THE Sun Liberty 34 is a 10-meter cruising sailboat designed by Daniel Andrieu and the Jeanneau shipyard. This cruiser, built between 1989 and 1992 is not the most well-known on the construction site, far from it. Yet, with 284 units builtThis model has seen significant production in 3 years.
Contrary to the sometimes “low-cost” image associated with certain models in this 90s series, the Sun Liberty 34 proves to be a real owner’s boat, where the attention paid to the exterior fittings (spacious cockpit, easy movement, protection against the elements) and interior fittings (two double cabins each with its own bathroom, bright saloon) makes it a sailboat more premium than it seemsIts avant-garde design for the time (with very original layouts) and a good handling as well as a appreciable maneuverabilitydeserve attention.
To remember
- Architect : Daniel Andrieu, in collaboration with interior designer Benoît Coquard.
- Production period : 1989–1992 (284 units).
- Length : 9.98 m (10.30 m HT).
- Draft : 1.90 m (standard version) / 1.50 m (shallow draft version).
- Shift : 4,700 kg (ballast: 1,520 kg).
- Rigging : Marconi sloop at the front, aluminum mast and boom.
- Engine : 18 to 27 HP (diesel).
- Facilities : 2 cabins, 4 to 6 berths, 2 bathrooms (a luxury for a 34-footer of that era).
- Market price (2026) : Between €25,000 and €35,000 depending on the condition and equipment.
History of the boat
THE Sun Liberty 34 was founded in the late 1980s, a pivotal period for Jeanneau, as for many shipyards. Between the crisis in the nautical industry and the Gulf War, which led to inflation and increased construction costs, the shipyard was searching for its identity. Designed by Daniel Andrieu, a French naval architect renowned for his high-performance designs and collaborations with Jeanneau (Sun Fast, Sun Odyssey), the Sun Liberty 34 embodies a breaking with traditional codes production sailboats of the time.
The construction is in polyester, with a L-shaped keel with bulb to optimize stability and performance. The Sun Liberty 34 was produced in 284 copies between 1989 and 1992, before evolving towards the Sun Odyssey 34 in 1991, then the Sun Odyssey 33 in 1992, which incorporate part of its DNA.
The plan was clear: to offer a sailboat family-friendly, comfortable, and nautical, capable of navigating both coastal and offshore cruising, with a superior level of equipment and finish to the average. At the time, its main competitors were models like the Bavaria 34, THE Beneteau Oceanis 350, or even the Hallberg-Rassy 34, but the Sun Liberty 34 stood out because of its circular square, his two bathrooms and his cockpit particularly well designed for comfort while sailing.
Interior design
The interior of the Sun Liberty 34 is often described as surprising for a boat of this size. THE circular square, a signature by Daniel Andrieu, offers a rare conviviality and one good brightness thanks to numerous portholes. The headroom (up to 2 meters) and the layout in U of the kitchen (with oven, fridge and double sink) make it a space for life on board.
THE two double cabins, each with its own toiletThese features are a major asset for a 34-foot sailboat. The forward cabin offers a bunk bed measuring 1.95 m x 1.55 m, while the rear cabin offers 1.92 m x 1.45 m. THE convertible living room It can accommodate up to 6 people for the night, without sacrificing comfort.
THE materials (light wood, quality fabrics) and the are well cared for, which contributes to the image of a boat less “cheap” than some competing modelsOwners often emphasize the sound insulation quality and the good ventilation
Marine qualities
The Sun Liberty 34 is first and foremost a cruising sailboat, but its design and its rigging allow him to behave well while navigating. Its L-shaped keel with bulb and his hanging rudder give it a good stability and one remarkable handlingeven in rough seas. The owners describe it as a boat “smiling”easy to maneuver, even for inexperienced crews.
