09/2008 –

THE LATEST CRUISER

The Oceanis 34 will be presented to the public at this autumn’s boat shows. With a hull design by Finot-Conq & Associates and an interior by Nauta Design, Nauticnews can confirm after testing that, like its 31 and 37-foot predecessors, this 9.99 metre cruiser is both comfortable and practical. Designed for family cruising, this latest model is the last in a complete overhaul of the brand’s range, which began in 2005.

Above deck

The Oceanis 34 is dedicated to comfortable cruising.  The cockpit remains uncluttered, with a fold-away table and a massive helm (1100mm in diameter) installed on a central column.  This allows steering from a sitting position, and with the Genoa winches well to the aft, manoeuvres are easy with a small crew.  The mast has two backstays to free up space to the rear, a solution that allows fewer adjustments but improves quality of life on board, the designer’s main objective.  This makes for a rather large coachroof, with a clever system for stowing the companionway hatch. Patented by Noval, this reduces the size of the top step and saves precious space below deck.

Below deck

The saloon is spacious and bright with 1.84 metres of headroom. The portside L-shaped galley is well equipped and the starboard bathroom is moulded in one singe piece for water-tightness. There is a shower unit, a work surface with sink and a toilet with an 80 litre holding tank for wastewater.  The chart table is also to starboard and fits neatly between the bathroom and the saloon bench seat.  This saves a great deal of space, although the seating area is not very comfortable, particularly if the boat is listing.  However Bénéteau has decided to sacrifice some of the old faithfuls for the sake of overall comfort.

Bénéteau’s objectives

With its well balanced hull, easy manoeuvring and optimal comfort, this small 2 or 3 cabin cruiser is the youngest in the Oceanis range, replacing the Cyclades designed for charterers. Bénéteau has now overhauled its entire range in less than 3 years, winning the prestigious 2007 “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for good measure. Thanks to this ambitious policy, the French company aims to consolidate its position as yachting’s number one global brand

NauticNews.com Tech Specs of Bénéteau Océanis 34.

More details : www.beneteau.com

-NG-