The Fisher 34 Motorsailer

The Fisher 34 (along with the F25 and F37) is still in production, with the last F25 built in 2018 and an F34 built in 2023 with only 118 F34s being constructed from 1977 to the present day.

The Fisher 34 was originally built by Fairways Marine, which later became Fisher Yachts International. In 1988, Fisher Yachts International went into receivership and the moulds were acquired by Northshore Yachts, which continued to build the Fisher range until 2010. Northshore Yachts also went into administration in 2013 and was taken over by Discovery Yachts Group, which currently owns the rights to the Fisher brand but does not produce any new boats.

The Fisher 34 has two main sailplan options: a ketch rig with a mizzen mast and sail, or a sloop rig with a single mast and a larger mainsail. The ketch rig offers more flexibility and balance in different wind conditions, while the sloop rig is simpler and faster. Both rigs have a furling genoa as the headsail. Some owners have also added a staysail or a spinnaker to their boats for extra performance.

The Fisher 34 is a heavy displacement boat that sails well in moderate to strong winds. It has a good motion in waves and can handle rough seas. It is not very fast or agile, but it is steady and reliable. It can be sailed from either the cockpit or the wheelhouse, depending on the weather and preference. The wheelhouse offers excellent visibility and protection from the elements, while the cockpit gives more feel of the wind and water.

Wyatt and Freeman are the naval architects behind the entire Fisher range of motor-sailers, which includes the models 25, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, and 46. They also designed other boats such as the Freeward 25, Freeman 33 Ketch Cruiser, Wyatt Wren Mk II, Freeman Starclass Ketch Cruiser, Freeman Starclass Sloop Cruiser, Wyatt Wren Mk III Sloop Cruiser.

The Fisher 34 is one of the most popular and well-known motor-sailers in its size range. It has a distinctive style that appeals to many sailors who value tradition and comfort. It competes with other motor-sailers such as the Nauticat 33, the LM 32, the Colvic Watson 28, the Westerly Konsort Duo, and the Moody 34. The Fisher 34 has a larger wheelhouse and a higher freeboard than most of its rivals, which gives it more space and protection, but also more windage and weight. The Fisher 34 also has a better sailing performance than some of its competitors, especially in the sloop version.