[Advocate777]

Hi everyone -- there is probably a thread somewhere on this, but I couldnt find it. Here is my question:
Of the three (3) used (1980's era) Pacific Seacraft cruising sailboats, the:
PS Orion 27 -
PS Mariah 31 -
PS 34 -

1.) Any comments -- boat would be for two (2) for Florida to Bahamas, Caribbean- extended liveaboard 9 mos - 1 year or longer

2.) I would like to go see any that may be on the Chesapeake in May. Know of any?

3.) The Orion 27 and the Mariah 31 used are reasonably priced. The 34 is a bit on the high end...I saw one for close to 100K. Is there a big difference between the Mariah 31 and the 34?

Thanks for your input---the delay in me getting an affordable boat to head south and liveaboard with my wife is only helping narrow down what I really want and what I can actually afford. Thanks again for any comments on the above three (3) models!

 

[casey1999]

Here is one in Annapolis. From what I understand, they are solid well made boats. This one looks perfect. All outfitted for world cruise and in great shape. And that shallow draft of 4'-2" would be good for Bahamas:

1993 Pacific Seacraft Crealock 34 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
Celtic Cross
Year:1993
Length:34'
Engine/Fuel Type:Single Located In:Annapolis, MD
Hull Material:Fiberglass
YW#:1925-2623052 Current Price:US$ 95,000

Pacific Seacrafts have long been known as one of the finest production built cruising sailboats on the market. Take a close look at this Pacific Seacraft 34 and you will understand why they have earned that reputation. Her elegant design and sea kindly lines will be appreciated by all those who lay eyes on her, or are fortunate enough to sail aboard her.

Her Scheel keel performs very well on all points of sail while giving the boat a shallow draft of only 4'2". This combined with her hull shape provides a very comfortable ride in even rough seas and high winds.

The current owners of this boat have been meticulous with her maintenance and have upgraded her in ways that you are sure to appreciate.

Understanding the heritage and the philosophy behind the Pacific Seacraft 34 is relatively easy. You need look only as far as the Pacific Seacraft 37. Clearly a slightly smaller sister, the Pacific Seacraft 34 is a refined sibling boasting the same seagoing capabilities, the same beauty and the same adherence to the control and comfort of her owner.

Indeed, control and comfort have been central to the entire design of the Pacific Seacraft 34. Hulls with easy overhangs make for fast and comfortable ocean passages. Owners report that her canoe stem enables her to maintain surfing speeds under complete control. Her underbody has earned a reputation for close windedness. And her balance under sail builds confidence - even in those who are not greatly experienced.

And because man does not live on deck alone, the 34's interior provides a neat functional arrangement with efficient quarters for the cook, for the navigator and for all who demand comfortable living as well as excellent sailing.

From the quality of the laminate to the strength of the rudder to the hand rubbed teak joinery in the cabin, the Pacific Seacraft 34 will take you to sea with safety, efficiency and a touch of elegance.

Our offering, "Celtic Cross", has been very well maintained, well equipped and will certainly not disappoint. She is an exceptional example of this model. If you are in the market for a proven cruising sail boat in this size range you owe it to yourself to take a very close look at this one! She is certainly worthy of your time to inspect her.

Please be sure to click on "FULL SPECS" above for a complete inventory of this boat.

 

[svjobeth]

Hi everyone -- there is probably a thread somewhere on this, but I couldnt find it. Here is my question:
Of the three (3) used (1980's era) Pacific Seacraft cruising sailboats, the:
PS Orion 27 -
PS Mariah 31 -
PS 34 -

1.) Any comments -- boat would be for two (2) for Florida to Bahamas, Caribbean- extended liveaboard 9 mos - 1 year or longer

2.) I would like to go see any that may be on the Chesapeake in May. Know of any?

3.) The Orion 27 and the Mariah 31 used are reasonably priced. The 34 is a bit on the high end...I saw one for close to 100K. Is there a big difference between the Mariah 31 and the 34?

Thanks for your input---the delay in me getting an affordable boat to head south and liveaboard with my wife is only helping narrow down what I really want and what I can actually afford. Thanks again for any comments on the above three (3) models!

