express 34 sailboat

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Express 34, Hobie 33, Olson 34

Three of the best from the west, these performance sloops have been out of production for 15 years but are still hot because theyre not only fast, but built well enough for blue-water sailing..

Nearly everyone involved in the boating industry during the prosperity of the 1970s also has a vivid recollection of the 1980s, when the industry stood on the brink of implosion. Old-line builders like ODay, Cal, Ericson and Pearson went the way of T-Rex; others endured losses for several years before returning to profitability in the mid-1990s. A sad by-product of that debacle is that molds for three of the finest boats produced on the West Coast are gathering dust in a boatyard in Port Townsend, a storage shed in the San Francisco Bay area, and a warehouse in southern California.

Compared to conventional productions boats of the mid-1980s, the Express 34 and Olson 34 were lighter and faster, but still suitable for distance cruising. The Hobie 33, though most suitable for camper-crusing, was designed to be fast yet trailerable and capable of blue-water sailing. Nearly 20 years after their short-lived production runs, the three are still so popular that finding a used one can be a challenge.

The Designs

The Express 34 was the third Carl Schumacher design produced by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks in Santa Cruz. Schumacher designs have been afloat since the 1970s, ranging in size from 10 to 70 feet. Among Schumachers early designs, his quarter-tonner Summertime Dream won the North American Championships in 1979 and 1980. A current design, the Alerion Express, is one of the sweetest sailing, smartest looking boats weve seen in the last 10 years.

Terry Alsberg, who managed the company, was a graduate of Ron Moores boatbuilding shop, adherents to Bill Lees fast is fun slogan. The company made its first splash in 1984 with the introduction of the Express 27, a pocket racer that enjoyed great success in one-design and MORC competition. Many of the 117 produced are still racing.

The Express 37, a true performance cruiser, was launched in 1984, and 65 were built.

Profits from the sale of the 37 were used to fund the tooling for the Express 34, which was launched in 1986. Though it received Sailing World s Boat of the Year Award, its cost led to the eventual demise of the company.

Brokers told us that we needed to have more accommodations belowdecks than the 37 – cruiser add- ons that increased the price, remembers Schumacher. We ended up with a lot of Express 37 features in a 34-foot boat.

Since it was easy to use the same raw materials as were used on the Express 37, the laminates became heavier, and more expensive. The final boat was about 1,000 pounds heavier than my design, Schumacher adds. Boat were priced at $80,000, only $15,000 less than the 37.

Eventually, faced with high production costs, a softening market, and poor financial planning, the company closed its doors in 1988.

Also located in Santa Cruz, Olson Yachts produced five different models under its banner from 1978 to 1986, and the Soverel 33 for a different company.

The most famous of George Olsons designs is the Olson 30, of which 350 were sold. A proven race winner, the Olson 30 is still active in onedesign fleets in many major sailing ports.

In response to a market craving a MORC racer with a modicum of creature comforts, the company also produced 250 25-footers.

Of the 34s genesis, Olson says, We then decided that the 34 would fill a niche for a larger racer- cruiser, we wanted a light to mediweight boat that was easy to sail, would appeal to racers, and double as a family boat. The design featured a moderately angled reverse transom, and elliptical keel and rudder.

Shortly after producing hull #1, however, the company ran into financial trouble and the tooling was sold to Ericson Yachts.

Don Kohlmann, then directing of marketing for Ericson, says We added the Olson to our product line because we wanted a faster, lower-priced boat than the Ericson 35, a cruiser priced $22,000 higher than the Olson.

Ericson Yachts produced 37 Olson 34s, which were priced at $60,000, including sails.

The Hobie 33 was designed by Hobie Alter during the final monthsof his boatbuilding career.

An avid southern California surfer, Alter captured the surfboard market in his teens with the development of lighter, stronger boards. He followed with development of the 14- and 16-foot Hobie one-design catamarans, two of the largest selling boats in industry history.

Eventually selling to the Coleman Company, Alter retained an office and began work on the prototype for his first monohull. Following a pattern of designing easily transported vessels, he produced a strong, fast, 33-footer that, he says, could be launched by my daughter. She was the guinea pig. A video produced by his pal Warren Miller, of ski movie fame, shows the prototype being driven onto a seawall with no damage to hull or keel. The combination of an easily retractable keel and 8 foot beam allowed trailering on any state or federal highway.

The boat was ultimately doomed by a $50,000 price tag and a downturn in the industry. According to Alter, another contributor to the boats demise was its development in a nonmarine, bureaucratic environment, He describes management meetings where I was typically not talking with boat people, but with marketing and accounting types.

