The Atlantis 34 is a classic day cruiser with a soft top, which accommodates a cabin and separate WC/shower room below deck in addition to the saloon with galley and dinette. The exterior and interior plastic work is clean and tidy. The shipyard has also endeavoured to treat the plastic cut edges, which has not been successful everywhere. The engine compartment is fitted with interior panelling.
The electrical and technical installations are neat, but are downgraded because the cut edges of openings where cables or hoses run through are without edge protection and the cables for the 230 V shore power supply in the engine compartment are too exposed. The wood and furniture finish is solid. The alignment of the ceiling panels is correct and the overall gap dimensions are correct. The upholstery makes a normal impression - although it could be a little thicker.
Driving and manoeuvring
Two engines guarantee manoeuvrability during harbour manoeuvres, as our test boat proves. If the wind is blowing at five Beaufort, as it was on the test day, the bow thruster (extra) helps with the final side thrust. One gear set to "ahead" and the other to "astern" allows the Atlantis 34 to turn almost on the spot; if both gears are set to "ahead", a turning circle at slow speed measures around one and a half boat lengths. With two turns, the rudder is designed to be sporty when turning fully from one side to the other. The fact that it is difficult to turn at slow speed is less pleasing to the tester.
We sail through the slow passages at 6 kn (1200 rpm) to keep the waves generated by the boat at an acceptable level. The straight-ahead running is determined by synchronised motors at the push of a button. Neither weight shifts nor heeling influence the course when people are moving around in the boat at slow speed. Without having to trim much, which favours the already good foresight, the 34 lowers the bow again from 2500 rpm and switches to planing.
Ten people are allowed on board, five of us are travelling with almost empty storage compartments, an almost full diesel tank and a full water tank. At full throttle, we reach a maximum speed of only 3900 rpm, which should be 100 rpm more by default. Ergo, the propeller does not fit perfectly. We recorded a top speed of 30.4 knots and 13 knots at minimum glide speed (2500 rpm).
At slow speed, one tank of fuel is sufficient for a theoretical range of 654 nm plus 15% reserve. The test boat travelled economically at 25 kn when both engines were turning 3500 rpm. In this case, the two tanks are emptied to the reserve after about 195 nm; at full throttle, you should visit a bunker station after about 177 nm. This means that the test boat fulfils our minimum requirement of at least 150 nm radius of action even at full speed, which we rate as good.
In the increasingly tighter curves, the Atlantis 34 leans slightly towards the centre of the curve and, with the Z-drives fully trimmed and in the optimum trim position, follows its course without rocking or hooking. It brakes on its own up to the lower gliding speed and accelerates again after steering out. While visibility is severely impaired when turning to port due to the roof swivelling into the field of vision, it is guaranteed to starboard.
The 180° turns turn into tight bends with a diameter of almost three boat lengths; the centrifugal forces (0.8 g) generated in the process are easy to maintain. On the imaginary slalom course, the 34 can be made to oscillate along its longitudinal axis in a neat but harmless manner, and when the rudder is pulled away, it follows the chosen course safely.
On the test day, the wind picks up to five to six Beaufort, which often causes the waves on the Mediterranean to grow to a height of one metre. Despite this, we were able to sail at full throttle without any problems. It's normal for spray to come from the front. Shortcoming: A centre strip between the two wipers remains unwiped.
The skipper sits on a bench for two, which is more beautiful than functional: not adjustable, seat cushion too soft and too short and open to port. A storage box acts as a footrest. The board between the driver's seat base and the footrest is good. It can be folded down to allow a view through the open sunroof over the windscreen frame when standing. The sound pressure level is just as good: a maximum of 82 dB/A at full speed.
Engine, tank, electrics
Our test boat is equipped with two D3-220 Volvo Penta diesels with Duoprop Z drives. They are located under the cockpit floor, which can be opened at the touch of a button. When the hatch is open, it is easy to get into the engine compartment, but the open lid blocks the way aft to the exit. A new feature is that the diesel tanks in the engine compartment are held in place by ratchet straps. Solenoid valves controlled via the ignition regulate the diesel flow. Plus: fuel pre-filter with water separator.
Minus: no water alarm sensors. A fire extinguisher that can be triggered remotely and works automatically should prevent the worst, while an electric plus manual bilge pump ensures an empty bilge. The batteries are located in well-mounted plastic boxes and are controlled by relays. The necessary buttons and fuses are easily accessible in two electrical panels in the saloon.
Security
Here, the test boat shines first and foremost with its safe handling characteristics. The cockpit drains outboard, and wooden supports or anti-slip structures prevent slipping on all accessible surfaces. The cockpit interior height at the stern entrance is too low - with a distance of 0.51 m between the water surface and the cockpit floor, you can't go too fast when travelling in reverse. The walkway on the side decks is secured by a sturdy railing, but a handrail on both sides at the top of the superstructure and handholds in the cockpit and on the swim ladder would be desirable.
Living, cockpit and equipment
Below deck, the 34 has a separate underfloor cabin as well as the foredeck with galley, dinette and WC/shower room. With the table lowered, the V-shaped bench seat becomes a berth for two (extra). In the underfloor cabin, the double berth is arranged transversely and there is room for one person to stand at the entrance. Stowage is in the stowage compartment and the cupboards suspended above it to starboard as well as in a wardrobe at the entrance. There is no ventilation under the mattress. Light and air enter through portholes. The galley is suitably equipped with a refrigerator, sink, double ceramic hob, microwave and storage cupboard.
The shipyard says
The Atlantis 34 demonstrates an intensive effort to maximise the space on and below deck. There is a separate owner's cabin and a bathroom plus plenty of light-flooded space in the foredeck, where the bench seat can be converted into another berth. There is also plenty of space on deck. The engine power allows a maximum speed of 32 knots or a cruising speed of 29 knots. The helm station is equipped with the latest touchscreen from Raymarine.
We say
Atlantis has optimised the 34, there is no feeling of unease on or below deck. The fact that we were not quite as fast on the test day is due to the weather and the lack of 100 rpm. We recorded a cruising speed of 25 knots. The touchscreen impressed us just as much as the handling characteristics
