Nordic 34 Review

CaptLauren · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009

I've been searching the net for reviews of the Perry-designed Nordic 34 but haven't been able to find much information other than the fact that they built only 8 of them.
I am considering purchasing one and would like to hear from someone who has sailed one or who has any personal knowledge of their quality and performance.
I'm in the market for a performance cruiser that is capable of handling the light airs of the Chesapeake Bay and the rigors of bluewater (a tall order, I know).

COOL · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009

Although I have not sailed one, I think that is one of Perry's
best designs of that era. The design was first produced by
Islander, as the Islander 34, who also only built a limited number
of hulls before the So Cal boat building industry collapsed.
The Nordic builders are back in business building the Nordic 40
and 44 as the Norstar 40 and 44, but they are not building the 34.

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009

Nordics are well known for quality North American built boats.. I'd imagine the 34 would be no different,though as you noted they produced more 40s and 44s. I was unaware of the Islander connections but will take Cool's word for that..

I'm thinking it would be a pretty nice boat.

nemier · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptLauren

I'm in the market for a performance cruiser that is capable of handling the light airs of the Chesapeake Bay and the rigors of bluewater (a tall order, I know).

These thoughts mirror my own. I would also be interested to hear about the Nordic 34. Watching with interest!

dbyesail · #5 (**permalink**) 12-17-2010

Captlauren, the Nordic 34 is a fantistic boat. I owned hull #3, the original owner. Owned "Wizard" for 14 years before I sold her to a sailor from Bellingham WA (hometown of Nordic Yachts). Sailed fast, great boat in light air of western Lake Erie and great in the heavier air of Lake Huron. I have also seen one of the original Islander 34-2's, hull #2. Good boat, but the Nordic 34 was a better boat of the two in construction.

CaptLauren · #6 (**permalink**) 12-18-2010

After looking at several boats and reading about others, I purchased a Nordic 34 last Spring. She is quite fast and handles beautifully.
The keel is a bit deep for the Chesapeake Bay however, and her cockpit is small. Otherwise it's a perfect boat for me.
I would be interested to know if any Nordic owner has fitted a new stem head with a bow roller.
Thanks for your reply!