Diva 355 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Diva 355's production commenced in 1992, building upon Fabola Boats' rich history of yacht building that began in 1958. Designed by the prolific Swedish naval architect Bernt Lindquist, the Diva 355 is considered one of his notable successes, with approximately 355 boats built within the Diva 35/355 range. Fabola's ethos during this era, as evidenced by earlier Diva models, centered on innovation, quality, and exceptional sailing characteristics, often incorporating modern design elements and a focus on robust, non-sinkable construction. The company was an early adopter of fiberglass, positioning itself at the forefront of modern yacht building.

Lindquist's design for the Diva 355 incorporated a "speedy hull design," indicative of Fabola's overarching "Diva" concept that emphasizes round, soft shapes extended longitudinally to create easily driven yachts. This philosophy aims to produce vessels that perform well without requiring excessive power. While the Diva 355 was introduced as a new model, the Diva line consistently evolved; for instance, the Diva 35, a predecessor, was replaced by the 355 in 1993, suggesting a continuous refinement of successful designs. Fabola also pioneered features like running all control lines aft to the cockpit, simplifying sail handling for short-handed crews.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Diva 355, with its design focused on efficient performance, exhibits notable sailing characteristics. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.42 suggests a boat with good potential for performance in lighter air conditions. A high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.429 indicates a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This robust stability is a hallmark of a well-engineered cruising boat.

However, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 381.0, the Diva 355 leans towards being a heavier, more traditional cruiser rather than an ultra-light displacement racer. Despite this, the designer's intention for a "speedy hull design" implies that it is an efficient and enjoyable boat to sail for its class, likely benefiting from its long waterline of 29.2 feet and a fin keel with a spade rudder, which offers responsive handling. The boat is capable of a hull speed of approximately 7.24 knots, further demonstrating its inherent efficiency. Owners can expect a yacht that is both exhilarating to handle and forgiving, aligning with Fabola's reputation for balancing speed with ease of operation.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Diva 355 is designed to offer a comfortable and functional living space for extended cruising. The boat is typically equipped with three cabins, providing sleeping arrangements for 4 to 7 berths, alongside a well-appointed galley. The interior joinery is notably crafted from exclusive mahogany, contributing to a warm and classic marine ambiance. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the design is optimized to provide a comfortable environment for its size.

The layout generally includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, and aft cabins, a common configuration for cruisers of this length. The use of mahogany trim and a thoughtful arrangement of spaces aim to maximize both aesthetic appeal and practical utility onboard. Details on storage and ventilation would typically reflect a design intended for liveaboard comfort, emphasizing functionality within the available volume.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Diva 355 often praise its solid construction and excellent sailing qualities, which are consistent with Fabola Boats' reputation for building high-quality yachts. The enduring popularity of the Diva line, and the fact that a significant number of Diva 35/355 boats were built, points to a positive reception in the sailing community. Owners frequently appreciate the balance between performance and cruising comfort, finding the boats to be easily driven and responsive, even in challenging conditions. The existence of dedicated owner forums and communities for Diva models further suggests a satisfied and engaged owner base. While specific anecdotal strengths and weaknesses are not widely published, the general consensus aligns with Fabola's design philosophy of creating yachts that are both exhilarating to sail and practical for cruising.