There's a very active Pacific Seacraft owner's forum here on SN:

Pacific Seacraft - SailNet Community

To answer your liveaboard question, my wife and I are are nearing the end of a colossal refit of our 1984 PS34, our house is for sale, and we're moving back aboard. The 34 is designed for a couple to cruise. We've been quite comfortable aboard Jo Beth.

As far as the difference between the Mariah 31 and the PS 34 (the earlier boats are also known as the 'Crealock 34') it's quite significant. The Mariah is reminiscent of the Westsail 32, (also a Crealock design) and there fewer of them around. They're tiller steered, with an outboard hung rudder. The 34 can be found in either tiller or wheel steering configurations - we have a tiller. The Mariah and PS 34 interiors are quite different as well. They're solid, well built boats, and to my eye, quite lovely. Then again, so is our 34!

C'mon over to the owner's forum. You'll find a wealth of info there.

 

[svjobeth]

And BTW, I've seen a few of the Orion's around over the years, but can't comment too much on them. They always felt to me to be an extended version of the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. I don't know how many were built.

 

[blowinstink]

I think you should get on some of these boats. I was obsessed with PSC for a while back when boat hunting. Some quick thoughts: the Mariah feels like a much older design (and is). The finish is not the same as the newer PSC models (though undoubtedly heavily built). The Orions that I was on all needed major refits (or had been refitted and repriced accordingly). The 34 has an odd interior but if you like it, they are great. I saw one in good shape change hands for 60Kish so I think you "high end" may be a bit higher than necessary. Of the 3, I thought the Orion was a boat I could afford and liked, but I really only liked the dinette interior (what do they call it -- the C?). Also look at the difference between the Orion MkI and MkII. At the end of the day, I found more bang for my buck in the Cape Dory 33. But you gotta love your boat so . . . follow you heart, just make sure you sleep around before you fall in love -)
Luck,
M

 

[oceangirl]

These are three radically different boats. I can only personally speak to the 34. It is an ideal couples cruising boat in my opinion. Nothing fancy, but all the basics are solid.

The Crealock 34 and Maiah 31 have little in common other than being build by the same builder. Very different boats by different designers with different philosophies.

A PS 34 in average shape should run you 60-70k these days. Less if it needs work. They are certainly not what I would consider affordable boats, but they are well built and easy to work on.

If you are going to look at some, check the owners group for some threads on common problems to look for.

The 34 has an odd interior

How so? I think of the 34 layout as sort of the standard "Plan A" layout.

 

[blowinstink]

How so? I think of the 34 layout as sort of the standard "Plan A" layout.

My bad, I was thinking the 31 (not the Mariah but the newer 31) it has a very unique interior (aft head, open vee berth, aft double, etc). I agree the Crealock 34 is gem but it was out of my price range when I was looking.

 

[svjobeth]

My bad, I was thinking the 31 (not the Mariah but the newer 31) it has a very unique interior (aft head, open vee berth, aft double, etc). I agree the Crealock 34 is gem but it was out of my price range when I was looking.

That's right! It's the 31 interior that reminds of the Dana 24. I was on a delivery crew for one of the early 31's. We took it from St. Pete to Miami for the boat show; was around '90 or '91 if memory serves. I remember the trip being awful and very much appreciating the aft head - not because of weather or the motion of the ocean, but food poisoning from the pizza delivery the night before departure. I was the only one who partook of the 'thin & crispy meat-lovers' and the only one deathly sick 24 hours later...

 

[Advocate777]

There's a very active Pacific Seacraft owner's forum here on SN:

Pacific Seacraft - SailNet Community

To answer your liveaboard question, my wife and I are are nearing the end of a colossal refit of our 1984 PS34, our house is for sale, and we're moving back aboard. The 34 is designed for a couple to cruise. We've been quite comfortable aboard Jo Beth.

As far as the difference between the Mariah 31 and the PS 34 (the earlier boats are also known as the 'Crealock 34') it's quite significant. The Mariah is reminiscent of the Westsail 32, (also a Crealock design) and there fewer of them around. They're tiller steered, with an outboard hung rudder. The 34 can be found in either tiller or wheel steering configurations - we have a tiller. The Mariah and PS 34 interiors are quite different as well. They're solid, well built boats, and to my eye, quite lovely. Then again, so is our 34!

C'mon over to the owner's forum. You'll find a wealth of info there.

Thanks so much! I'm gonna check it out--