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History
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Catalina 34, first produced in the 1986 model year (with the
first hulls constructed in 1985), has been in
near-continuous production for more than a decade. This page
recounts the C34s history. It's still a work in progress;
please contribute any
information you may have. Thanks to Ron
Hill for contributions to this page.
To see how the Catalina 34 developed over
time, visit the Gallery. You'll find photographs of C34s
arranged by hull number. The links below will take you
directly to images of vintage boats. Or click here to read a
review by Practical Sailor
A Catalina 34 Timeline
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 the wing (4 feet 3 inch) or
fin (5 feet 7 inch) keel. Check out the original order
form and price list. I bought my Catalina 34
because I became convinced that the evolution has not been
change for change sake, it has been in response to
recommendations from C-34 owners. It continues in
small ways from year to year. Dave Smith.
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1986 Introduction
The early 1985 and 1986 hulls have a deck stepped mast
with a Universal 25 (21HP) diesel engine. Read the
review of the original C34,
courtesy of Sail Magazine.
1987 Keel-stepped
mast and larger engine
The 1987 through 1990 hulls incorporated a keel stepped
mast with a Universal 25XP (23 HP) engine.
1989 Open
transom model introduced
In 1990-91 the hull incorporated a walk-through transom
and a Universal M35 (30 HP). Gradually, many changes were
incorporated that were later to characterize the Mark II:
for example, the walk-through transom was added on 11/30/89,
an aft deck shower on 3/6/90, and a single-line reef on
12/10/91. The last Mark I models
look very much like Mark IIs. |
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1995
Only two C34s produced this year in
anticipation of new Mark II model
 1996 Catalina
34 Mark II
The MkII again has a deck stepped mast with a redesigned
hull which is noticeably beamier in the cockpit and transom
areas.
New features Wider above the waterline at the
stern making the cockpit wider. Seats on the stern
pulpit. Deck stepped mast with compression post
in lieu of keel stepped. New head mold for better
drainage and easier cleanup.
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Revised deck mold, elimination of dorade vents, lower
traveler, revised companionway hatch and slides, elimination
of virtually all topside teak, relocation of engine control
panel  to
steering pedestal, fixed cockpit table (option?), new
interior cabinetry with louvered teak fronts in lieu of
sliding black Plexiglas, addition of hanging locker in aft
cabin, revised galley counter (corian?) with trash bin and
elimination of fold-up counter extension, rubber flooring in
galley area, revised and relocated electrical panel (Bob
Greenhaus)
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