57 - "Yankee"
- Hull #66-"Emme Anne"
- Hull #67 - "Liberty" >
- Hull #70 - "Aurora"
- Hull #75 - "O-Sheet!"
- Hull #78 - "Kickin' Back"
- Hull #83 - "Dash"
- Hull #84 - "Triton"
- Hull #88 - "Windswept"
- Hull # 91 - Puffin
- Hull #94 - "Spirit"
- Hull #95 - "Windward"
- Hull #101 - "Athena"
- Hull #109 - "Counterpoint"
- Hull #9 "Temptation"
- T34-2 Blog