Rival 34 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Rival 34 began in 1972, following the successful lineage of Peter Brett's earlier Rival designs, notably serving as a refined successor to the Rival 32. The vessel was produced by Marine Construction Ltd. (Marcon), a builder that, under the leadership of Eric White, had established itself from 1964 to 1979 in Woolston, Southampton, as a purveyor of solidly constructed, traditionally styled yachts. During this era, Marcon was recognized for its dedication to robust fiberglass construction, emphasizing seaworthiness and practicality in their designs.

A total of 174 Rival 34s were built. Peter Brett's design philosophy for the Rival 34 centered on creating a yacht that offered immense stability and the ability to handle challenging conditions with ease, prioritizing safety and comfort over outright speed. The design features a distinctive sheerline and classic, beautiful lines that contribute to its timeless appeal. The Rival 34 was available with two draft options: a deep keel version drawing 5 feet 10 inches (5.83 ft) and a shoal draft alternative at 4 feet 8 inches (4.67 ft).

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rival 34's design ratios underscore its identity as a heavy-displacement cruiser built for stability and offshore capability rather than light-air racing. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 13.9, the Rival 34 is not primarily designed for brisk performance in very light winds, performing better as wind and sea conditions increase.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 39.5% indicates a good level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain an upright position. The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 347, firmly places the Rival 34 in the heavy displacement category, suggesting a powerful and comfortable motion through waves rather than a light, agile feel.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Rival 34 for its superb seaworthiness and stability in heavy seas and strong winds. It is described as a sturdy and comfortable boat that inspires confidence, capable of looking after its crew in a blow and continuing to make progress long after others might struggle. The vessel exhibits excellent directional stability, which makes it easy on an autopilot or wind vane for long passages. While not matching the speed of modern yachts, particularly downwind in light conditions, its performance significantly improves with stronger winds and choppier seas. The deep keel versions are generally considered to perform better to windward.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Rival 34 is characterized by a cozy, functional, and traditionally styled layout, often featuring beautifully finished dark teak joinery and a solid build quality. While not as spacious as many contemporary 34-footers, the accommodations prioritize practicality and comfort for extended cruising.

Typically, the layout includes a V-berth forward, which offers the primary degree of privacy. A head compartment is usually located aft of the V-berth. The main saloon features settees that can often convert into berths, contributing to a total of up to seven berths in an 'open plan' arrangement. A functional galley and navigation station are typically situated towards the aft of the saloon. Quarter berths are also a common feature, providing additional sleeping capacity. Access to the engine room is conveniently located via removable cabin stairs. The general finish quality is solid, reflecting the builder's ethos of durable construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Rival 34 frequently laud its exceptional build quality and its reliable, comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a highly regarded choice for those seeking a true blue-water cruiser. The boat's ability to handle challenging weather conditions with confidence is a recurring theme, with many examples having successfully undertaken significant long-distance voyages. The directional stability is a particular strength, easing the burden of helming on long passages.

However, some owners note that the Rival 34 is not a fast boat by modern standards, particularly in light air or when sailing downwind. The interior, while well-built and functional, can feel less spacious compared to newer designs of similar length. As with any yacht of its age (production started in 1972), prospective owners often anticipate the need for routine maintenance on components like rigging and the engine. While specific common problems are not widely reported as inherent design flaws, potential issues like the need to re-bed original deck fittings or address chain plate substructures that are behind interior panels might arise with older examples.