The boat was a stepchild for the company, and the retractable keel was expensive to produce. The company eventually built the last boats with a fixed keel.

One Hobie 33 buyer was Dennis Conner, who, says Alter, bought two, stretched them to 37 feet, and used them as prototypes for an Americas Cup boat with a double rudder system.

The boat was in construction from 1982-1986, and 187 were sold; theyre being sailed on all coasts of the continent, and even in Nova Scotia. Theyre especially popular with lake sailors.

Accommodations

The Olson and Express have legitimate cruising interiors, though the Express exudes a racing pedigree.

Freeboard on the Olson is 1 greater than the Express, which creates more interior volume. Headroom is 64″, compared to 61 in the Express.

In his introduction of the boat, Olson said he intended to provide family-oriented accommodations for six adults, with pressurized fresh water, a two burner stove-oven combination, and large ice box with refrigeration as an option. Bulkheads are teak veneer; joinery trim and cabinetry are solid teak.

Olson owners give the interior high marks because it features a head located aft to port, adjacent to an enclosed stateroom with a double berth. Berths in the Olson 34 measure 66″ in the bow and stern; settees amidships measure 62″.

The galley is to starboard, opposite a functional nav station that faces forward. A drop-leaf table in the center of the main saloon provides comfortable seating for 4 to 6 adults.

The configuration of the Express is similar, though owners say a mast concealed in the head is a plus.

Sleeping quarters for six are in berths measuring 66′ in bow and stern, and settees amidships measuring 64″. Schumacher discovered on an ocean passage that the middle berths are two inches shorter than his design.

As with the 37, the foundation for the V-berth is a fiberglass molding with non-skid so that, with the cushions out, it makes it possible to help the foredeck crew handle sails from down below, he says.

Aft of the V-berth is a hanging locker to port, and head with a shower to starboard. The saloon is furnished with a table that folds off the main bulkhead. The chart table/nav station is to port, the galley to starboard.

A second double berth is located in the port quarter.

By comparison, the Hobie interior reflects the designers intent to trade creature comforts for a trailerable yacht with an 8-foot beam. The interior consists of a narrow area with only 410″ headroom, so performing calisthenics belowdecks is not an option.

Nonetheless, the designer creatively provided space for amenities necessary for overnighting. The V- berth is situated forward of a half- height bulkhead, and enclosed by a privacy curtain; the berth is 6 feet long and wide enough for two adults. A small space is designated for a porta-potty.Settees provide seating amidships at a table that mounts atop the keel trunk.

An optional two-burner stove is mounted on the inside of a cabinet door. One owner cleverly constructed a mount for a gimbaled butane stove that fits into the channels for the companionway slats. That way we can eat and cook in the cockpit and belowdecks at the same time, he said.

An ice chest at the companionway doubles as a step.

The mature sailor will find accommodations in the Express and Olson more comfortable for distance racing and cruising than the Hobie, which resembles a floating campsite.

Deck Layout

Though original deck layouts may have undergone modifications, all three boats were originally rigged for racing. Deck hardware was provided by name-brand manufacturers like Lewmar and Harken, the exception being custom fittings designed and constructed by Hobie.

The Hobie has a single-spreader rig measuring 354″, the others double spreader rigs. The Olson was produced in two versions; a tall rig designed for light-air sailing is 3 1/2 feet taller than the standard 373″ section. The Express 34 mast is 386″ tall. Wire rigging was the standard on all three boats. Many owners report that the original equipment has not lost its integrity; others have replaced wire with rod rigging. The Olson and Express were equipped with hydraulic backstay adjusters.

Cockpits in the Express and Olson are larger and more user-friendly than the Hobie, especially with a crew of 6 to 8 in racing trim. A common complaint among Hobie owners is that the cockpit seats are too narrow, forcing us to sit on the coaming, which also is too narrow.

Construction

Except for Schumachers meticulous records, exact details of construction schedules have disappeared. Though all of the boats were designed with speed and the PHRF handicap rule in mind, they also were built to sail in stiff breezes and ocean conditions common to the West Coast. Consequently, owners say, hulls, decks, and rigs of 15- to 20-year-old boats have the same structural integrity as when they rolled off the production line.

According to Schumacher, the Express 34s outer laminate consists of 3/4-ounce mat, two layers of 18-ounce co-fab, and 3/4-ounce mat bonded to 3/4-inch thick end-grain balsa, with 18-ounce co-fab on the inside. The deck is similar, except that 3/4-inch balsa core was in the lamination, and unidirectional reinforcements were on the house top and foredeck.

The interior consists of a structural grid with bulkheads bonded into the structure with 18-ounce roving.

