Welcome!

3/27/2011

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

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.
Best, John.

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
( Raptor ) out of North Carolina.
I'm not sure how the Hull ID nos. relate to the actual hull no.
Any help there?

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.

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.

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.
Bob
Tif Blue

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?
I would be interested in reading up on this,

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?
Thanks for all respnonse.
We love our boat and would not believe how many people compliment us.

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

Jack Harris

5/16/2012 10:54:13 am

Gary,
The Tartan 34-2 is a wonderful boat. You will want to review comments on the 34-2 and the T33 as the 34-2 is an elongated 33 with a different interior.

Look for water tank overflow that has stained the teak and holly sole, look for chain plate integrity and leaks, and any signs of soft spots on the deck as a result of leaks. Otherwise, I think that you will find the boats have aged well.

Get a survey! Happy shopping and fair winds.
Jack

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?
Interested to hear your comments...

Best,
John.

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?
- John Swanson, S/V Athena

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).

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,

That would be fantastic if you could provide initial polars. On another note, can we get a picture of Expedition and some biographical information on you and the boat (year, home port, sailing area) to post on the website?

Jack

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.

- john

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
Any input would be welcome

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?

Jack Harris

2/15/2014 10:56:24 pm

Reply from several Tartan owners via the Yahoo Tartan Group Forum:

FWIW, there is a famous letter from Rod Stephens about preparing a T-37 for an Atlantic Crossing. The letter is widely available, but I don’t have it on this computer. It would be worth a look for a T34 as well. Cheers!
--Rick McLaren, 1970 S&S 37 Dulcinea

I've prepared both a Tartan 30 and a Tartan 41/43 for Bermuda trips/race. On both boats I "scuttered" them with an inner forstay that terminated at the mast (about 2 feet from to) with a "J" hook termination. I had a turnbuckle modified with handles for easy adjustment. I had a double Wichard folding deck piece. This must be tied into an under deck support (bulkhead or tie rod to bow). I wanted to be able to 1) use storm jib 2) use heavy weather jib. Therefore I had the deck fitting fairly far forward. Running backstays are not usually needed as long as the mast fitting is within 2 feet from top. Rigging Only in Rhode Island is your best friend for this project. Down flooded can be controlled just by using a barrel bolt to lock lower hatch board. Then a board can be made to cross the cockpit making a step/seat. Tim -- Northstar T41/43

"Severn" a 1986 or 1987 T34-2 was sailed from the Severn River all the way to the Med then to Brazil. Can't remember the skipper's name but he made just a few modifications to the boat, mostly for carrying extra fuel. He had a blog called "The Log of the Severn" but I don't have the link anymore. The boat was never a problem. worst was very cold gale force winds in the Med.
Richard, T4100 Symphony

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.
Dan

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,

John Geany

3/24/2018 07:36:31 am

Hi Dolce Vento Hull# 016 My name is John and I'm in Beverly Ma.
I'm looking at a 1988 T 34-2 Deep Fin Keel. She needs work and sails. Any advice would be helpful and how well do they sail?
Thanks

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?
I have a question about the chainplates on out 34-2 on hull no.89

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.

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.
A friend suggested Dolfinite as a chaulk.
I have done some repairs to the deck which had stress cracks in it and some moisture , which seems better now.
Thank you for any help or any other contacts that might be able to help.
Jim

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.

You should join the Tartan Group on Yahoo and ask a broader audience of Tartan Owners. Go to: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/tartansailing/info and register. You can ask your question there.

Jack
Temptation
Tartan 34-2
Hull #9

John Case

12/18/2014 05:22:19 am

I am looking for shoal keel t34-2 in hilton head area

Randall Washington

6/1/2015 05:16:57 am

Has any had issue with their icebox not draining water after the ice melts?

Daniel Wallace

10/9/2017 08:31:55 am

There is a small drain tube going into the bilge that gets easily clogged.

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?

Daniel Wallace

10/9/2017 08:31:09 am

There are about 5 or 6 bronze screws holding the sole to the interior pan.

