Coast 34 Information, Review, Specs

Designed with a focus on durability and comfort in a seaway rather than outright speed, the Coast 34 appeals to sailors seeking a secure platform for extended cruising. Its origins as a successful home-build project underscore its practical and robust construction, which was later brought to a wider audience by professional builders.

History and Design

The narrative of the Coast 34 began in 1978 within the offices of the Bruce Roberts Design Group, where Grahame Shannon first sketched his ideas for a new cruiser. These designs, which formed the basis for what would become the Roberts 341, were initially popular among do-it-yourself builders before a Canadian boat builder approached Shannon in 1980 to commence factory production. The Coast 34 was officially launched into production in 1980.

While Windward Marine Ltd. was one of the key builders, the Coast 34 was also built by Clearwater Marine (potentially the first builder), Cape Marine, Marquis Marine, and Randle Yachts, reflecting its broad appeal and the collaborative nature of its production. Bruce Roberts designs are widely known for their robust, heavy, and sea-kindly characteristics, aimed at creating true bluewater vessels capable of ocean crossings. The Coast 34 embodies this philosophy with a hull and deck constructed from fiberglass with an Airex foam core, offering strength and insulation.

Throughout its production, the Coast 34 offered some versatility in rig and configuration. While typically rigged as a cutter, it could also be found as a sloop. Additionally, a shoal draft version reducing the maximum draft from 5.5 feet to 5.0 feet was available, as was a distinct Pilot House version, providing options for different sailing preferences and cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Coast 34 exhibits characteristics typical of a robust offshore cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.80, she is not designed for blistering light-air performance. Instead, this ratio suggests a boat that will perform steadily in moderate to heavy winds, prioritizing stability and control over nimble speed. Her substantial Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.406 indicates excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio is a hallmark of designs intended for serious cruising, where comfort and safety in challenging conditions are paramount.

Furthermore, the Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at roughly 299.19, firmly places the Coast 34 in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight contributes significantly to her sea-kindliness and ability to handle rough conditions, absorbing the shock of waves rather than being tossed around. Anecdotal evidence and the reputation of Bruce Roberts designs confirm that boats like the Coast 34 are known for their strong build, heavy displacement, and predictable, sea-kindly handling, making them capable voyagers. The skeg-hung rudder also contributes to directional stability and provides robust protection for the rudder in case of grounding.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed diagrams of the Coast 34's interior layout are not widely published, her design as a cruising yacht based on the Bruce Roberts 341 suggests a practical and comfortable arrangement typical of vessels of her era and purpose. As a 34-foot cruiser, the interior would traditionally feature a V-berth forward, providing the primary sleeping cabin. A main salon would typically follow, offering settees that might convert to additional berths, a central dinette, and ample storage.

The galley would likely be positioned along one side or in an L-shape, equipped for offshore cooking with features like a gimbaled stove and icebox/refrigeration. A dedicated navigation station is also a common and essential feature on cruisers of this size. A head compartment, often including a marine toilet and shower, would be integral to the layout. Aft, it is common to find a quarter berth or an additional cabin, maximizing sleeping capacity. Given the boat's design for robust cruising, the interior finish would likely prioritize durable materials and functional storage solutions suitable for extended periods aboard. Ventilation would be achieved through deck hatches and portlights, common on cruisers of her vintage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Coast 34, often found within communities dedicated to the Roberts 341 or other variants, generally praise the vessel's robust construction and inherent seaworthiness. Many value the peace of mind that comes with a "bluewater design," feeling secure and comfortable even in challenging conditions. The heavy displacement and high ballast-to-displacement ratio are frequently cited as contributors to a stable and comfortable motion offshore.

Common strengths highlighted by owners include the boat's ability to carry substantial stores for extended voyages, its predictable handling characteristics, and the general feeling of safety provided by its solid build. While specific weaknesses are less uniformly documented, like many boats of its age and construction style, potential owners might look for areas such as original deck fittings needing re-bedding or the condition of the foam-cored hull and deck, ensuring no water ingress issues. Overall, the Coast 34 is often seen as a reliable and capable cruiser that provides excellent value for those seeking a sturdy platform for coastal exploration or more ambitious offshore adventures.