1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 — Comparison

1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
VS
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Columbia 34 Mk IIJeanneau Sun Fast 3600
General
ManufacturerColumbiaJeanneau
Year1975–19802016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerWilliam CrealockDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.94 m (35.9 ft)
LWL8.23 m (27.0 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.5 m² (501 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
15.71
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
20.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
41.74
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
37.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
0.70
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
23.07
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
13.53

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 at 10.94m (35.9ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is 0.58m longer than the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600, with an SA/D of 20.92 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has a comfort ratio of 13.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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