Finnsailer 34 Information, Review, Specs

The Finnsailer 34 began its production run in 1978 at the Oy Fiskars shipyard in Turku, Finland. While Fiskars is widely known today for its consumer goods, the company had a significant, albeit now concluded, period of involvement in boat building. During the era of the Finnsailer 34's creation, Fiskars had established a boatyard specifically for volume production, leveraging its long history in manufacturing and metalwork to build durable craft.

Hans Groop's design philosophy for the Finnsailer 34 leaned towards creating a "spacy hull design" that prioritized comfort and livability, characteristic of a cozy family cruiser. The boat was specifically offered in both sloop and ketch rigging configurations, providing versatility for different sailing preferences. Her underwater profile features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen to offer splendid maneuverability for a boat of her size and type. The design intention clearly positioned the Finnsailer 34 as a motor sailer, closely aligning with the market segment addressed by boats like the Nauticat series, where the emphasis often leaned more towards the comfort and capabilities under engine power than pure sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Finnsailer 34, with a displacement of 14,771 lbs and a length at the waterline of 27.43 ft, falls into the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 319. This suggests a boat designed for stability and comfort rather than outright speed. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 10.77 is quite low, indicating that she is generally considered an underpowered vessel, particularly in light winds.

Despite being underpowered for pure sailing performance, the Finnsailer 34 is noted for offering good sailing characteristics, both under sail and engine. Owners and reviewers often describe her as reasonably stable and stiff, possessing good righting capability. The fin keel contributes to her splendid maneuverability, allowing for responsive handling despite her displacement. The design, including a balanced sail plan and a central cockpit, reinforces her role as a solid, comfortable Scandinavian cruiser. Given her motor sailer designation, the emphasis on her performance is geared more towards comfortable passage-making, with reliable engine power from her Perkins 4.108 diesel engine providing ample propulsion when the wind is light or for motoring through adverse conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Finnsailer 34 is designed for comfort and spaciousness, reflecting its intention as a cozy family cruiser. The layout typically features three cabins with a total of six berths and one bathroom, making it suitable for extended stays aboard. The general finish quality is characterized by the widespread use of varnished mahogany and mahogany plywood for the bulkheads and joinery, complemented by teak-faced plywood floorboards, creating a classic and warm maritime ambiance.

The design, similar to other Nordic motor sailers, provides a well-protected and robust interior suited for cruising in colder climates. While specific details on ventilation are not extensively documented in general reviews, the overall design suggests a focus on creating a secure and comfortable living space, often featuring generous storage options throughout the cabins and salon for provisions and gear required for longer voyages. The central cockpit design often allows for a more protected helm station and potentially greater separation between living areas.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Finnsailer 34 frequently praise its solid Scandinavian construction and robust build quality, which contribute to a comfortable motion even in a seaway. The boat's spacious interior and good comfort are consistently highlighted, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking extended cruising capabilities. The reliable Perkins 4.108 diesel engine is another frequently mentioned strength, providing confidence for motoring when conditions demand.

A common characteristic, rather than a weakness, noted by owners is the boat's design as a motor sailer, implying a greater emphasis on motoring capabilities and interior volume over pure sailing prowess. While she is capable of sailing, her heavy displacement and relatively low sail area mean she performs best with some assistance from the engine, particularly in light airs, as noted by her "under powered" designation. Beyond this inherent design characteristic, no specific widespread or recurring maintenance issues are consistently cited across owner reviews, though general upkeep typical for boats of her age is always a consideration.