beneteau 34 sailboat

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Beneteau 34

• By Andrew Burton
• Updated: April 20, 2009

The featherlight feel of the large, leather-covered wheel in no way reflected the Beneteau 34’s relatively moderate displacement as we danced to weather on a blustery day on Narragansett Bay. Overcanvased under full sail, we heeled when the breeze was on, but not too far. The 6-foot-deep cast-iron keel and bulb kept the center of gravity low, and the fairly hard turn to the bilge provided form stability; together, they conspired to keep the Beneteau 34 on its feet.

Dropping the cabin-top traveler took care of any inclination for the boat to round up in the 20-knot puffs. The 34 pointed well and easily made 6 knots on the wind. That jumped to around 7 when we eased sheets and bore off.

The crowded harbor at Newport, Rhode Island, proved a good place to test the Beneteau 34’s maneuverability under power. The boat passed with flying colors, turning on a dime and backing straight thanks to the balanced spade rudder. When we got to the harbor mouth, we cruised at about 6.5 knots wide open.

Sailing and powering, the boat felt solid; it should, as it boasts an integral fiberglass grid/hull liner bonded to a solid-glass hull, bulkheads bonded 360 degrees to the hull and deck, and a deck cored with resin-infused end-grain balsa. The fiberglass rudder on its stainless-steel stock with Goïot cable-and-quadrant steering provided guidance with the flick of a finger and with no groan of complaint.

The deck layout on the Beneteau 34 offers easy egress over the coamings from the cockpit and wide decks and sure footing for sailors heading to the bow. On the boat I sailed, teak toerails ran down both sides, and fairly aggressive nonskid wrapped up onto the cabin top, where teak handrails ran forward to the mast. Wayne Burdick, president of Beneteau USA, says that the use of teak is being phased out, though, in favor of more sustainable managed-forestry woods, such as iroko.

The deck-stepped 9/10ths rig is by US Spars and features swept double spreaders; wire rigging is led to outboard chainplates. The jib is set on a Profurl furler, and while the boat I sailed had a traditional hoist main (a $1,000 option), a furling main and jib from Neil Pryde are standard.

Wraparound cockpit seats provide lots of options; the helmsman can perch to either side of the wheel with a good view of the telltales and easily trim the standard 105-percent jib on the primary winch or sit directly behind the wheel and watch the optional chart plotter in its built-in pod on the pedestal. For the crew, the angled deckhouse bulkhead makes a comfortable backrest.

The center of the aft seat lifts to permit easy access to the swim platform; just to port, there’s an area under the large lift-up seat section that’s for life-raft stowage. A plastic basket of some sort could turn this into usable storage space with no raft aboard. Next to this area is a separate vented propane locker. A capacious seat locker on the starboard side of the cockpit is shallow enough that a sailor grabbing stowed equipment doesn’t have to do a head stand to reach into the bilge.

Typical for a boat this size, a winch on the cabin top to port of the companionway does yeoman’s duty controlling halyards, vang, outhaul (on boats equipped with the furling main), and mainsheet. This keeps the clutter of lines on the cabin top, but it means the skipper must leave the wheel to trim the mainsail.

The companionway has an arrangement borrowed from other Beneteaus that allows the drop boards to slide up and stow under the sliding hatch while they’re not in use; on stormy days, they can be left in place and the hatch slid open for ventilation.

Below, the interior by Nauta Design feels big for a 34-footer. And so it should: The boat has a more than 3-to-1 length-to-beam ratio that maxes out at the companionway and carries almost all the way aft. To starboard of the companionway steps is the roomy head. The gelcoat finish will be easy to keep clean, and three ports-two opening-provide more than adequate light and ventilation. Opposite, the galley features a two-burner stove and oven and an aft-opening refrigerator. A double sink sits close to the centerline. Aft of the galley lies a cabin with a huge athwartships double berth. There’s an aft-facing opening port in the transom to ensure flow-through ventilation. Forward is a hanging locker, another couple of opening ports, and access to the side of the engine.

