Design and Construction
Lombard produced an all-new hull for the 34.1, and SAIL Magazine noted the boat is built in Poland, a country with a long shipbuilding history anchor. The monolithic hull includes a hard chine to aid stability, and in testing the boat stayed on her feet and never felt overpowered thanks to that chine. The low coachroof keeps the decks clear and easy to move around quickly, while the deck layout was reworked for comfort and safety when moving about, taking the helm, or living at anchor. The 34.1 carries twin rudders as standard and a manually operated drop-down transom that reveals a stylish swim platform for easy sea access.
Rig and Handling
The fractional Seldén rig uses twin swept spreaders, a rigid vang, and no backstay, with the mainsheet mounted roof-top to keep the cockpit uncluttered. Halyard and furling ropes lead forward of the cockpit, and a winch on each side lets the helmsman set the foresails; twin sheet winches sit close at hand for sail adjustment from the wheels. A composite bowsprit is optional, and the highest sail package adds a Code 0, extra winches, jammers, and the bowsprit. The builder claims up to 29 percent more sail area depending on spec, and with the optional 106-percent furling genoa or square-top main the boat becomes markedly quicker. Test sailors found the 34.1 logged 7.6 knots in 19 knots true, ticked to 8.0 at a 60-degree apparent angle, and topped 8.3 on a beam reach, never overpowered in gusting Miami conditions anchor.
Accommodations
Below, Nauta created a chic interior in standard Alpi walnut or optional light oak, with four deck hatches, four hull portholes, and long coaming windows for light and ventilation. The two- or three-cabin layout places a double stateroom aft to starboard; the two-cabin version gives a large head with separate shower stall and generous aft stowage reached from the shower or a cockpit hatch, while the three-cabin version uses that space for a third berth and a wet head. The forward master gains volume over the 35.1, with an overhead hatch and hull windows, entered via a bifurcated door letting the berth extend aft. The saloon’s drop-leaf table sits between settees wide enough for comfortable sleeping; the port settee folds down for a nav desk and converts to a berth, and the chart table’s folding top adds two singles. An L-shaped galley to starboard holds a two-burner Eno stove, top-loading fridge, and double trash bins.
Power and Systems
Standard propulsion is a 21 hp Yanmar diesel with saildrive, while an upgraded 30 hp Yanmar was shown reaching 8.1 knots at 2,750 rpm and a sensible 7.5 knots at 2,300 rpm in flat water. Engine controls sit to starboard by the knees. The 34.1 is compatible with the Seanapps app and onboard unit to view battery, fuel, and water status by smartphone, and electronics are offered at Coastal or Offshore levels. A Side Power bow thruster, electric halyard winch, teak swim slats, microwave with 2,000-watt inverter, and transom dock-line chocks are options.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 34.1 is a thoughtfully modern cruiser that trades a little beam for lower weight and a livelier, better-sailing hull with a genuinely roomier forward cabin than the boat it replaced. Its deck and cockpit are laid out for safe, uncluttered movement, and the modular interior lets a buyer choose between guest berths and stowage. Light-air performance and clean handling are real strengths, though the narrower hull and option-driven equipment list mean base boats can feel sparsely fitted.
Pros
- All-new Lombard hull with hard chines for stability and light-air performance
- More forward volume in the owner’s stateroom than the 35.1
- Uncluttered cockpit with roof-top mainsheet and drop-down transom
- Flexible two- or three-cabin interior with convertible saloon berths
Cons
- About 3 inches less beam per side and 1,000 lb lighter than predecessor reduces interior width
- Many conveniences (bow thruster, electric winch, Code 0) are options, not standard