In terms of performanceThe Sun Liberty 34 displays a cruising speed of 6 to 7 knotswith spikes 8 knots downwind. Her sail area/displacement ratio of 21.88 m²/T classifies it in the category of high-performance cruising sailboatscapable of maintaining their position under varying conditions. ballast ratio of 32% and a DLR of 256 indicate a boat balance, neither too light nor too heavy, ideal for coastal cruising as well as more ambitious crossings.
THE closed aft cockpit is another strong point: spacious, secure and well protectedIt allows for navigation in good conditions, even in bad weather. steering wheel and the well placed winches facilitate maneuvering, while the circulation on board is optimized to avoid congestion.
Owner reviews
Owner feedback is overall very positive.
The Sun Liberty 34 is often praised for its bright, functional and well-designed interior, with comfortable beds and practical bathroomsThe owners particularly appreciate the circular squarewhich fosters convivial moments.
There of construction in GRP and the quality of finishes are regularly cited as major advantages. The boat is considered solid and reliableeven after several decades of sailing.
The feedback highlights a good stability, a precise handling and one easy handlingeven in strong winds. Some owners have even crossed the Atlantic with this model, proof of its ability to cope with demanding conditions.
As with any sailboat from the 1990s, attention must be paid to thecondition of the rigging, of the portholes (some models had sealing problems) and the engine (Original versions may have a high number of hours). The deck joints and the through-hull these should also be checked regularly.
One owner sums up: “This boat surprises with its comfort and ease of navigation. You feel at home as soon as you step aboard, and it handles very well at sea.”
Sun Liberty 34 Technical Specifications
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Shipyard | Jeanneau (France) |
| Architect | Daniel Andrieu (Andrieu Yacht Design) |
| Interior stylist | Benoît Coquard |
| Launch year | one thousand nine hundred eighty-nine |
| End of production | one thousand nine hundred ninety-two |
| Number of copies | two hundred eighty-four |
| Overall length | 10.30 m |
| 9.98 m | |
| Waterline length | 8.04 m |
| Bau (width) | 3.50 m |
| Beam at the waterline | 2.64 m |
| Draft (standard) | 1.90 m |
| Draft (PTE) | 1.50 m |
| Light travel | 4,700 kg |
| Ballast | 1,520 kg (32% of the displacement) |
| Hull type | Monocoque made of polyester and fiberglass (GRP) |
| Type of appendages | L-shaped keel with bulb (standard) / Short keel (PTE) |
| Rod | Steering wheel |
| Saffron | Suspended rudder |
| Navigation category | 1 (High tide) |
| Rigging | Sloop Marconi in the lead |
| Mast | Aluminum mast and boom, placed on the deck |
| Number of rows of arrow bars | 2 (pushing) |
| Upwind sail area | 61.4 m² |
| Sail area downwind | 102.39 m² (including symmetrical spinnaker: 75.75 m²) |
| Mainsail area | 26.64 m² |
| Genoa surface | 34.76 m² |
| I | 12.40 m |
| J | 3.55 m |
| P | 10.50 m |
| E | 4.15 m |
| Sail area/displacement ratio (upwind) | 21.88 m²/T |
| Sail area/displacement ratio (downwind) | 36.49 m²/T |
| DLR (Displacement Length Ratio) | two hundred fifty-six |
| Critical speed | 6.88 knots |
| Engine | 1 inboard diesel engine (18 to 27 hp) |
| Fuel capacity | 100 liters |
| Fresh water capacity | 250 liters |
| Cooler/fridge capacity | |
| Water heater capacity | 42 liters |
| Number of cabins | 2 (front and rear) |
| Number of beds | 4 to 6 |
| Number of bathrooms | 2 (one per cabin) |
| Maximum headroom | 2.00 m (square) / 1.85 m (forward cabin) / 1.88 m (aft cabin) |
| Headroom (kitchen) | 1.96 m |
| Headroom (bathroom) | 1.82 m |
| Front berth length | 1.95 m x 1.55 m |
| Rear berth length | 1.92 m x 1.45 m |
| Cockpit type | Closed rear cockpit |
| Chart table | 0.75 m x 0.54 m |
