Silverton Motor Yachts – 1992 34-Foot Double Cabin Model

Silverton Yachts has a rich history as an American boatbuilder known for producing quality mid-sized motor yachts. A prime example of their craft is the 1992 Silverton 34-foot Double Cabin, an aft-cabin cruiser that offers big-boat amenities in a manageable size. Below, we delve into Silverton’s background, and explore the specifications, design, construction, performance, and comparisons for this 34’ Double Cabin model.

History of Silverton Yachts

Silverton Yachts was founded in 1969 by brothers John and Warren Luhrs in New Jersey. The Luhrs family’s boatbuilding heritage actually dates back to the 1800s with their grandfather, Henry Luhrs, who built and outfitted boats on the New Jersey coast. After selling their father’s earlier company (Henry Luhrs Sea Skiffs) to a conglomerate in the 1960s, John and Warren established Silverton, applying their family’s techniques to a new line of fiberglass pleasure boats. Silverton quickly gained success with popular convertible (sportfishing style) models, and expanded into larger and more sophisticated yachts over the years.

By the 1980s, Silverton’s lineup grew to include convertible sportfishing boats, aft-cabin motor yachts, and express cruisers. The company became especially known as a leading builder of mid-sized aft-cabin cruising yachts, offering buyers a lot of interior space and comfort for the value. Silverton also introduced design innovations such as the “SideWalk” – a molded staircase along the flybridge on later models – to improve onboard accessibility. Throughout its evolution, Silverton maintained a reputation for solid craftsmanship and value, continually updating its construction techniques and listening to customer feedback to refine their designs. This background set the stage for models like the 34 Double Cabin, which embody Silverton’s ethos of providing comfortable cruising yachts with practical design.

General Specifications of the 1992 34-Foot Double Cabin Model

The 1992 Silverton 34 Double Cabin (often marketed as the 34 Motor Yacht) is a twin-engine aft-cabin cruiser that packs the features of a larger yacht into a 34-foot class vessel. Key specifications for this model include:

• Length Overall (LOA): ~39 ft 10 in (about 12.1 m) including the swim platform and bow pulpit. (The hull length is around 34 feet, giving the model its name.)
• Beam (Width): 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m), providing a broad stance for stability and roomy interior.
• Draft: ~3 ft 0 in (0.89 m) at full load– shallow enough for coastal and intracoastal cruising, while still enough hull in the water for steadiness.
• Weight: Approximately 18,000–19,000 lbs dry displacement (about 8,600 kg), reflecting a sturdy build. This weight contributes to a solid ride but also means a fairly heavy 34-footer.
• Construction: Fiberglass (GRP) hull and superstructure. The hull bottom is solid fiberglass below the waterline for strength, with balsa-cored hull sides above the waterline to save weight while maintaining rigidity (a common technique in Silverton’s builds). The hull has a modified-V shape with around 16–17° deadrise at the transom for a balance of stability and performance.
• Engine Type: Twin inboard gasoline engines were standard. Most 1992 models came equipped with Crusader 454cid V8s (7.4L) rated around 320 hp each. These are freshwater-cooled (heat exchanger) V-drive engines known for reliability. Diesel engines were not common in this model due to size and cost, so the vast majority are gas-powered.
• Fuel Capacity: ~260 gallons total ( ~984 liters), carried in twin tanks. This substantial fuel capacity gives the boat a decent cruising range for its class.
• Fresh Water Capacity: ~70–74 gallons (265–280 liters) for onboard water supply, sufficient for extended weekends aboard.
• Holding Tank (Waste): ~40–45 gallons (151–170 liters) for sewage holding, supporting the twin head (two bathroom) arrangement.
• Cruising Speed: Approximately 16–18 knots (around 18–21 mph) at cruising power. This speed is achieved comfortably with the twin 320 hp gas engines, and is respectable for an aft-cabin motor yacht of this size.
• Maximum Speed: In the ballpark of 25 knots at wide-open-throttle (roughly 28–30 mph), depending on load and condition. Some reports cite up to ~18 knots (21 mph) top in real-world use, but in ideal conditions and a light load the boat can approach the mid-20s in knots. Generally, owners see high-teens knots as a practical top end.
• Bridge Clearance: Approximately 15–16 ft from waterline to the top of the flybridge windshield (around 24 ft to the top of any antennas or radar arch when erected). This clearance is important for passing under bridges and is typical for a flybridge boat – usually requiring opening bridges for anything under ~25 ft clearance.