Company literature provides a general description of the Olson 34 layup: a one-piece monocoque hull consisted of mat, 18-ounce bi-directional glass and roving, with extra laminate in high-stress areas. Beams constructed of unidirectional roving and woven roving were laminated to reinforce the hull and distribute loads from keel, mast, and engine. Bulkheads and berth tops were bonded to the hull with fiberglass. The original schedule called for a cored hull and deck, however only hull #1 followed that schedule.

Following the sale to Ericson, says Kohlmann, We constructed hulls of hand-laid fiberglass, which produced a heavier boat than designed.

Decks were cored with marinegrade balsa, which one owner described as excellent for mounting gear. Ive never worried about the core compressing when mounting deck hardware.

Hobie Alters recollection is that the Hobie 33 hulls were laid up with alternating layers of fiberglass around a 3/4-inch urethane foam coring.

Considering the industrys historic inability to prevent osmotic blisters, its surprising that the Olson 34 was sold with a five-year guarantee against blistering. Owners of Express and Hobie yachts report few blistering problems. One owner said his blistering required a few bucks and aweekend of sanding and filling.

Performance

All three boats receive high marks from owners who sail them in the ocean, on both coasts, around the buoys, and on lakes. Since they share a common handicap in many areas, the trio frequently goes head to head on the race course.

Bruce Nesbit, who raced his Olson 34 from San Francisco to Hawaii in the Singlehanded TransPac, managed the passage in 13 days, 18 hours. He finished second in his division, fourth overall.

I had the wind on the nose for two days, cracked off and set the spinnaker on day three, then switched to a reefed main and double headsails, he says. Winds were around 15 knots until the last five days, when they piped up into the 20s.

With that sail configuration the Autohelm steered the boat, and I averaged 10 knots for one 24-hour period. It was easy.

Olson owners say the boat performs best in windspeeds below 15 knots, and sails surprisingly well in 5 knots of breeze. The Express is faster on all points of sail in more than 20 knots of wind, one Olson owner says.

However, when sailing to weather the Express must be kept on her feet with bodies on the windward rail, or reduced sail.

It takes a good main trimmer to balance the boat, or the helm will load up, says one owner, a former 505 dinghy racer.

Shes stable off the breeze, as well, and shows good motion in heavy seas, partially because of her large rudder, adds a racer from San Francisco.

Because she displaces only 4,000 pounds, 1,800 in a bulbed keel, the Hobie suffers when sailing to weather in a chop. Mountain lake sailors rate her an A-plus sailing on flat water, and shes a screamer on a close reach.

Shes tender, but with a full crew on the rail and balanced traveler, she is well-mannered, one owner says.

It took a long time to learn to feather the main when sailing to weather, a veteran racer says. Do that and shell squirt uphill. I used to sail with a reef in the main, and the #2 jib. Now I sail with a full main and #4. In heavy winds we simply ease the main.

Express and Olson owners agree that off the wind in a blow the Hobie will leave them in her wake.

The harder it blows, the better she likes it, says a Hobie owner who completed the 380-mile San Francisco- Santa Barbara race in 35 hours. We hit 25 knots on the speedo. The only boat that beat us to the finish was a J- 130. Plus, I can singlehand it on an ocean race, or take my stepdaughter on a day-sail.

Conclusions

The common denominators of these three boats are curb appeal, performance, strong hulls, good rigging and good deck gear. The Olson and Express have an advantage sailing to weather, and more comfortable accommodations. By comparison, the Hobie will be 8-10 knots faster on a downwind reach, is trailerable, and costs half as much as the competition.

The Olson and Express sell for 85% to 90% of their original price; the Olson in the mid-$50,000 range, the Express from $60,000-$80,000. A barebones Hobie sells for $13,000-$15,000; however, add the cost of new sails, a trailer, and an 8-10 horsepower outboard, and the price jumps to between $22,000 and $25,000.

Its too bad more of these all-around performers werent built.

On the Hobie 33

Weve withstood 45-50 knots on the nose for 8 hours in a large seaway – 12-20 foot waves. Not fun, but not dangerous.

– Owner, Nova Scotia

Unlike some boats, the bow comes up out of a wave. But it will heel. Downsize sails early.

– Owner, Northern California

Took 12-15 foot seas from Bahamas to Florida. Fifty miles in three hours. No problems!

-Owner, Florida

The motor retracts into a transom well, with a hull plug that drops into place to reduce underwater drag.

-Owner, Austin, Texas

The flat bottom tends to pound in heavy seas.

