34 III

The Mainship 34 III is a refined and more stylish version of the original Mainship 34 (1978–82). In the 34 III, the salon was slightly lengthened and the extended hardtop of the original Mainship 34 was eliminated in favor of a more open cockpit. Designed for fuel-efficient cruising, she rides on a solid fiberglass hull with rounded bilges and a long keel for directional stability. (Note that the keel is deep enough to protect the prop and running gear.) The single-stateroom interior of the 34 III is very similar to the original Mainship 34, except that light oak woodwork is used rather than teak, and the salon windows are larger. A lower helm was standard in the roomy salon, the galley includes all the necessary food-prep necessities, and a separate stall shower is included in the head. The cockpit is large enough for some light-tackle fishing, and the flybridge seats four around the helm. The Mainship 34 III was powered with a single diesel engine (usually a 165hp or 200hp Perkins) capable of cruising at 7 knots at 2 gallons per hour, or 13–14 knots at only 7 gallons per hour. The fuel efficiency of this coastal cruiser is truly impressive, and used models remain popular even today.