Beneteau 34.7 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau 34.7 began production in 2006. For its design, Beneteau enlisted the expertise of Farr Yacht Design, a firm known for its innovative and performance-oriented naval architecture. The primary goal for this new First series model was to achieve victory in sailing races and championships, emphasizing speed, maneuverability, and efficient sail handling. Bruce Farr's influence is evident in the boat's revolutionary hull lines, aiming for competitive performance. Beneteau, with its long history rooted in pragmatic boatbuilding for fishermen, transitioned significantly into recreational fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a move that allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal. This ethos of embracing design freedoms and collaborating with top naval architects continued with the 34.7, ensuring a contemporary design that incorporated advancements in naval architecture. While there are references to different designations like First 10R, these typically refer to the same model, with the "R" often denoting a racing-focused variant. Farr Yacht Design even developed an improved rudder for the First 10R/First 34.7 to enhance handling, particularly in breezy conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau 34.7 is engineered for spirited performance. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 26.72, the boat is well-canvassed and designed to excel in lighter air conditions, ensuring responsive acceleration and speed. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.38 indicates good stiffness and stability, suggesting it can stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling, allowing for easier handling in varying conditions. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 184.25 places the 34.7 in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of sailboats, contributing to its nimble feel and ability to perform competitively.

Anecdotal evidence from sailors highlights the boat's responsive nature. Owners describe the steering as light and the boat as tremendously responsive, with a solid and dependable feel at the helm. The cockpit is specifically laid out for optimum handling and easier sailing, contributing to its competitive capabilities. The boat is often described as having a "raceboat personality" that can still function effectively as a weekend cruiser. It is capable of excelling in both fully crewed and double-handed racing.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily a performance-oriented vessel, the Beneteau 34.7 offers a practical and comfortable interior layout suitable for cruising. The interior features a pearwood finish, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Typical accommodations include a large owner's cabin, often located forward as a V-berth, a port aft cabin, and twin saloon berths that can serve as additional sleeping areas. The saloon provides a living and dining area, while the galley is equipped for basic meal preparation. A key feature for comfort on a performance boat is an enclosed forward head. While specific maximum headroom is not consistently reported, the general consensus is that the accommodations, though more modest than dedicated cruisers, are well-designed for a boat of its type and offer enough comfort for casual cruising or weekend trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau 34.7 consistently praise its dual-purpose nature, highlighting its ability to deliver impressive racing performance while still offering sufficient comfort for casual cruising. Many owners find it to be a good value proposition, offering strong sailing capabilities with decent accommodations. The boat is often described as "stiff" and less crew-dependent than some comparable yachts, particularly those with a carbon mast option. Owners who have optimized their boats for racing, such as with specific sail wardrobes, report good performance in competitive events.

However, some discussions among owners touch upon typical issues found in production boats, though not specific to the 34.7 itself. General observations about Beneteau yachts can include reports of creaking sounds, potential fiberglass issues, or deck core rot in older models, which are common considerations for any used boat. The original deck fittings, while not specifically cited for the 34.7, can sometimes require re-bedding on older Beneteaus to address leaks, a common maintenance item for any boat of a certain age. Overall, the ownership experience is often characterized by satisfaction with its balanced performance and cruising capabilities.