-Owner, Chesapeake

On the Express 34

This is a lot of boat in a small package. I find her easy to doublehand but at times a handful. Ive had this boat going as fast as 19 knots surfing outside the Golden Gate.

-Owner, Santa Cruz

If you want a boat that is cleverly laid out and very functional this is the boat for you. However, its not fancy, and the head and galley are small. With its nicely shaped and large rudder (elliptical) you always feel in control.

-Owner, Sacramento

We lived aboard for 18 months and enjoyed our time there.

-Owner, Los Angeles

My wife loved the interior. Performance was my main deciding factor.

-Owner, San Francisco

On the Olson 34

I have a friend who has an Express 34. We used to moor right next to each other, so he sailed on my Olson 34, and I sailed on his Express 34. We concluded that: 1. If youre looking for a racing boat and don’t mind the open interior layout of the Express 34, its a faster boat-especially off the wind. Its noisier and rougher under power, but lighter and faster under sail. 2. If youre looking for a boat that you can cruise with two couples and still have a lot of fun on the race course, the Olson 34 is probably your best bet. The interior is nicer than the Express, and I especially like the aft head arrangement in the Olson. However, it does come at the cost of some sailing performance-especially off the wind.

-Owner, Portland, Oregon

I have crossed to Hawaii twice with this boat. We have carried spinnakers up to 30 kts of breeze with really good results after converting to a new Schumacher rudder and Harken bearings. The boat has landed on its side about three times and come out unscathed. The deeper rudder and new bearings improve the boat control in a big following sea.

They put in a double sink to attract the ladies. Not good because you need more counter space. I put in a single sink. They advertised the boat as having a 30-gallon water tank, but it was really 20 gallons.

My wife and I sailed from Hawaii to San Francisco in 19 days and motored for only 20 hours. The rest of the time the boat sailed herself. The vane steered while we played dominoes.

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1987 Express 34' Sailboat - Racer/Cruiser

In dix hills, ny, seller note:.

1987 (ALSBERG) EXPRESS 34' SAILBOAT - RACER/CRUISERVery heavily built racer/cruiser. Roomy and well designed.On the hard in Glen Cove, NY. Designed by Carl Schumacher and built by Alsberg Brothers in Santa Cruz, CA. Only 15 built. Below she is light and airy and spacious w beautiful wood interior. Keel stepped new mast and new ss bow pulpit.LOA: 34Beam: 10.6Draft: 6.0LWL: 28.4Engine: Yanmar Diesel, 18 hp, Model 2GMFFresh Water: 55 gallonsFuel Tank: 22 gallonsHolding Tank: 18 gallons2 single berths, 1 double berth and 1 double berth aft cabin -Sleeps 6 comfortablyDisplacement: 8,500Ballasat: 3,700 leadHull: FiberglassBuilder: Alsberg Brothers Boatworks (US)Designer: Carl SchumacherBeautifully designed vessel. Forward cabin large v-berth w ensuite head and hanging locker. Large hatch above for ventiliation. Main salon has 2 settees outboard w storage above and below. The large salon table folds up against bulkhead. Well designed l-shaped galley w 2 burner propane stove, Origo microwave, double ss sink w European style faucet, spray and hot water dispenser, top loading refrigerator. Teak and holly paneling throughout. Across galley is nav station and aft is large quarter berth. Porcelain hand pump head, shower and ss sink and vanity.She is equipped w an extensive suit of sails for racing and cruising, tiller pilot, new mast and all lines leaf aft for ease of sailing. Set up for extra cutter rig. Hydraulic backstay adjuster was just rebuilt. Dark blue bimini. Electronics: Garmin Model [removed phone] channel, Seth Thomas barometer, Ockam Model #005A4, Sony stereo and speakers, autopilot, ICOM radio, Seaward gas solenoid, Blue Sea #[removed phone] volt distribution panel, 1750 Prowatt - Xantex AC inverter.Must be seen. True racer/cruiser w numerous amenities.Photos: www.sellyourboatnow.shutterfly.comContact: Steve/Patty ([removed phone]

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The Express 34 is a 34.0ft masthead sloop designed by Carl Schumacher and built in fiberglass by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks between 1986 and 1988.

28 units have been built..

The Express 34 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a short water supply range.

