Puma 34/341 Information, Review, Specs

The Puma 34/341 commenced its production run in 1975, with manufacturing continuing until 1984. The boat, along with its Puma 341 revision (which shares similar specifications), was a product of Puma Yachts (Nao-Glass), a division of INERGA, a larger Spanish manufacturer with expertise in plastics. This foundational connection provided Nao-Glass with a strong base in fiberglass construction, positioning them as a modern builder embracing the shift from traditional materials.

Kim Holman, a prominent figure within the British firm Holman & Pye, was the architect behind the Puma 34/341. Holman's design philosophy was characterized by a pragmatic approach, avoiding extremes and favoring designs with an emphasis on grace and elegant sheer lines. This ethos translated into a vessel known for its sturdy and capable nature, built to offer comfort and seaworthiness for overnight cruising and general sailing. The Puma 34/341's design was notably based on the IOR 3/4 ton rule, a popular racing class of the era, suggesting an inherent balance between cruising amenity and a degree of performance potential.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total calculated sail area of 552.82 square feet and a displacement of 11,905 pounds, the Puma 34/341 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 16.98. This ratio indicates a moderately powered cruiser, suggesting competent performance across a range of wind conditions, rather than a light-air specialist.

The boat's stability is notably enhanced by a ballast of 5,291 pounds, yielding a Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 0.444. This relatively high ratio points to a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway, a hallmark of its builder's focus on seaworthiness. The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio, calculated at approximately 273 (based on a waterline length of 26.9 feet and a displacement of 11,905 lbs), classifies the Puma 34/341 as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This weight class generally contributes to a solid feel underfoot and a more comfortable ride in choppy conditions, albeit with potentially less light-air speed than lighter designs. The hull, constructed from fiberglass with a PVC foam core, contributes to its durability and requires minimal maintenance.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior specifications like maximum headroom are not readily available in the provided data, the Puma 34/341 was designed as a capable cruising yacht, implying a functional and comfortable interior for its size. Typical layouts for vessels of this length and era often feature a forward V-berth, a salon with opposing settees (sometimes converting to berths), a compact galley, and an enclosed head. One example suggests a "1-cabin version with 1 bathroom" and a "forward cabin with two berths," which would be a standard arrangement for a cruiser of just under 34 feet. The interior decoration, in some cases, may reflect the aesthetics of its production period, potentially appearing traditional or somewhat dated by modern standards. As a fiberglass boat from Nao-Glass, the interior likely features a blend of molded fiberglass components and wood trim, offering a balance of practicality and a classic sailing aesthetic.