The saloon is palatial for a boat of this length, and ports and hatches keep it light and airy, as does the golden Alpi woodwork (another sustainable-wood product) set off by the light upholstery. Settees are long and wide enough to be sea berths with the addition of lee cloths. Lockers outboard will ease stowing headaches before a long cruise, though the shelves above would benefit from better fiddles. The table leaves fold up to serve five or six. There could be more handholds in the saloon, but there are places to brace against when moving about.

A good-size V-berth dominates the forward cabin, with a hanging locker to starboard, shelves to either side, and lockers to port that will provide plenty of space for those who don’t pack too much.

Given the costs that go into boat construction, this commodious little rocket, with a price tag of right around $150,000 for a boat that’s ready to sail and commissioned on the U.S. East Coast, has earned its designation by CW’s Boat of the Year judges as the Best Value cruiser for 2009. There’s a lot of boat and a lot of performance here for the money.

Andrew Burton is CW’s associate editor. A boat review from our May 2009 issue

LOA 33′ 11″ (10.34 m.) LWL 30′ 8″ (9.35 m.) Beam 12′ 0″ (3.66 m.) Draft (shoal/deep) 4′ 6″/6′ 1″ (1.37/1.85 m.) Sail Area (100%) 544 sq. ft. (50.2 sq. m.) Ballast 3,556/3,208 lb. (1,613/1,455 kg.) Displacement 12,569 lb. (5,700 kg.) Ballast/D .28/.26 D/L 195 SA/D 16.1 Water 83 gal. (314 l.) Fuel 34 gal. (129 l.) Mast Height 50′ 8″ (15.44 m.) Engine 29-hp. Yanmar Designer Finot-Conq/Nauta Design Sailaway Price $145,000 Beneteau (843) 629-5300

To read more Cruising World reviews of Beneteau sailboats, click here . To visit Beneteau America’s website, click here .

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 31 - 40 ft , beneteau , Coastal Cruising , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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This is the dream that the Oceanis cruiser makes possible for any sailor thanks to easy handling and a standard designed for easy sailing. With just two winches and a self-tacking jib at the bow, tacking is like child's play. Fitted with two rudders, the Oceanis cruising yachts are extremely safe giving you confidence and allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of sailing.

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The Oceanis cruisers range from 30 to 51 feet long, and they all focus on comfort – sailing comfort, comfort at harbour or at anchor, and comfort for the whole crew. With their impressive cockpit and generous spaces inside, they have been designed to accommodate family and friends in the best possible conditions. On deck, the relaxation areas are simply ideal for making the most of the sun and the sea air, while the crew can move around the boat unhindered.  The hull and overall design of the Oceanis is extremely well balanced and all the boats in the line have great seakeeping, which contributes to the overall feeling of comfort aboard. 

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The Oceanis comes in many different layouts , so that everyone can enjoy sailing the way they want to.  Layout plans tailored to each model provide the ideal configuration to enjoy the sea with family and friends . Versatility is also the name of the game on deck, with varying equipment and sail plans, including Performance versions  – you can choose which fits your sailing preference best.  

The flared hull increases the space inside the boat, with no performance drawbacks under sail. These three features of balance, performance, and space make the Oceanis the ideal cruising yacht.

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Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 Review

• Thread starter william24424
• Start date Dec 18, 2023
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

william24424

Oceanis 34.1 | beneteau.

Attachments

Good idea! No better way to evaluate a boat to ensure that it fits your needs, than chartering the same model boat for a few days. I spent many charter days (and nights) on a same model boat prior to purchasing my present boat. Certainly you can read reviews & reach out to owner’s who have the same model for any idiosyncrasies that could be a common problem. I am not a fan of double helms and rudders on mid sized boats; however, that’s just my preference. Bottom line; if the boat fits; buy it! Good luck with your search.  

