Sun Liberty 34 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sun Liberty 34 was produced by Jeanneau from 1989 to 1992, with 284 units built during its relatively short production run. Daniel Andrieu's design philosophy for this model was ambitious: to integrate both performance and unprecedented comfort within a hull length of just under 10 meters. This initiative reflected Jeanneau's broader manufacturing ethos during that era, which emphasized innovation, quality, and a passion for creating "liveable boats" with "clever layouts and comfortable amenities."

Jeanneau, with its history of embracing new technologies, utilized fiberglass reinforced with Kevlar and aramid in both the hull and deck construction of the Sun Liberty 34, contributing to its robust build. This approach allowed for a strong yet potentially lighter structure, aligning with the goal of balancing performance with comfort. The model also offered variations, including a shallow draft option of 4.62 feet (1.50m) in addition to the standard 6.23 feet (1.90m) draft.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.96 (using the reported sail area of 656 sq ft), the Sun Liberty 34 exhibits characteristics of a boat capable of performing well in lighter winds, suggesting an energetic feel for a cruiser. Its displacement to length ratio of around 252 indicates a moderately heavy cruising vessel, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light, race-oriented feel.

The ballast to displacement ratio stands at 0.323, which suggests a moderate level of stiffness. While not exceptionally stiff, this balance would contribute to a manageable heel angle in various conditions, aligning with its design as a comfortable cruiser. Designed by Andrieu as a cruiser, the Sun Liberty 34 was intended to offer "good performance" while prioritizing comfort. Its spade rudder provides good maneuverability, enhancing its handling characteristics for both coastal cruising and longer passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The most distinctive feature of the Sun Liberty 34 is its interior layout, which was considered "unusual and especially luxurious" for a boat of its size. Jeanneau made a "radical approach" to interior design, successfully incorporating amenities such as two separate heads within its 32.74-foot length overall, a feature typically reserved for significantly larger yachts. This innovation was a testament to Jeanneau's dedication to creating "liveable boats" with "clever layouts".

While specific details on the number of cabins or exact galley configuration require deeper individual investigation, the emphasis on luxurious and spacious accommodations, along with the notable inclusion of two heads, signals a highly comfortable and versatile interior. The use of robust fiberglass reinforced with Kevlar for the hull and deck further underpins the boat's quality construction, ensuring durability and a solid feel below deck.