The Beneteau-designed sailboat, crafted in collaboration with Finot/Conq Associates, is a well-balanced vessel that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. With a build year starting in 2008, this sailboat targets sailors looking for a modern design paired with reliable construction for both cruising and racing. Its size and features make it versatile, appealing to both weekend sailors and more serious long-distance cruisers.
Design and Construction
This sailboat features a “fin with bulb and spade rudder” hull type, designed to improve stability and maneuverability. The fractional sloop rigging enhances sail control and efficiency, particularly in upwind conditions. The boat is constructed with fiberglass (FG), a durable and low-maintenance material widely used in modern boatbuilding. Its iron ballast helps lower the center of gravity, providing additional stability without increasing overall weight. The 6.08 ft draft strikes a good balance between shallow-water access and deeper keel stability.
Performance
With a sail area of 542.00 ft² and a displacement of 12,566 pounds, the boat has a respectable S.A./Displacement ratio of 16.09, placing it in the category of performance cruisers. This means it can deliver good speeds under sail, especially in light to moderate wind conditions. The 29-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine offers ample auxiliary power, making motoring in low-wind conditions or docking maneuvers smooth and efficient. The 7.42-knot hull speed complements its sleek design, making it a capable performer on longer passages.
Comfort and Accommodations
Comfort is another key highlight of this sailboat. With a beam of 12 feet, the boat offers a spacious interior for its size, ensuring ample living space for long stays aboard. The water tank capacity of 83 gallons is generous, catering to extended cruising needs. The accommodations are designed with practical cruising in mind, offering a well-laid-out galley, comfortable berths, and adequate storage. These features make it a good choice for both weekend trips and more extended voyages.
Safety and Practicality
The sailboat’s comfort ratio of 22.42 suggests that it strikes a reasonable balance between comfort and seakeeping ability, making it suitable for offshore passages. The capsize screening formula of 2.07 indicates that the boat is well within the safe range for bluewater sailing, ensuring confidence in various sea conditions. The iron ballast, combined with the fin and bulb keel, gives the boat good righting moment, reducing the risk of capsizing in heavy winds.
Conclusion
The Beneteau sailboat, designed by Finot/Conq Associates, is an excellent option for sailors seeking a versatile vessel capable of both performance and comfort. Its well-thought-out design, durable construction, and solid performance metrics make it a reliable choice for coastal cruising, offshore passages, and even club racing. Its safety features and practical accommodations further enhance its appeal, offering a balanced sailing experience for both seasoned sailors and those new to cruising.
Specifications
| Hull and Rigging Information | |
|---|---|
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Fractional Sloop |
Dimensions | |
| LOA | 33.92 ft / 10.34 m |
| LWL | 30.67 ft / 9.35 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 542.00 ft² / 50.35 m² |
| Beam | 12.00 ft / 3.66 m |
| Displacement | 12,566.00 lb / 5,700 kg |
| Ballast | 3,208.00 lb / 1,455 kg |
| Max Draft | 6.08 ft / 1.85 m |
| Construction | FG |
| Ballast Type | Iron |
Production | |
| First Built | 2008 |
| Builder | Beneteau (USA) |
| Designer | Finot / Conq Assoc. |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks | |
| Maker | Yanmar |
| Type | Diesel |
| HP | 29 |
| Fuel | 34 gals / 129 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water | 83 gals / 314 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ. | 16.10 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 25.53 |
| Disp: / Len | 194.45 |
| Comfort Ratio | 22.42 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 2.07 |
| S# | 2.66 |
| Hull Speed | 7.42 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 1,315.05 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 42.25 ft / 12.88 m |
| J | 13.67 ft / 4.17 m |
| P | 39.67 ft / 12.09 m |
| E | 12.75 ft / 3.89 m |
| S.A. Fore | 288.78 ft² / 26.83 m² |
| S.A. Main | 252.90 ft² / 23.50 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 541.68 ft² / 50.32 m² |
| S.A./Displ. (calc.) | 16.09 |
| Est. Forestay Length | 44.41 ft / 13.54 m |
Company | |
| Designers | Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) |
| Builders | Beneteau |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 34 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.