Designed by renowned naval architect Laurie Davidson and built by Dash Marine Industries from 1981 to 1984, this 34-footer represents a focused approach to performance-oriented sailing. Davidson, known for his work on America's Cup yachts and high-performance racing designs, brought his expertise to bear on this relatively lightweight cruiser-racer that tips the scales at just 5,200 pounds. The Dash 34's fractional sloop rig and fin keel with spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and solid upwind performance, while the generous sail area creates impressive light-air capabilities. With a comfort ratio of 10.7, this boat leans decidedly toward the performance end of the spectrum, making it an excellent choice for sailors who prioritize speed and agility over interior volume. The fin keel design with 2,450 pounds of ballast provides stability without sacrificing the quick helm response that racing sailors appreciate. This combination makes the Dash 34 well-suited for coastal cruising, club racing, and spirited day sailing. While not intended for extended offshore passages due to its light displacement, the boat excels in conditions where performance and handling take precedence over creature comforts.
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What is the Dash 34's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Dash 34 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 26.36. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Dash 34's comfort ratio?
The Dash 34 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.7. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Dash 34 safe for offshore sailing?
The Dash 34 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.54. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Dash 34?
The theoretical hull speed of the Dash 34 is 7.27 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Dash 34 weigh?
The Dash 34 has a displacement of 5,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 34.04 ft.
Who designed the Dash 34?
The Dash 34 was designed by Laurie Davidson, first built in 1981.