Mamba 34 Information, Review, Specs

The Mamba 34 commenced its production run in 1978 and continued until 1986, with less than 200 units ultimately built. Rolf Magnusson, the acclaimed designer behind the Mamba 34, also lent his expertise to other notable Scandinavian designs such as the Albin 79 and Albin 57, as well as the Gambler 35 and Contrast boats. Mamba Boats, during this era, focused on creating durable fiberglass vessels that offered a harmonious blend of performance and practicality, a common ambition within the vibrant Scandinavian boatbuilding industry. The design philosophy of the Mamba 34 was heavily influenced by the prevailing IOR measurement rule for racing yachts, aiming to deliver a "light sailboat" that was also a "reasonably good performer" and maintained a good level of stability. The designer opted for a "slightly more spacy hull design," contributing to its characteristics. Throughout its production, the Mamba 34 was primarily offered with a masthead sloop rig, but it was also available with a fractional sloop rig for those seeking different performance characteristics. A significant evolution came in 1981 with the introduction of the Mamba 341, an updated version explicitly designed to be more cruising-oriented, featuring differences such as increased freeboard.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mamba 34's design ratios illustrate its balanced nature as a cruiser-racer. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.97, the boat indicates a moderate sail plan relative to its weight. This suggests a yacht that is responsive in moderate winds but not overly powered for light air, nor under-canvased for stronger conditions, providing a versatile sailing experience. Its ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 37% points to a good level of stability, allowing the Mamba 34 to stand up to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion in various sea states without excessive heeling. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 224.3 positions the Mamba 34 firmly within the moderate cruiser category. This indicates a solid, capable vessel that is neither an ultralight racer nor a heavy, traditional displacement cruiser. Anecdotal evidence aligns with these figures, describing the Mamba 34 as a "reasonably good performer" and "stable" under sail. It is considered best suited for coastal cruising, providing a reliable and enjoyable experience for its crew. The calculated maximum speed for the Mamba 34 is approximately 7.06 knots, highlighting its efficient hull design for its size.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not available, the interior of the Mamba 34 adheres to the traditional Scandinavian boatbuilding ethos, with the finish primarily constructed of wood, contributing to a warm and classic ambiance. The layout is notably practical, designed to maximize sleeping capacity; the boat is typically equipped with a total of seven berths. This generous provision for berths suggests a conventional arrangement likely including a V-berth forward, convertible settees in the main salon, and potentially quarter berths aft, catering to larger crews or families. A dedicated galley facilitates meal preparation, and the vessel carries a water capacity of approximately 26 gallons (100 liters), suitable for coastal voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mamba 34 consistently regard the vessel as a stable and reasonably good performing sailboat. This feedback underscores the successful realization of Rolf Magnusson's design goals and Mamba Boats' manufacturing principles. The enduring presence of Mamba 34s on the used boat market, particularly in Northern Europe, further attests to their robust construction and lasting appeal.