Express 34 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Alsberg Express 34

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Does any one have any experience with this boat? I intend to buy one. I know that there is a 27 and 37 Express model. Any related experiences with Alsberg built boats would be helpful. Thank you. mf  

I have not seem an Express 34. I beleive there was one For Sale in New England. I would check with NorthEastern Yacht Sales. They were the Dealer in the Eastern U.S I also know of one in Chicago It was listed as an entry in the Chicago to Mac race 2001 Keep me posted of your progress Bill S  

Check out the last Practical Salior (April 1 Vol 27 no 1). They have some information on the Express 34. They have also reveiwed the 37 in the past. Bill S  

I worked for Alsberg in Santa Cruz in ''83. I built the plug and mold for the 37, and was there for the first few that went out the door and I can tell you it really is a great boat. We went to great lengths to make the hull as fair as possible. If you look at the hull with the light glancing off it just so, you will see no ripples or high/low spots, as in many other "lesser craft". It is a well built ultra-light that will most definetly give you some thrills in heavy air. If you are a good sailor you won''t be disapointed.  

I have an Express 37. I would like to know how did they put the pattern in the nonskid decking. I would like to patch some spots and can''t seen to get it right. Bill S  

With regard to the non skid on the express 37, I don''t have one but found a place that sells molds for spot repairs with about 20 different male/female molds avaialble. Contact Gibco Flex Mold at 6657 E. Peden Rd, Ft. Worth Texas 76179 Phone 817 236 5021. These patterns should do thetrick.  

Express 34 I worked at Alsberg Bros and helped tool the Express 34. I also delivered the first 34 to the boat show in Bridgeport CT. Only a handful were built as far as I know but they are solid boats of Schumaker design. Had the luxury tax of the 80's not finished off the builders of Santa Cruz, I am sure that there would be many more to choose from.  

hamorx said: I currently own an Express 34, which I have had for 15 years. I may be selling to get a more family friendly/cruising catamaran. Have to say they have been 15 great years. Thoroughly enjoyed the boat, and part of me will be very sad to say goodbye (although looking forward to new memories in new boat). I have raced on the boat and cruised coastal New England (Sag Harbor, LI to Nantucket, MA and many points in between). The boat is excellent in light to medium air. Not best choice for heavy winds - though handled some gale force squalls I encountered sailing it up from Annapolis to Sag Harbor very nicely. Click to expand...

express 34 Hmmm... I live on the west coast, so this may not be very practical, but in what condition is your Express 34, and how much will you be asking? You can email me directly at mcclellandorama at gmail dot com. Thanks Jamie  

saildog=net nazi prepare for the wrath of the dog  

Actually, I wasn't trying to sell it on the site. I was expressing my feelings for the boat - I really will miss her. Nonetheless, I will be more careful not to even give appearance of marketing on the site. In hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that I am selling it, but thought it was fair disclosure when I'm talking about the virtues of the make of boat.  

My comment was about reviving old threads. I don't mind but some folks do.  

My attitude is if it is still relevant, it's worth saying.  

Questions Alsberg 34 Hi. LOve the boat a couple of general questions. Is it a balsa core? Are the prone to delam and blistering? How many were made? Have had two Olson 30's. The quality of the boats of that locale and period was outstanding. Headroom? Have talked to Finish Line came across this post by accident. Bryan Kansas City  

The headroom is very good. I am almost 6', and have no trouble in the salon. As for the other questions, I think Finish Line would be better able to get you the answers to that.  

this revival of old threads ~ does this mean, just start another on same subject ? I often see the comment on a new thread ~ 'do your research and you'll see there are already threads on this'. confusing ! personally, I don't mind seeing the old comments along with the new.  

Same here.  

twinsdad - Long shot - but Im looking for the boat you once owned (Express 34) - can you email me at jcolbyschneider at gmail dot com. I have a few questions about the boat. Thanks, Colby  

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• Sailboat Guide

1986 Express 34

• Description

Seller's Description

The owner bought this boat in 2013

General condition and any additional information

More information

I’m the creator and manager of the Express 34 owners website. https://express34.wordpress.com/

A link to all the posts relating to Wailana on the site can be found here: https://express34.wordpress.com/category/wailana/

More pictures can also be found here: https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0d5yeZFhYLbtB

No scams, no deals, no trades, no low-ball offers, no brokers, no contingences, no financing. You either have the money or you don’t. I’m happy to answer any reasonable questions but please don’t waste my time. Email works best.

Standard features

A blast to race or fun to cruise! Not too big not too small. Safe and well maintained. Ready to go today!

At home on the race course or as a comfortable coastal cruiser gunkholing the islands. A blast to sail and sexy as all get out! Looks great just sitting at the dock.

