Design and Construction
André Bénéteau combined high performance and comfort in the Evasion 34’s hull, which the builder described as powerful with soft movements and very stiff. At 35.76 feet overall with an 11.42-foot beam and a 29.2-foot waterline, the yacht displaced 12,125 pounds and carried 4,850 pounds of iron ballast — a 40 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio that helps explain the reported stiffness. The review record notes she was much lighter than the older and smaller Evasion 32, a useful measure of how the design had moved toward a more modern, lighter cruising hull while retaining a reasonably performance-orientated form with long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder.
Rig and Handling
The Evasion 34 uses split sails with cutter rigging, a configuration the builder cites as one that facilitates handling and reduces sail changes. The period review additionally observed a sloop rig large enough to give acceptable sailing performance, particularly off the wind, and the builder flatly calls the boat an excellent sailer. With a 50-horsepower diesel engine, the review noted the drivetrain could push through almost anything, giving the skipper strong auxiliary authority when maneuvering or beating against a foul tide.
Accommodations
Below and within the wheelhouse, the Evasion 34 delivered remarkable accommodation: three double sleeping cabins in addition to the wheelhouse dinette, which also converted to a double. The steering position included a reasonable chart table, and the boat carried an effective galley and a generous hanging locker. This layout reflects André Bénéteau’s stated attachment to comfort, realized in a volume of enclosed space unusual for a 34-foot hull of the early 1980s.
Known Issues
Well-used Evasion 34s will be showing their age and may need some restoration work. The available record offers no structural defect note, but the passage of time on heavily used examples is the principal ownership caveat.
The Verdict
The Evasion 34 is a thoughtfully executed cruiser that married André Bénéteau’s performance instincts with a genuine commitment to onboard comfort. Its cutter rig and stiff, soft-moving hull make for forgiving handling, while the three double cabins plus convertible dinette give it real family or charter appeal. The 50-horsepower diesel is a standout for confidence under power, though buyers should budget for age-related restoration on tired examples.
Pros
- Stiff, soft-moving hull with performance-orientated long fin keel
- Cutter rig eases handling and cuts sail changes
- Three double cabins plus convertible dinette; effective galley and generous locker
- Strong 50hp diesel auxiliary
Cons
- Well-used examples may need restoration work
- Lifting keel option adds complexity on selected boats