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.

Until I got to the Scheel keel.

The keel had a number of blisters and I could see the joint line where the Scheel meets the keel stub. When I ran my meter down the keel, when it hit the join line, the moisture level jumped way up, all the way down the Scheel. Earlier I'd found about 3" of water in the bilge which I'd thought had entered via the mast (base was wet).

I speculated that water had run down the bolts to the Scheel? Not sure. I'd like to make an offer, but I am VERY concerned about what I may be facting in terms of this keel and repairs.

What have I found, and what might I be in for? Thanks...

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.

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.

The areas I found moisture were - as one might expect - around the chainplates, both port and starboard. There was a survey around 6 years ago which found some higher readings on the starboard, and the surveyor had advised a wait and watch plan, test every year.

I don't think the ;sealing plates on the chainplates (or any other fittings) had been rebedded after that. So now both port and starboard show higher moisture. The areas of higher moisture deck area extends about two feet forward and two feet back of the chainplates, and from the cabin edge to close to the rails. Call the areas about 4 ft x 2 ft.

My tap test showed only a small area of delamination (maybe 4 in x 4in) on the port, but the starboard moisture the surveyor found 6 years ago on the starboard had much more delam as per tapping, say an area maybe 3 ft by 2ft.

The rest of the 34-2 is immaculate, dry, no stress cracks, no evidence of port leakage, etc. Just the chainplate area. I think the starboard 3 x 2' area will have to be drilled to see whether the balsa is rotted or just wet, and you know the rest. I believe the port may only need a drill and fill.

Your thoughts?

Oh, one more question. I understand the 34-2, like the 33 on which it is based, has a cored hull, except for nearer the bow. Do you know where the solid hull ends and the core begins? Any core under the waterline?

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
We will be out of Edgewater Marina in CLE. I see there are also listed owners at Edgewater YC and Whiskey Island (I will be searching you out!) Anyways our boat is missing the swim ladder off the stern and I was looking for advice on where to find a new one. Thanks!

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.

Chuck

12/15/2018 03:11:31 pm

Hello all T34-2 owners and admirers,
I am considering one of these as my next boat. This web site is helpful. One of my concerns is Scheel keel vs deep keel. I sail on Lake Ontario, lots of solo distance racing, 50% upwind. I have always owned performance based sailboat. I want standing headroom, proper head, furling Genoa and a gimballed stove for my next boat. I love where the traveler is on the 34-2. Happy to fly either sym.kite or Asym.as long as I have a trustworthy auto helm. I would love to see one of these boats soon. Also I would love to crew on one and will travel to do it. Any owner comments are most welcome. Chuck, Ontario. Thank you.

Jack Harris

12/18/2018 06:32:34 am

Hi Chuck,
Glad that you find this site helpful! The T34-2 is a wonderful boat and has all of the features you say you want. To your question -- the Scheel keel. I have found it an acceptable performer but it will never point like a deep keel. There may be some T34-2s that have a deep keel (like the racing version of the T33), but it would be rare. I too sail on Lake Ontario (up at Prince Edward County) and have found that in the right circumstances the boat points well. I usually gain ground on other boats upwind and downwind -- the boat is fast. But you won't know until you try it -- my boat is on the hard until May and then you are welcome to sail with me and test it out.

Chuck

12/18/2018 01:53:24 pm

Hello Jack,
Thanks for the reply. I may very well take you up on your offer for a sail, thank you. I am a member of Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club in Pickering since 1994. You would not happen to know the PHRF rating on a 34-2 with either keel? I envy you being at the east end of the lake, lots of sailing options, and close to the 1,000 Islands. Do you store on Canadian soil? It looks like a big price jump to go to a T3500 designed by Jacket so for now my eyes are on the T34-2. Thanks again. Chuck

Jack D Harris

12/18/2018 06:02:06 pm

Hello Chuck,

Boat is currently on the hard in Canada -- repairing the Hurth transmission. Sail out of Prinyer's Cove in the season with lots of sailing options -- day sailing west or east on Adolphus Reach and the North Channel, to Kingston and berthing at Confederation Basin, Thousand Islands, and 30 minutes sail out into Lake Ontario proper, with lots of relatively protected water in Prince Edward Bay. Great spot for a lot of sailing variety. Of course we do not have your yacht club's range of activities, but little Prinyer's Cove Marina is a lovely place to grab a dock or mooring for the weekend. Come on over!

