Ufo 34 - Tiller steering

This UFO34 racer-cruiser is in excellent condition for her age and is a rare tiller steering version. Built by Colvic in 1980 to a Holman & Pye design she has spent the past 10 years being invested in and improved by the current and previous owner.

She was spray-painted in 2010 with the areas below the waterline stripped and epoxied. The 2011 project was to laminate a stringer next to the keel, making it stronger and stiffer than ever before.

Before that she had new North main and Genoa in 2004 which drives her along in the lightest of breezes. The owners added a number 3 Genoa from van der Werf in 2009 and she has two Spinnakers.

The Leyland Thornycroft 35HP 4-cyl diesel runs smoothly and is well maintained. The 90 ltr. fuel tank was replaced in plastic in2006. The shaft, water-seal and cutlass bearing was replaced and renewed in 2010 and a 2 blade Gori-prop was fitted.

Accommodation is laid out as twin single berths with infill forward, 2 single berths in the saloon and 2 pilot berths. The cabin was re-upholstered in 2003 and the oven was replaced in 2008. A radio/cd with iPhone connection inside and outside speaker system is fitted. A holding tank was installed in 2011 and the toilet was renewed at the same time.

Excellent Navigation equipment from Raymarine, all separate units: depth-, log - , wind direction, close hauled and graphic display ST60, all installed in 2010. Raymarine Tillerpilot and S100 remote control - 2011/12, GPS and Navtex – 2004, Shipmate VHF - 2005. Safety Equipment Flares, lifebelt and fire extinguisher.

The UFO34 is a production yacht design based on a successful Holman & Pye designed racing yacht. Whilst many racing yachts of the period had a reputation for poor handling, the UFO34 is both fast and virtually vice-free. As a result the class became successful both as racers and as fast cruisers, many boats being used exclusively as cruising yachts.

This boat follows the original design with tiller steering – she has a six foot long tiller and extension. By comparison many yachts intended as cruisers were fitted from new with wheel steering and many others have been converted to wheel steering - which is a pity as they handle very well with a tiller and there is much more space in the cockpit when anchored or moored.

By modern standards she is a moderately heavy yacht, with a deep fin keel and an excellent ballast ratio. She is fast in all conditions, particularly to windward.

UFO34s currently club racing in the UK normally sail off a Portsmouth Number of around 974.

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