I would compare the Express 34 to a BMW car. In fact, the Express tag line used to be, The Ultimate Sailing Machine! Carl Schumacher was a well-respected designer and the Alsberg Brothers built quality, light, fast boats. This is a boat with good bones and has won a ton of races. A veteran of the Pacific Cup race to Hawai’i; second in class

Extra gear included

Miscellaneous and Safety Horseshoe buoy with water activated light and drogue Man overboard pole USGC approved life jackets Jacklines Lifesling MOB recovery device 75’ MOB throw line Stern mount pole and U.S. flag. Courtesy flag halyard to first spreader Emergency rudder Weather cloths with World Sailing (ISAF) approved sail numbers Spare tiller Original head door - refinished Dockside boarding steps (2) fire extinguishers Fiberglass rowing dinghy with oars Misc. tools and spare parts Manuals in both hardcopy and digital form

Improvements to the hull, deck, rigging, engine, or interior

Boat Name Wailana

Location San Juan Island, WA USA

Specs Builder: Express / Alsberg Year built: 1986 – Hull #1 Designer: Carl Schumacher Flag of Registry: United States – Washington State registered PHRF rating: 99 Coast Guard Aux. Safety inspected 2018 and 2019 (unable to renew in 2020/2021 due to Covid-19)

Dimensions LOA: 34 ft 0 in Beam: 10 ft 5 in LWL: 28 ft 4 in Maximum Draft: 6 ft 0 in Displacement: 8000 lbs Ballast: 3800 lbs

Engines Engine 1: Engine Brand: Yanmar Year Built: 2008 Engine Model: 3YM20 Engine Type: Inboard – fresh water cooled Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel Engine Hours: ~700 Yanmar KM2P-1 transmission - - gear ratio of 2.62 forward and 3.06 in reverse Propeller: Martec Folding propeller – new in 2017 Engine(s) Total Power: 22 HP

Tanks Fresh Water Tank: (35 Gallons) Fuel Tank: (21 Gallons)

Interior Accommodations Starting forward is the forward cabin with V-berth with a large hanging locker, two swivel lights, and large overhead hatch provides excellent light and ventilation. An in-fill cushion bridges the area between the berths, making one large 6’4” continuous double berth when desired. There is storage below the berth. Teak battens along the hull side give the space a warm feeling. Opposite the hanging locker to starboard is the head. The aft facing head is at the forward end of the compartment. Outboard along the hull side is a counter with stainless steel sink and a fresh water faucet with foot pump. There is a small storage locker below the sink. An opening port above provides light and ventilation. The main salon is just aft. Two straight settees provide excellent spaces to relax and very comfortable sea berths. Outboard, storage is available on a shelf above the seatback and in sliding door lockers along the hull side. Additional storage is available outboard of the seatbacks. The salon table with two leaves folds up against the bulkhead when not in use. Two teak grab rails run fore and aft through the salon. The galley is aft and to starboard of the main salon. The L-shaped countertop provides an excellent space for preparing food. At the forward inboard end is the two-burner Origo stove with a removable cutting board. Just aft is access to the top loading refrigerator/freezer compartment. Inboard of the fridge is the dual basin stainless steel sink with manual fresh and salt water faucets. There is storage for dishes and stores aft of the counter and above along the hull side. A small locker below the sink provides additional storage space. Across the salon to port is the spacious nav station with locking lift-top storage for charts and other tools. There is a light over the table. Four drawers along the forward inboard end below the table provide additional storage. Outboard is the electrical panel and GPS. The wide quarterberth is just aft of the nav station. There is storage beneath the berth and access to systems on the starboard quarter through two hatches on the centerline.

Electronics and Navigation B and G H1000 wind interface box, speed/depth box, analog wind direction indicator and digital cockpit multi-display (replaced 2009) with three function mast display (masthead wand computer board replaced 2011) Sail Comp 103AC digital compass display Data Marine depth-sounder Standard Horizon 1850G DSC VHF radio with built in GPS – new 2020 Garmin 276c GPS Plastimo compass Simrad TP 20 tiller pilot autopilot AM/FM stereo player with aux input (2) New cockpit speakers - 2019 (2) Stereo speakers in salon

Electrical Systems 12v DC and 110v AC electrical systems AC and DC electrical distribution panels Smartplug 30 amp 50’ shore power cord and inlet Battery charger – ProMariner 3 bank- 20 amp – new in 2017 Optima 12v AGM start (55 amp hour - 2019) and MasterVolt AGM house (90 amp hour) batteries with combiner switch Link 10 Battery Monitor (2006) All lighting converted to LED Running, steaming, deck and anchor lights – LED (5) Dr. LED white/red cabin lights (3) Swivel reading lights - LED

Engine and Systems Yanmar 3YM20 22 hp diesel engine (~700 hours, new in 2008, excellent condition, reliable with maintenance records). Raw water pump rebuilt 2018 Racor-2000SMOR Fuel Filter Groco raw water strainer Stainless steel mixing elbow installed 2018 Martec two blade folding propeller new in 2017

