Atlantis 34 review – Testing a 10-meter cult vessel

Let’s talk about a very interesting boat on the second-hand market: it is the Atlantis 34, a big boat that allows you to optimize cruising costs, thanks to an efficient hull supported by fuel-efficient engines. From our Motor Boats archive, here is the super test we had made.

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Atlantis 34 TEST.

The first thing I notice about the Atlantis 34 is the new color scheme (I’m told extended to the entire range), which disavows the more flashy orange for a two-tone color scheme played out between gray and creamy white that, in my opinion, does little to please the eye. A sport boat like the Atlantis deserves something bolder. Otherwise, however, the new “little one” from the Azimut Group shipyard immediately pleases me; let’s see if the test confirms the positive feeling.

Atlantis 34

The exterior line echoes that offered by the larger models, the result of a collaboration between Atlantis and Neo Design that resulted in five new hulls, 34 to 58, in just two years. Completely renewed boats, which can be recognized by the freeboard that occupies 60 percent of the total elevation for a massive hull with large interior volumes, a guarantee of good comfort, while the deckhouse and hardtop complete the overall well-balanced profile. Deep-V hull with variable geometry and deadrise of 17.87°.

CONSTRUCTION

The hull is made in infusion using vinylester resin on the outer layers, structural spider architecture and semi-structural tray made in infusion with balsa sandwich. Infusion also for the deck, again with balsa sandwich, while white isoneopentylglycol gelcoat was used for painting. So state-of-the-art technologies for a sturdy structure without overdoing the weights.

COVER

The deck layout does not shine in originality, but credit must be given to the designers who have exploited every available inch to ensure maximum habitability. Starting from the stern, one immediately appreciates the swim platform, which is a true private 2.5-square-meter beach, which can also accommodate the tender up to a length of 2.5 m. From the starboard side, you can access the cockpit, which features the useful bar cabinet that, due to its volume and surface area, can be transformed into a real open galley, which is also concealed by the flap. The partial hardtop cover allows it to be used even in less than clement weather conditions, without having to resort to the deck, which is a bit too much in direct contact with the sleeping area.

To the left is the living area, with a dinette for six people, which can be transformed into a sundeck by lowering the table, should one feel the need, because a comfortable chaise longue extends next to the dashboard, ideal for becoming a convivial nucleus at the center of life on board. The dashboard is compact, in a dark gray material, pleasant to the touch; on the model under test, an all-digital instrumentation was chosen, with good aesthetic results and effective and immediate communication for the driver.

Superstructure that opens up

The superstructure has a manual soft top as standard equipment that turns much of the cockpit into an open, but when needed (as I will have a chance to check soon) provides excellent protection. As usual, I am somewhat puzzled by the two side openings in the windows, almost a trademark for Atlantis, certainly appreciable in summer, somewhat less so if you want to use the boat year-round. To reach the bow, where there is a large sundeck, the walkways are symmetrical with a width of 21 centimeters, a bit at the limit for moving easily and safely, although the sturdy, high stanchion helps a lot.

Interiors

What is most striking as soon as you go below deck is the great luminosity provided by the large side windows. Otherwise, the layout is traditional, but it is noteworthy that every bit of space is exploited to the fullest: lockers, wall cabinets and cupboards offer a volume of more than 1,350 liters, located between the dinette and the master cabin. The latter is amidships, making use of almost its entire width, with an entrance door and good height, at least in the hallway at the entrance (1.95 m); however, on the bed you can sit without feeling too oppressed by the deck, the size of the double bed is also discreet.

In the dinette, the need for a closet has led to a reduction in the volume of the bathroom, where the lack of a dedicated shower stall is noticeable, but the care taken in its furnishing with a porthole that provides direct ventilation is appreciated. Opposite, there is the small but complete kitchen cabinet with sink, two-burner stove top and 80-liter refrigerator, while the bow is entirely devoted to the V-shaped dinette that quickly converts to another double berth, which is decidedly generous in size. Oak wood finishes and lacquered inserts are the same as those that furnish the larger models.

Plant engineering

A peek at the engine room is just a formality to get the confirmation that even the “little one” of the Atlantis has inherited all the care and precision in the equipment set-up. Note, if anything, the comprehensive standard equipment with ample opportunity for customization by the owner.

Motorization

The two 220-horsepower Volvo Penta D3s with Aquamatic Duoprop stern feet are one of the most efficient and long-lived systems for boats of this size, but some alternatives could have been considered. For example, a pair of gasoline, which, for a predominantly day boat, may be a more economical solution if use is limited.

Performance

The sea outside Cannes harbor does not seem to give discounts. Having overcome the hesitancy of the first impact I face the decidedly pronounced waves with increasing boldness because the “little” 34 gives me a great sense of security. Wipers efficient and always on, hardtop strictly closed, and the progression of the two Volvos is full and continuous, if anyone will have turned their nose up at the limited power, it is served.

We peak at 3860 rpm and 29.4 knots with two trim notches (and a consumption of 97 liters/hour), while all other readings are taken with trims reset. For comparison with calm seas, in a previous test with only two people on board (there are seven of us!) we reached 3940 rpm and 31.7 knots.

Fairing and consumption

Data that underscore the speedy qualities of the hull, although I am more interested in observing how at the cruising speed of 27/28 knots, which I maintain at 3500 rpm, consumption drops significantly, and becomes even more interesting at 3000 rpm and 20.5 knots, still a performance that guarantees quick trips, with “only” 56 liters/hour. Minimum glide is held at 2200 rpm, at 10 knots and 30 liters/hour, further confirmation of the interesting operating economies this boat allows.

But the salient fact of the test is the fluency with which the Atlantis 34 tackles a sea that is certainly hostile, the kind that most boaters carefully avoid. Here, on the other hand, we overcome the waves without the hull flapping violently, but rather crossing them with surprising ease. Even in turns the feeling of safety is confirmed, not to mention the truly remarkable handling. There is little to add, the Atlantis 34 has passed the most probing test with flying colors.

POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO

The calculated ratio was derived by dividing the maximum displacement provided by the shipyard, with the power of the engines. The parameters of the calculation are thus 8800 kg divided by the installed power of 440 horsepower.