Scott T-Bird

It looks like you would be making a drastic change in style. Is that what attracts you? There is no mistaking it for a modern design. While I generally like the idea of modernization in design, this boat is pretty severe and I don't think it is my cup of tea. Just based on aesthetics, I don't like the plumb bow, the slab-sided topsides (I think it is the hard chines that disturb the looks of it), I've never liked those rectangular lights in the hull with the sharp corners (but I do like having lights in the hull), and I don't like the triangular shape created by that wide stern. Some of these features, like a wide spacious cockpit with the width carried aft, I do like but it's done on this boat to an extreme that I don't find appealing. The natural light sounds appealing, but in our NJ climate, I would probably just find additional ceiling hatches as a bigger requirement for shade. The light is too hot in our climate to enjoy and I'd mostly be fussing over ways to cover the lights for shade. But in northern climes, I can understand the appeal. Also, I agree that the dual helm really opens up the cockpit to the stern - a great feature - but I would also consider that I prefer to set the boat on autopilot when cruising and even just day-sailing. Where just one helm station is a space to avoid, think of how wasteful it is to have 2 spaces to avoid! For sure, it is a feature that I would have to experience to know if it is a plus or minus. Based on my experience accessing some larger boats with dual helm, it's a great entrance to the boat from the stern, that's for sure! I love the wide stern platform, but I think I would be satisfied with a narrower platform that doesn't spoil my image of what the stern should look like. The rudders look very small to me, but I suppose the surface area from 2 rudders makes up for the seemingly small profile. I imagine that you are distinctly aware of how different this boat looks compared to the classic good looks of your Cal. I would never denigrate anybody for their style choices, but I am a little surprised that you would be considering such a departure from what you have. I don't think I could ever do that. This boat appears a lot more Euro design, and it reminds me of the Hanse designs. Excellent sailing boats, I'm sure, and probably will never detract from your enjoyment of sailing - probably only enhance your experiences. If I was looking for a brand new boat with a modern design, I would definitely be looking at a Catalina 355 as a similar model but with style that suits me. I don't think I could make that change that you are contemplating. I know my comments are self-centered and probably not related to your considerations but your post is pretty open-ended and I don't know how my comments could be helpful to you, since I have no experience with this model. I can only relate it to my own reaction and I am curious how this boat attracts you because I'm sure there are some really good reasons besides the few that you have mentioned!  

Skipper John

I agree with your assessment, Scott T-Bird. The styling of the Beneteau is just too severe for me, too. And I don’t like the table clogging up the middle of the saloon. William, I suggest that you look at the Catalina 315 or Catalina 355 in addition to the Beneteau. The styling is more classical, and the interiors are warm and beautiful. Plus the seat for the helm is quite comfortable. Getting the folding wheel option means that the you don't have as much to walk around when going back to the swim step, which is quite generous and usable. Good luck with your search!  

Do you anchor out or hang on moorings when you cruise, or do you grab a slip? Many people complain about "transom slap" in these wide boats with flat after sections when they tie up in a slip and the waves hit the underside of the hull aft. They're less noisy if at anchor or on a mooring. We sailed on a friend's Oceanis 45.1 and were surprised at the lack of handholds below. The 34.1 is obviously smaller, but the space below will almost seem like an apartment compared to a Cal 33. Make sure there are handholds. For racing, don't get too excited. On Long Island Sound the Oceanis with standard draft rates 138. Your Cal 33-2 rates 132.  

Saw comments about handholds inside. My Hunter passage 42 did not have them either; now it does... Easy to add. Just make sure that where ever they are attached is strong. I also added handholds around the inside of the companionway to make entry more safe. As for the plumb bow, that is a very good thing. It adds waterline and, therefore, improves speed.  

Thanks for finding a PHRF rating, surprised the Old Cal 33 holds up. Racing and performance is important for us, if only for making quicker passages & passing other sailboats... 1988 vs 2023... Owned the Cal for over 20 years, the design is radically different, the space, well here's some photos to compare. Catalina 355 looks very comfortable too., we want to try something completely on the other end of the design spectrum., we probably anchor more than dock, although looking @ price of new boat,. we have lot's of time to decide, right now, it's not possible, yet I feel compelled to sail on one.  