Galley and Plumbing EZ Cold refrigeration system with holding plate Bosworth Guzzler manual bilge pump in cockpit Bosworth Guzzler manual bilge pump in main cabin Manual bilge pump in salon Par diaphragm type electric bilge pump with sensor switch – new in 2014 Mini-Guppy sump pump for fridge drain – rebuilt 2019 All Marelon through-hulls New water tank 2006 (35 gallon bladder) New plumbing hoses and hose clamps 2018 New galley sink drain plumbing fixtures 2020 New faucets for galley and head 2018 Fuel tank replaced Spring 2013 Origo 3000 gimbaled 2 burner non-pressurized alcohol stove with pot holder. Microwave oven on its own AC circuit installed in 2019 Heat Storm electric heater (AC) Thetford Curve toilet (Type III MSD) All weather fresh air vent in head area

Interior 6 opening hatches Fold down salon table seats 4-6 Forward V-berth sleeps 2 Salon berths sleeps 2 – one on each side Quarter-berth sleeps 1-2

Deck and Hull WAILANA’S hull was painted in 2015 with Alexseal Stars and Stripes blue with red boot stripe. The deck is white with gray contrasting nonskid. Her decks are clean and uncluttered, and her low profile coachroof allows easy movement around the mast to the foredeck. Teak toerails at the foredeck make for a stable platform under sail. There are teak handrails on the cabin top. Harken tracks run aft of the toe rail to the transom, allowing adjustment of attachment points for blocks and leads. A stainless steel pushpit, split pulpit and double lifelines add to her security. A single Harken genoa car track runs inboard of the shrouds aft to the cockpit. A 4:1 purchase allows the cars to be adjusted while loaded from the cockpit. All halyards are led aft to line stoppers and standard Barient winches. 2 new 2018 Lewmar self-tailing primary winches and Barient self-tailing spinnaker winches on the cabin top. The Harken mainsheet traveler is at the forward end of the cockpit on the bridge deck. On deck storage is available in a large lazarette locker to starboard and a smaller locker aft port and starboard Fortress 11 lb anchor with 40’ chain and 200’ rode Dock lines and (5) fenders (2) 50’ mooring lines for Ballard Locks

Sails and Rigging Klacko Spars aluminum double spreader rig (built in 2002 to Ballenger specs) Ballenger Spars aluminum boom Aluminum spinnaker pole with composite ends on stanchion mounted chocks Aluminum reaching strut All standing rod rigging replaced 2015 Retractable lazy jacks New Harken Carbo-Foil 2015 Navtec hydraulic backstay adjuster Harken windward sheeting traveler Harken mainsheet system with fine tune (2) Lewmar 40 ST primary winches 2019 (2) Barient 22 ST secondary winches (2) Spinlock line stoppers for check-stays new in 2019 Harken genoa cars and track with 4:1 adjuster led aft (2) Barient 21 halyard winches Lewmar halyard stoppers (new 2009) Hall Spars rigid boom vang with split fine tune led aft Harken spinnaker pole track with jam cleats Forespar tiller extension (2) winch handles

Sails North Sails paneled Kevlar main (good) North Sails Carbon main (fair) Neil Pryde Dacron cruising/deliver main with slugs (good – recut in 2009) Shore Sails 1.5oz runner (very good) North Sails .75 oz runner (good) North Sails .6oz VMG reacher (very good) North Sails .4oz runner (very good) DeMatti staysail/drifter (fair) North Kevlar paneled AP#1 (good) North Kevlar paneled Light #1 (good) North Kevlar paneled #3 (good) Amen Sails Dacron jib top (very good) Amen Sails Dacron #5 - storm jib (very good) Amen Sails Dacron blast reacher (excellent)

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Thanks to Greg Sutherland, owner of hull #1 for providing updated information. According to him, at least 28 were built.

This listing is presented by SailboatOwners.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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EXPRESS 34 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of EXPRESS 34. Built by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks and designed by Carl Schumacher, the boat was first built in 1986. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 10.36. Its sail area/displacement ratio 20.58. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel.

EXPRESS 34 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about EXPRESS 34 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the express 34.

EXPRESS 34 was designed by Carl Schumacher.

Who builds EXPRESS 34?

EXPRESS 34 is built by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks.

When was EXPRESS 34 first built?

EXPRESS 34 was first built in 1986.

How long is EXPRESS 34?

EXPRESS 34 is 8.63 m in length.

What is mast height on EXPRESS 34?

