Diva 34 Information, Review, Specs

Fabola Boats, a pioneering Swedish yacht builder since 1958, embraced fiberglass construction early on and established a reputation for quality and non-sinkable yachts. The Diva line, introduced in 1982 with the revolutionary Diva 39, cemented Fabola's identity for long, narrow, and light displacement hulls combined with modern design elements. The Diva 34, introduced in 2002, continued this legacy, benefitting from the accumulated design expertise of Bernt Lindquist, who has shaped Diva yachts for decades.

The Diva 34 features a contemporary hull design characterized by a straight bow and stern, a hallmark of performance-oriented yachts of its era. Fabola's design philosophy consistently aims for yachts that offer speed without requiring excessive power, and the Diva 34 reflects this with its emphasis on an efficient underwater profile and a well-balanced rig. During this period, Fabola was also known for integrating practical innovations, such as leading all control lines aft to the cockpit to simplify sail handling for short-handed crews, a feature likely influencing the design of the Diva 34.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 34 exhibits sailing characteristics that align with its builder's performance-oriented reputation. With a displacement of 10,803 lbs and a waterline length of 32.64 feet, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio calculates to approximately 138.6, placing it firmly in the light-displacement category. This light displacement contributes significantly to its ability to be an "easily driven" yacht, capable of achieving good speeds in varied conditions.

Further enhancing its sailing prowess, the Diva 34 boasts a high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 44.9%. This substantial ballast ratio provides excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong breeze and carry its sail plan effectively without excessive heeling. Owners and reviewers often describe the Diva 34 as a "very fast sailor" that offers a "fine balance of the rudder," indicative of a responsive and engaging helm.

The reported sail area of 421 square feet, while appearing conservative with a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 13.9, should be considered in the context of its light and efficient hull form. This combination suggests a boat that is manageable yet agile, designed to perform well through intelligent hull dynamics and a responsive rig rather than an overpowered sail plan. The fin keel and spade rudder further contribute to its maneuverability and precise handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details regarding the interior layout of the original Diva 34 (2002 model) are less widely documented compared to its later "SC" iteration, Fabola Yachts generally adheres to principles of maximizing comfort and functionality within their performance-oriented designs. The Diva 34 is typically configured with a standard interior layout, which would include a forward cabin, a saloon area, and likely two aft cabins.

Fabola's "Open Space" concept, which aims to create a more open and integrated interior compared to traditional yacht layouts, became a prominent feature in later Diva models, and elements of this philosophy may have influenced the Diva 34's design. While specific finish quality details are scarce, Fabola's standing as a respected Swedish builder implies a standard of durable and practical interior construction. The design priorities would have focused on providing comfortable living spaces suitable for cruising, alongside the necessary features for active sailing.