Not sure I agree about a plumb bow. I will agree it adds waterline and hence speed - at least while motoring. But sailboats list while sailing. The classic hull shape with overhangs while listed had a long waterline too. But in light wind would have less wetted bottom and therefore less drag. The wide flat aft sections of these modern hull shapes were conceived from racing machines that plane in windy downwind runs. I'm not sure that translates to a New England cruising boat. But no doubt the marketing departments love to show those spacious cabins. There is a cost to those hull shapes and it is a deeper draft (Not New England friendly) and a large sail plan (Not cruising couple friendly). The marketers would counter that those boats can be sailed by a couple and their ads show that. They don't emphasize that the couple needs mechanical assistance to sail. Just a different point of view.  

I started as a review of the Bene 34.1, because charter companies have them available to try...am also looking @ the Italia 11.98., If I may have your thoughts, these are more difficult to find outside of a sailing magazine. And my thread is to distilled the thoughts, advice, and honest think tank of experience here. I also got my daughter college tuition bill moments ago, and it's like the new sailboat dream might be pushed further away...maybe right over a cliff. However, I still want your input. Thank you.  

I find modern designs like that attractive, so the 34.1 looks great to me. Chartering one sounds like an excellent idea.  

Hi William, I like the way you are thinking. I had a 1972 Pearson 26 and decided it was too small I started looking at the Beneteau 34 and went aboard and realized in a minute it was not our boat. We decided if we are going to retire and cruise Newport and the Islands we needed a little more room and bought a Beneteau Oceanis 38. We love it for costal cruising and it sails like a dream. Double wheels and the swim platform make life easy.  

william24424 said: Wife would like a new cruising boat for New England coastal sailing (Cape Cod-Newport-New York-Possibly Maine) . Last few kids leaving for college in 4 years & we have started to look for a possible replacement for our Cal 33-2, which has served us well over the past 20 years. Weekender, cruising, and beer can racing is our purpose. (in that order.) 34.1 got our attention because the twin helms seem to create more space aft, swim platform appears better for boarding/dinghy/swimming ect., and interior setup lets in more natural light, including portlights shining into the front cabin. Before looking more into something so different, we're going to charter a Beneteau 34.1 and sail around & make some observations. So I asked you, What are your thoughts? Advice? Experience? Thanks. Oceanis 34.1 | BENETEAU Sleeker, lighter, with more sail area, and more space in the bow than its predecessor for the owner’s cabin, the Oceanis 34.1 promises unforgettable days out on the water. Once again, Marc Lombard and NAUTA Design have combined their efforts to produce a unique design concept, true to the spirit... www.beneteau.com Click to expand

sailcapt340

I agree with the “deeper draft” comments completely. When we purchased our 2000 Hunter 340, new back in January 2000, we were advised against the 5’8” keel because of our sailing area. The same area you are wanting to go into. We went with the 4’6” Wing Keel. Given our main sailing area of Narragansett Bay, RI Sound it was a very good decision. The lobster pots and fish nets are to numerous. Even with that “ not much shorter keel” we did snag a lobster pot line that had broken free from the pot it was attached to. It didn’t cause any damage to the boat, prop or shaft but it did wrap up. Just my food for thought as you consider your next boat. Good sailing to you though and enjoy the search.  

danstanford

Up thread someone mentioned PHRF handicap and I am wondering if anyone knows what it is for this boat? I have done a couple of searches with no luck. The boat in my question is a 34.1 First Line.  

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

danstanford said: The boat in my question is a 34.1 First Line. Click to expand

Ratings All

Davidasailor26

There are none of them in the US Sailing list at Boat Class Lookup - US Sailing which is not a good sign. It may just be too new to have any out there with established ratings.  

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• Sailboat Guide

Beneteau 34

Beneteau 34 is a 33 ′ 11 ″ / 10.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) and built by Beneteau starting in 2008.

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)

Shallow draft vers: draft- 4.5’ ballast - 3556 lbs. Similar to OCEANIS 34 built in France.

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