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A rare blue water cruiser and live-aboard with exceptionally strong, one-piece hand laid up hull done using C-Flex technology (see below), new mast, boom, rigging, sails (2005 refit) and multiple upgrades (2012-2016 refit) to safely take you south or around the world. Turn-key and ready to go.
Robers 34 design has been built as a production boat in many parts of the world and sailed in the singlehanded Trans-Atlantic races and many circumnavigations. It is also the design of choice of English Yachtsman Leslie Powles who hascompleted three circumnavigations in his Roberts 34 ‘Solitaire’, as well as a non-stop journey from NZ to England via Cape Horn.
We refitted this boat to go from Toronto to Bahamas and finally to Australia where most of our family moved some time ago. For the last four seasons we were doing refits and trial trips all other Lake Ontario to test all the systems and do adjustments and additions and very happy with refit done on her. Unfortunately, we have to re-think this plan now and need a bigger boat because there are two more people who want to participate in the adventure and this boat is ideal for a crew of up to three. Five will be too many.
Why Bruce Roberts 34
Legendary performance of Bruce Roberts design. Excellent performance numbers. Motion Comfort is 33 and Capsize Ratio is 1.74 making her an excellent choice for safe and comfortable ocean crossings.
Bruce Roberts 34 sailboats are used by many as a live-aboard-take-you-anywhere boat for cruising Bahamas, Florida Keys and many ocean crossings. She is nicely equipped and already re-fitted for off-shore voyages.
I hope you did your homework and know how much it costs to prepare any boat for off-shore. For 32′ to 36′ boat (new or used) a normal figure is between $50,000 to $70,000 depending on the boat manufacturer.
Why we selected this particular boat
Very strong body because hull is hand laid with solid fiberglass using C-Flex technology – it is a high strength (67,000 p.s.i. tensile) material, which contains fiberglass rods and continuous fiberglass rovings. Such hulls are getting close to steel construction in strength without the weight and corrosion problems.
Semi-full keel encapsulated into solid fiberglass as part of the hull so it will not fall out in the middle of the ocean creating several 6″ holes in your hull. This gives you performance of a fin keel and strength of a full keel hull
Heavy displacement gives you cruising comfort and enough enclosed storage space for several weeks long non-stop passage for 2-3 people
Rudder supported and protected by a massive skeg
Heavy duty rudder system with wheel to chain to rack & pinion connection (not flimsy cables)
What was done to prepare this boat for cruising
Hull and Deck
Bottom is treated with 6 coats of epoxy Interprotect
New Interlux paint on hull (2011)
KiwiGrip anti-slip deck coating (2016)
Replaced hand rails to all around stainless steel tubing – much safer than a standard wire (2012)
Added two solar vents to keep cabins dry
New rigid dodger and bimini from SS tubing 1.5″ diameter (2015)
Stainless steel all-around railing, dinghy davits, outboard engine crane and fenders holder
Mast, rigging, and sails
All new Klako mast and boom, Andersen winches and over-sized standing rigging installed in 2005 – this part of the upgrade alone was over $35,000
All rigging and hardware attachment points were reinforced with new backing plates for heavy weather
Fully battened main sail (2005, reconditioned in 2015) with lazy jacks and MackPack (2012) for easy main sail handling by a shorthanded crew.
Tides Marine SailTrack and Slide System for easy main sail raising and lowering (2016)
Installed a new over-sized rigid boom vang (2012)
New 5′ main sheet traveler and all new stainless steel blocks (2015)
New 135% Genoa sail (2011) on Profurl furling (2005) and new Harken furling leads (2012) for smooth genoa handling
New removable forestay and all running rigging and hardware for a storm jib to safely sail or hove-to in heavy winds
New lines, blocks and mast top bracket for spinnaker
Forespar Telescoping Whisker Pole (2014) kept on mast
Asymmetrical spinnaker (2012) with ATN sock
Mooring and Anchorage
Oversized 20kg Rocna main anchor (2016) – the best anchor in the world
25lb Fortress type anchor
Maxwell RC Series RC8-8 vertical windlass (2016) with 100′ of 5/16″ G4 chain and 200′ of 8-plait anchor line (2016)
All mooring cleats were replaced to oversized stainless steel with reinforced backing plates
New 8″ x 4 and 15″ x 2 fenders (2012)
Number of mooring lines
Engine and fuel system
Dependable and economical Westerbeke diesel engine (true marine edition) – regularly and properly serviced (recent oil analysis is available on request)
Closed circuit cooling system for salt water operation
Hurh automatic gearbox provides very smooth and precise gear switching (rebuilt in 2016)
Damper plate replaced to R&D high deflection damper (2016)
Engine exhaust system replaced in 2005
New fresh water pump (2014)
New coolant pump (2015)
New fuel injectors (2014)
New engine’s electrical wiring and cooling hoses replaced to marine grade (2012)
New alternator 50 Amps (2016)
Two new over-sized Racor water separator/fuel filters to keep engine running smoothly (2012)
New Groco ARG-S over-sized water strainer for cooling water (2015)
New Polyflex engine mounts for vibration isolation (2015)
New engine compartment soundproofing by SPM from sailorssolutions.com – best soundproofing we could find (2015)
New Moeller 100 L fuel tank (2015)
All fuel lines, fill hose and fuel vent replaced (2015)
Offshore systems NMEA 2000 network fuel sender (2015)
All seacocks were replaced (2011)
Cruising set of spare parts including new starter, new fuel pump, impeller, gaskets, belts and filters.
