Aloha 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Aloha 34 commenced in 1975 under the experienced hands of Ouyang Boat Works, founded by Ti Ouyang in Whitby, Ontario, in 1972. The builder quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and seaworthiness, a philosophy that underpinned the entire Aloha line. Ouyang Boat Works employed solid fiberglass for their hulls, ensuring exceptional durability and low maintenance, a hallmark of their manufacturing ethos during its operational years up to 1985.

The design vision for the Aloha 34, spearheaded by Edward S. Brewer and Robert Walstrom, emphasized practicality, seaworthiness, and comfort. Ted Brewer's designs are widely known for being conservative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, prioritizing performance, safety, and a comfortable experience on the water. The Aloha 34 exemplifies this philosophy, aiming to provide a sturdy and reliable vessel capable of standing up to challenging conditions while offering a welcoming living space. While the exact end year of the Aloha 34's production is not specified, it was a significant model during Ouyang's active period. Notably, some Aloha 34s were offered with a shallower draft option of 4.5 feet, compared to the standard 5.5 feet, catering to different cruising grounds. The rig measurements and reported sail area for the model are typically based on the tall rig configuration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Aloha 34 is characterized by a design that balances cruising comfort with capable performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.9, the Aloha 34 offers moderate performance, suggesting she is a steady performer rather than a dedicated light-air racer. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.345, indicates a good level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze, though perhaps not as stiff as boats with a higher ratio. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 258 suggests a medium-heavy cruiser, emphasizing her robust construction and comfortable motion rather than extreme light-displacement speed.

On the water, the Aloha 34 consistently earns praise for its sailing characteristics. Owners and reviewers describe her as a solid and stable platform that provides a surprisingly nimble and responsive helm for a boat of its type. She is noted for tracking well and handling choppy conditions with ease, delivering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The design allows her to point well into the wind, contributing to good all-around performance and predictable behavior. The combination of a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contributes to her solid directional stability and control.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Aloha 34 is designed for comfortable cruising, offering a spacious layout with impressive headroom for a vessel of its era, reaching up to 6.58 feet. The classic interior arrangement typically features a V-berth forward, providing a private cabin for two. Aft of the V-berth, the enclosed head compartment is usually located to port, with a hanging locker opposite to starboard.

The main salon is a highlight, often featuring a U-shaped dinette to port that can convert into an additional berth, complemented by a settee to starboard. This configuration creates a welcoming and functional living area. The galley, usually U-shaped, is located either to port or starboard aft, equipped with essential amenities for extended cruising. A quarter berth is commonly found aft to starboard, adding another sleeping option. The interior often showcases quality wood trim and joinery, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic, with ample storage integrated throughout the cabin and good ventilation for comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Aloha 34 consistently commend the vessel for its solid, well-built construction and inherent seaworthiness. The robust fiberglass hull is frequently cited as a significant strength, contributing to the boat's enduring appeal on the used market. Owners appreciate the comfortable motion in a seaway, making longer passages more enjoyable, and the spacious interior is often highlighted as a key advantage, particularly the generous headroom.

As with any older vessel, there are common areas that owners typically address. Recurring issues often revolve around the age of certain components, such as older deck hardware and potential for leaks around windows or deck fittings. These often require re-bedding or replacement over time, a common maintenance item for boats of this vintage. Despite these typical age-related considerations, the active and dedicated Aloha Owners Association, which includes owners of the Aloha 34, attests to the strong camaraderie and ongoing appreciation for these capable Canadian cruisers.