Jack D Harris

12/18/2018 05:55:35 pm

From http://www.phrfne.org/page/handicapping/base_handicaps:
TARTAN 34-2 132 -- so this would be the Fin Keel
TARTAN 34-2 SD 135 -- and this would be Shoal Draft = Scheel Keel

From the Tartan 34-2 website:
PHRF (base with Scheel keel):
High-135 (PHRF-NE BASE HANDICAPS 31 March 2011);
Low-147 (US Sailing);
Average-141 (US Sailing).

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.

Jeff Cochran

7/5/2019 07:07:33 pm

The steering brake on my 1987 34-2 was inoperable.
When I opened the binnacle up, it appears that pieces may be missing.
I bought a set of Edson brakes and they don't look like they'll fit.
Can someone tell me what binnacle an d brakes this uses?
Thanks

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,
It is proving to be difficult to find a replacement for her for what we had to settle with the insurance company for. It is also difficult to find another one of the 1987 layout, a fin keel, the aluminum toe rail and all the sail handling equipment we had.
Anybody looking to sell one reasonably, please let us know...
330-608-6348

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!

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?

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.

Scott

6/2/2020 08:42:31 am

Thanks! Made my day.

richard brunt

6/26/2020 03:46:42 pm

The brochure from the 34-2 website says the hull is cored.
https://tartansailing.weebly.com/34-2-1985-brochure--photos.html

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!

Daniel Wallace

6/26/2020 03:50:11 pm

The coring is topsides to the toerails not on the hull proper.

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.

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.

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?

Jack Harris link

6/28/2020 11:34:52 am

Hi Scott,

Send me a photo of your boat, boat name and hailing port information, and where you sail and I will post your #12 information on the owners pages.

For 1985 model year (your #12 included) the engine is a Universal M-30 24hp, The Yanmar 3GM 27hp was used starting with the 1986 models.

Scott

7/25/2020 06:46:20 pm

Has anyone used the emergency tiller? Where can I get parts?

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.

Daniel Wallace link

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/

Greg

12/5/2020 10:10:17 am

Looking seriously at purchasing a 34-2. A couple of questions...

How easy is it to operate the main sheet and the main traveler positioned so close to the pedestal? Seems like you need to reach around the wheel for the sheet. Does that get awkward?

Does anyone have experience on sailing this boat single handed? Comments?

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...

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.

Greg

12/5/2020 10:59:46 am

Thanks for the quick reply. How does she do in light wind?

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.

As for light winds, how you define that will make a difference. I have a 155 genoa and I find in 2-4 she will move along as I would expect given the conditions. The boat also loves downwind sailing.

Purchase the boat! You will not regret it.

Greg

12/5/2020 12:28:58 pm

Thank you both.

Can you operate the main sheet from behind the wheel?

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.

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.

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.

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.
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1987/tartan-t-34-3579192/ That is the boat I had and she has it all and everything in the right place. The only thing I would watch for is where the raw water intake thruhull is located.

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.

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.

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.

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'..

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?

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.

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.
It is your boat but remember that there are no 'extra parts' in the mast and rigging that supports it. While it may be inconvenient somehow, it is far better to deal with that than the issues it can cause.

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."

I always wondered if one could mount a small staysail on the baby stay. Anyone tried that?

Happy sailing!

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?

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....

There are some pictures of the fore of my cabin top. The baby stay has been shortened and a block and tackle has been added, and run back to the cockpit where there is a clam cleat. (I also have the spinnaker guy secured there in the picture). Does that help?

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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Jack 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.

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