RL 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the RL 34 are defined by its light displacement and significant sail area, a combination that allows it to excel in light to moderate air where heavier cruising yachts might struggle. With a hull shape that borrows heavily from Rob Legg’s experience with high-performance skiffs, the boat is surprisingly responsive for a 34-footer. When the massive swing keel—weighing approximately 2,000 lbs—is fully deployed, the boat gains a deep draft of roughly 6 feet 3 inches (1.9m), providing the necessary leverage to point well upwind.

According to technical descriptions often cited by the RL24 Owners Association, the RL 34 feels more like a large dinghy than a traditional keelboat, offering immediate feedback through the helm. However, this lightness requires proactive reefing; the boat is known to be "tender" if over-canvassed in a blow. In a following sea, the broad stern and flat sections allow it to surf early, making for exhilarating downwind passages. Its sister models, the RL 24 and RL 28, share this "slippery" hull DNA, though the 34 offers a significantly more dampened motion in a seaway due to its increased waterline length and mass.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike its smaller siblings, which feature "pop-top" roofs to achieve standing headroom, the RL 34 offers genuine standing headroom throughout its main cabin. The interior layout was highly progressive for the late 1970s and 80s, maximizing the 10-foot (3.05m) beam to create a social saloon environment. Most configurations feature a V-berth forward, a central drop-leaf table in the saloon flanked by settees (which double as sea berths), and a functional galley to the port side.

The primary variation among the fleet is the keel configuration. The swing-keel version features a large internal trunk that divides the cabin slightly, though Legg cleverly integrated this into the table structure to minimize its footprint. The "Coastal" fixed-keel version eliminates this trunk, offering a more open cabin feel and increased bilge storage. Materials typically include a mix of molded fiberglass liners and warm teak or mahogany trim, reflecting the "gold standard" of Australian yacht building during the 1980s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an RL 34 should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical systems that define this model.

1. Keel Pivot and Winch: On swing-keel models, the pivot bolt and the lifting cable/winch system are the most critical points of failure. Corrosion in the keel casing or a worn pivot pin can lead to "keel clunk" or, in extreme cases, structural compromise.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats of this era, the RL 34 used a sandwich construction for the decks. Soft spots around the chainplates or the mast step often indicate water ingress into the balsa or foam core, necessitating a labor-intensive "cut and fill" repair.
3. Rudder Stock and Bearings: The RL 34's rudder is under significant load due to the boat's speed potential. Owners frequently report wear in the bushings, leading to a vibrating or "sloppy" feel at the helm.
4. Chainplate Reinforcement: Given its performance pedigree, many RL 34s have been raced hard. Inspect the fiberglass around the chainplates for stress cracks or "crazing," which may suggest the rigging has been over-tensioned during its life.

Community & Resources

The RL 34 benefits from a robust, albeit concentrated, support network in Australia. The RL24 Owners Association remains the primary repository for technical knowledge, as much of the engineering and construction methodology for the 34 was scaled up directly from the 24. While the association is named for the smaller model, they maintain archives and host events that include RL 28 and RL 34 owners, fostering a community dedicated to preserving Rob Legg’s marine legacy.

The Verdict

The RL 34 is a rare find that offers the internal volume of a serious cruiser with the draft flexibility of a much smaller boat. It is an ideal choice for sailors who wish to explore shallow estuaries or "nose into" beaches while retaining the ability to undertake coastal passages.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: The ability to retract the keel makes it one of the largest yachts capable of entering thin-water anchorages.
• Performance: Exceptional light-wind speed and a lively, engaging helm.
• Living Space: Genuine standing headroom and a beam that provides a spacious, airy interior.

Cons:

• Complexity: The swing-keel mechanism requires more maintenance than a traditional fixed keel.
• Trailering Logistics: While technically "trailerable," its 10-foot beam requires wide-load permits and a substantial tow vehicle, making it more of a "transportable" yacht than a weekend trailer-sailer.
• Initial Stability: More "tender" than heavy-displacement cruisers, requiring early reefing in heavy weather.