Propeller and rudder
New Campbell Sailer propeller (2012) – was custom made for this boat
New cutlass bearing, stuffing box and flexible coupling (all 2012) to reduce vibration and protect the gearbox – will not need a replacement for at least 10-15 years
Ruder was removed, opened, its cage reinforced with 4″ wide stainless steel plate welded between 3 arms, plywood core removed, replaced with structural closed cell foam and reinforced with West System epoxy and Dynel fiberglass cloth
Electronics and Electrical systems
All electrical wiring was replaced to a proper marine grade and size (2014)
Navigation, anchor, and all cabin lights were replaced to new with LED bulbs
Two blue underwater LED lights 9W each at stern for fishing and night swimming (2016)
B&G Zeus Touch 8 – amazing 8″ Touchscreen chart plotter with SailSteer sail navigation and Navionics maps (2014)
B&G Broadband 4G Radar – one of the best digital radars you can buy – super sharp target separation, no radiation, very low power consumption (using only 21W at full range), InstantOn (2015)
Simrad WP32 Autopilot connected into NMEA 2000 network (2005) – reliable crew member which was tirelessly steering the boat for days
Simrad FC40 Magnetic Compass / NMEA 2000 (2014)
Maretron WSO100 Ultrasonics Wind/Weather Station / NMEA 2000 (2015)
Offshore Systems Fuel Sender – no maintenance sender with water in fuel detection / NMEA 2000 (2015)
Skyworth 22″ 12v TV-DVD Combo, Omnimount Play25X mount
Weatherproof CCD camera on top of the mast (2015)
Standard Horizon AIS/GPS GX2200 VHF radio (2014) connected to B&G chart plotter for AIS data which is displayed on map and radar screens
3G/LTE Mobile Router (2014) connected to marine WiFi and 3G/4G antennas outside – helps to get better signal in remote areas and share Internet connection to all tablets and computers on board over Wifi network
2 x 250 Watt Monocrystalline solar panels by BE Solar (made in Canada) with 25 years warranty (2015) – total of 500 Watt of solar gives us all power we need producing 20-25 Amps even during fresh Canadian summer
Renogy 40 Amp MPPT solar charge controller with a remote monitor for the most efficient solar charging (2015)
Cabin and comfort
New off-shore rated V-birth hatch (2012)
New off-shore rated fixed ports x 5 (2016)
New off-shore rated 24″ opening ports x 2 for cross ventilation (2016)
All cabin cushions were replaced (2012)
Replaced all headliner (2016) to eliminate all smell and dampness
Added cabin top and sides insulation(2013)
Multiple cabin lights were installed, all soft LED
Doulton UltraCarb water filter delivers clean drinking water right after water tank to all faucets on board (2015)
Kuuma Marine Water Heater – 40 L (2012) provides hot water to galley and head. It is heated by engine coolant or shore power
New Dickinson marine propane gas heater/fireplace (2012) – provides safe heat and comfort during chilly evenings and nights. It takes air from outside instead of getting air from cabin which is a much safer arrangement. Very efficient and can go for 220 hours on two 20LB propane tanks on board
New stainless steel marine propane stove (2013)
New stainless steel marine propane BBQ (2013)
Two 20LB propane tanks under cockpit table in ventilated compartment
Complete propane management system was installed new and includes Xintex LPG propane gas fume control panel with detector and solenoid (2012)
New Shurflo Pro Blaster washdown pump with pressure water outlet on deck to wash anchor line and deck (2015)
New Jabsco fresh water pump with Jabsco accumulator tank (2013) for smooth water pressure
New Lavac marine toilet with vacuum flushing system with electric Whale Gulper toilet pump (2016) – no pumping – just push a button to flush.