EXPRESS 34 has a mast height of 11.73 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Fin w/spade rudder

Specifications EXPRESS 34

Home - Sailboat Listings 1986 - 34.00 ft / 10.36 m - Alsberg Brothers Boatworks (USA) - Carl Schumacher

EXPRESS 34 Sailboat Data

Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudder Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop LOA: 34.00 ft / 10.36 m LWL: 28.33 ft / 8.63 m S.A. (reported): 534.00 ft² / 49.61 m² Beam: 10.50 ft / 3.20 m Displacement: 8,500.00 lb / 3,856 kg Ballast: 3,700.00 lb / 1,678 kg Max Draft: 6.00 ft / 1.83 m Construction: FG Ballast Type: Lead First Built: 1986 Last Built: 1988 # Built: 28 Builder: Alsberg Brothers Boatworks (USA) Designer: Carl Schumacher

Information from  sailboatdata.com .

Type Engine: Diesel HP: 18 Fuel: 22 gals / 83 L Water: 55 gals / 208 L Hull Speed: 7.13 kn

Boats for Sale

34' alsberg brothers express 34 racers and cruisers.

ARCHIVED: This is a previously listed vessel and is no longer offered for sale If you would like assistance locating a similar vessel, Click Here to locate a similar boat

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION

The Express 34 is one the best all-around racer/cruisers built.  

They have a strong following and have won many inshore and offshore trophies.  They also suit a small family for modest cruising. 

This boat has been upgraded with a new rig, new cabin windows, and a microwave.

• Specifications
• Description

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Forward V berth; head; main cabin; galley starboard aft; pilot berth port aft

Double s/s sink

Origo microwave

Ice box 

ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION:

ICOM M55 VHF radio

Autohelm ST4000 auto pilot

Garmin GPS map 128

Standard DS150 depth gauge

Ritchie compass 

ELECTRICAL:

Pronet 1750 generator

Perko battery switch

110V Inverter

Circuit breakers

Navigation lights 

HULL & DECKS:

Fiberglass hull & decks

Spade rudder

Sail locker 

SAILS & RIGGING:

Masthead rig; aluminum mast & boom

Harken roller furling

7 Winches include 2 Lewmar #40 halyard/spinnaker, 1 Barient #21 topping lift, 2 Barient #22 self-tailing 2-speed sheet, 2 Barient #27 self-tailing 2-speed halyard

ENGINE & MECHANICAL:

Tiller steering

Racor fuel filter

2 Whale bilge pumps

Rule 750 bilge pump w/float in keel sump

2 Fire extinguishers 

Life preservers, life ring, flares, first aid kit 

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Contact John Fallon, listing broker

914-714-2682 Cell

[email protected]

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Express 34 - Sailboat Data, Parts & Rigging

Sailboat data, rig dimensions and recommended sail areas for Express 34 sailboat. Tech info about rigging, halyards, sheets, mainsail covers and more.

Sailboat Data directory for over 8,000 sailboat designs and manufacturers. Direct access to halyards lengths, recommended sail areas, mainsail cover styles, standing rigging fittings, and lots more for all cruising and racing sailboats.

MAURIPRO Sailing offers a full range of sailboat and sailing information to help you find the correct sailboat part, one that properly would fit your sailboat and sailing style. Our sailor's and sailboat owner support team are ready to talk with you about your specific sailing needs, coming regatta, or next sailing adventure.

From all at MAURIPRO, let's Go Sailing!

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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• Moscow St. Petersburg Cruise

Moscow Cruise Route

Frequently asked questions from our travelers, what is the best time of the year to go on a moscow - st. petersburg river cruise.

The cruises are operated from the month of May until the beginning of fall. The best weather conditions during this period are usually from June through late July, but if you are looking for a trip at a more relaxed pace with less tourists in the cities on the route, we highly recommend to take a look at the months of May and September.  For more info, please see our useful tips .

Which cities and towns will I visit on a Moscow - St. Petersburg cruise?

The cruise itinerary covers all the main and the most important locations on the route. During the cruise you will have a chance to get acquainted not only with Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also with smaller towns and villages like Goritsy, Kizhi, Yaroslavl, Mandrogui. The number of cities and towns to be visited and the exact itinerary vary depending on the duration of the cruise.

Is it better to start the cruise in Moscow or in St. Petersburg?

The starting point of the cruise is totally up to you. You won’t miss any important sights whether you start the cruise in Moscow or in St. Petersburg. We always recommend checking the flight schedules from your city first in order to decide whether it is more convenient for you to fly into Moscow or St Petersburg.

A Russian Land Tour or a River cruise - which is better?

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

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