Design and Construction
Lombard drew an all-new hull for the 34.1. The boat is built in Poland, a country with a long shipbuilding history, according to SAIL Magazine.
The monolithic hull has a hard chine to aid stability. During testing, the boat stayed on her feet and never felt overpowered, thanks to that chine. A low coachroof keeps the decks clear and makes it easy to move around quickly. Beneteau also reworked the deck layout for comfort and safety when moving about, taking the helm, or living at anchor.
Twin rudders are standard. At the stern, a manually operated drop-down transom opens to form a stylish swim platform with easy access to the sea.
Rig, Sailplan, and Handling
The fractional Seldén rig has twin swept spreaders, a rigid vang, and no backstay. Mounting the mainsheet on the coachroof helps keep the cockpit uncluttered.
Halyards and furling lines lead forward of the cockpit. A winch on each side allows the helmsman to set the foresails, while twin sheet winches are close to the wheels for sail adjustments from the helm.
A composite bowsprit is optional. The highest sail package adds the bowsprit, a Code 0, extra winches, and jammers. Depending on the specification, the builder claims up to 29 percent more sail area. With the optional 106-percent furling genoa or square-top main, the boat becomes markedly quicker.
In testing, the 34.1 logged 7.6 knots in 19 knots true, reached 8.0 knots at a 60-degree apparent angle, and topped out at 8.3 knots on a beam reach. She never felt overpowered in the gusting Miami conditions reported by SAIL Magazine.
Cockpit and Deck
The cockpit layout is designed for clear movement and straightforward sail handling. Keeping the mainsheet on the coachroof leaves the working cockpit uncluttered, while the twin wheels put the sheet winches within reach of the helm.
The low coachroof helps preserve an open deck, and the drop-down transom provides a practical route between the cockpit and the water. Optional teak swim slats and transom dock-line chocks can further equip the stern area.
Accommodations
Below, Nauta Design created a chic interior finished in standard Alpi walnut or optional light oak. Four deck hatches, four hull portholes, and long coaming windows provide light and ventilation.
The 34.1 is available with two or three cabins. Both layouts place a double stateroom aft to starboard. In the two-cabin version, the remaining aft space becomes generous stowage, accessible from either the separate shower stall or a cockpit hatch. This layout also includes a large head. The three-cabin version uses that space for a third berth and substitutes a wet head.
The forward owner’s stateroom has more volume than the equivalent cabin aboard the 35.1. It has an overhead hatch and hull windows, while a bifurcated door allows the berth to extend farther aft.
In the saloon, a drop-leaf table stands between settees wide enough for comfortable sleeping. The port settee folds down for a navigation desk and converts into a berth, while the chart table’s folding top adds two singles.
An L-shaped galley to starboard includes a two-burner Eno stove, a top-loading refrigerator, and double trash bins. A microwave paired with a 2,000-watt inverter is optional.
Engine, Systems, and Options
Standard propulsion is a 21 hp Yanmar diesel with saildrive. An upgraded 30 hp Yanmar was shown reaching 8.1 knots at 2,750 rpm and a sensible cruising speed of 7.5 knots at 2,300 rpm in flat water. The engine controls are positioned to starboard at knee level.
The 34.1 is compatible with the Seanapps app and onboard unit, allowing battery, fuel, and water status to be viewed on a smartphone. Electronics packages are available at Coastal or Offshore levels.
Other options include a Side Power bow thruster and an electric halyard winch, along with the teak swim slats, microwave and 2,000-watt inverter, and transom dock-line chocks.
The Verdict
The Oceanis 34.1 is a thoughtfully modern cruiser. It trades some beam for lower weight and a livelier, better-sailing hull, while providing a genuinely roomier forward cabin than the boat it replaces.
The deck and cockpit support safe, uncluttered movement, and the flexible interior lets buyers choose between more guest berths and more stowage. Light-air performance and clean handling are real strengths. However, the narrower hull gives away some interior width, and the option-heavy equipment list can leave a base boat feeling sparsely fitted.
Pros
- All-new Lombard hull with hard chines for stability and light-air performance
- More volume in the forward owner’s stateroom than aboard the 35.1
- Uncluttered cockpit with a coachroof-mounted mainsheet and drop-down transom
- Flexible two- or three-cabin interior with convertible saloon berths
Cons
- Roughly 3 inches less beam per side and 1,000 lb less weight than the predecessor, reducing interior width
- Many useful conveniences—including the bow thruster, electric winch, and Code 0—are optional rather than standard