New custom polypropylene 100L holding tank (2016)
New custom polypropylene fresh water tanks were added for total capacity of 300L (2016)
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
A more accurate formula devised by Dave Gerr in The Propeller Handbook replaces the Speed/Length ratio constant of 1.34 with a calculation based on the Displacement/Length ratio.
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio.311
Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64)2/3
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam1.33)
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
From BlueWaterBoats.org:
One look the Coast 34 with her distinctive canoe stern takes us back to the mid 1970s and the work of Bob Perry who made the style outrageously popular. The Coast 34 started life as a home-build design called the Roberts 341. She was penned in 1978 by Grahame Shannon and already by 1980 a project was initiated to take her into production as the Coast 34. Over the years she’s been well regarded as a liveaboard offshore cruiser with loads of storage that’s proven seaworthy with competent sailing abilities in a wide range of sea conditions. In total, it’s been estimated over 100 of these boats have been built, of which around half were from the production mold and finished in semi-custom format by various boatbuilders.
The story of the Coast 34 started in 1978 inside the offices of Bruce Roberts Design Group when Shannon sketched up his ideas in his own time and pitched it to his boss. Roberts liked it and gave the go-ahead for the design that became the Roberts 341. It also gave birth to a smaller boat based on the same hull shape, the 28 foot Roberts 281.
By 1980 Shannon was approached by a boat builder from Canada with the idea to take the Roberts 341 into production. A per boat royalty deal was struck and a few tweaks were made to the design. Probably most notable was a tee-shaped cockpit better suited to wheel steering (at the time tillers were more common on boats this size). This new production boat was dubbed the Coast 34.
Shannon promoted the Coast 34 with full page ads in Cruising World Magazine and orders were taken for 30 boats before the construction of the mold was kicked off. The project was not without its hiccups. Along the way, the original builder ran out of money, abandoning the project, requiring new parties to step before the project continued.
The Coast 34 went on to be built by a variety of boat builders in British Columbia, Canada, including Clearwater Marine, Cape Marine, Marquis Marine, and Randle Yachts with other yards employed to finish the interiors. Today the molds lie with Spencer Yachts on Vancouver Island who have yet to produce any hulls.
Rumours exist regarding the production Coast 34 being a unauthorized copy of the Roberts 341. In truth this resulted from a lack of royalties being paid. Shannon recalls receiving a couple of royalties, but nowhere close to the amount agreed for the numbers that were being built. Other sets of molds are around also. There was a “pirate” set of molds built in San Francisco taken from an existing production Coast 34, however only one hull was built.
With her high freeboard and generous 11′ 6″ beam, owners comment the Coast 34 has a big boat feel. There’s ample stowage throughout, including a huge cockpit seat locker. Down below, the layout is predictable for a boat this size, up front is a very useable v-berth, followed by an opposite facing head and locker area. Further aft is the saloon with twin settees either side of the table. The galley is to port with diagonal twin sinks near the centerline which makes for a secure C-shaped area for bracing while underway. Finally to starboard is the navigation table and seagoing double quarter-berth. It’s an ideal size and arrangement for couples looking to do some extended voyaging.
Construction is solid fiberglass below the waterline and coring in Klegecell foam on the topsides and deck. Reports are that the fiberglass work is of good quality, uniform and free from blisters. Ballast is lead encapsulated in the keel cavity. The mast is deck-stepped with a rig that features a double-spreader high aspect ratio setup, more commonly seen in high performance yachts. Most rigs are setup as cutters, though a sloop rig was an option. Side decks are expansive for a boat this size, and are bordered with a substantial bulwark.
As you’d expect from half the boats being home-built and the other half being semi-custom finished by various boat builders, the quality will vary wildly between individual boats. You’ll find them in all manner of configurations as well; the original Roberts 341 plans had options for both fin and full length keels, and even a few are built with pilothouse cabin layouts.
Underway she’s well balanced on all points of sail maintaining a light helm in a most sea conditions. She’s a good all-rounder, she doesn’t lag too much in light airs where her high aspect rig keeps her moving along at 5 knots even in only 10 knots of breeze. In a stronger conditions she proves quite powerful, able to carry her working sails (115% foresail, yankee, and main) up to 20 knots. Windward ability is sensitive to sea conditions, though able to tack through 90 degrees in smoother conditions, this will drop to 120 degrees when the sea state gets really rough.
The Coast 34 was originally specified with a 30hp engine which has proven to be underpowered, especially given most boats were built much heavier than specified. Some have uprated to larger engines with the comment that it’s quite a squeeze in the engine bay. One particular owner reported vibration issues with their uprated engine installation.
» Coast 34 Owners Website, information, photos and
record of known boats.
» Roberts 341 description at Burce Robert’s official website.
This listing is presented by SailFarYachts.com. Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.
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