Overall, the Silverton 34 Double Cabin’s specifications position it as a beamy, moderately heavy 34-footer with ample tankage and enough power to cruise comfortably in the mid-teens knots. It’s designed for efficient coastal cruising and liveaboard comfort rather than sheer speed.

Manufacturing Details

Silverton constructed the 34 Double Cabin with production techniques standard for quality 1990s motor yachts. The primary material is fiberglass – a hand-laid fiberglass hull and deck. Silverton used a combination of polyester and vinylester resins along with woven roving and knitted fiberglass cloth in the layup for durability. The hull below the waterline is solid fiberglass, avoiding core materials in areas that stay submerged, which enhances strength and prevents water intrusion issues. Above the waterline, the hull sides are cored with end-grain balsa wood for stiffness and to reduce weight. This sandwich construction in the upper hull and deck adds rigidity to broad surfaces without making the boat top-heavy.

The 34’s hull is a modified-V design with moderate deadrise (approximately 16–17° at the transom). This hull form provides a good compromise between a deep-V (which handles waves well but can be less stable at rest) and a flatter bottom (which is very stable at rest but can pound in chop). As a result, the Silverton 34 handles moderate seas capably and tracks well on plane, while retaining decent stability at anchor or dock.

Structural elements like stringers and bulkheads in Silverton yachts of this era are typically made from marine plywood encapsulated in fiberglass for strength. (Silverton’s later models noted using pressure-treated plywood stringers glassed in for longevity.) The deck and superstructure are also fiberglass, likely with coring in walking areas for stiffness underfoot. The boat features a molded fiberglass swim platform and molded steps from the swim platform up to the aft deck, which are integral to the hull design– a notable design element that makes boarding from a dock or the water more convenient.

In terms of build quality, Silverton in the early 90s was known for good, solid construction that emphasized value. While not as overbuilt (or as expensive) as some high-end custom yachts, Silverton’s construction was robust for a production yacht. The 34 Double Cabin’s ~19,000 lb displacement reflects this sturdy build. Components like the fuel tanks (typically aluminum), water and holding tanks (usually plastic), and hardware (stainless steel rails, cleats, etc.) were on par with industry standards. Silverton incorporated vinylester resin in the outer hull layers to improve blister resistance – a technique many builders adopted to enhance hull durability.

Notable design elements from a manufacturing standpoint on this model include a one-piece fiberglass hull (no hull-deck joint issues, since the joint is well above water and through-bolted/rubber sealed) and the use of a hardtop over the aft deck as standard. The hardtop is molded fiberglass and part of the structure, providing a sturdy platform for mounting antennas or radar, and supporting an enclosure for weather protection. All these manufacturing details result in a boat that was built to last and withstand typical use in saltwater environments, contributing to Silverton’s reputable standing in the industry.

Interior and Exterior Design

Despite being one of the smaller motor yachts in Silverton’s lineup, the 34 Double Cabin makes very efficient use of its volume. The interior layout is designed for maximum comfort for two couples or a family:

• Two-Stateroom Layout: As a “double cabin” aft cruiser, it features two private cabins – one forward in the bow and one aft beneath the raised aft deck. The forward stateroom has a V-berth that converts to a double berth (or in some arrangements an island double berth), and it offers surprising floor space almost equal to the aft master. The aft master stateroom is the owner’s cabin, typically featuring a double (often queen-size) berth, hanging lockers, and drawer storage. Both cabins have solid doors for privacy.

• Two Heads (Bathrooms): Unusual for a 34-foot yacht, there are two head compartments, one adjoining each cabin. Even more impressive, each head includes a separate stall shower. This means occupants of both the forward and aft staterooms have their own en-suite facilities with dedicated shower stalls – a luxury normally found on larger yachts. The heads are equipped with marine toilets (typically electric flush in later models or manual in earlier versions) and molded vanities with sinks.

• Salon: The main salon is a bright, open living space thanks to large windows all around. Silverton’s interior decor in 1992 featured light oak woodwork throughout, giving a warm yet spacious feel (as opposed to darker teak or mahogany). The salon includes a sofa to port that converts to a double berth for extra guests. This pull-out settee allows the boat to sleep up to 6 people in a pinch (two in each stateroom and two on the sofa bed). Across from the sofa to starboard is a built-in entertainment center, which in 1992 would house a TV, stereo, and could also serve as additional storage cabinetry. There is also a small swivel chair or recliner in some layouts for extra seating. The salon’s open floor plan and sight lines into the galley/dinette make it feel larger than its 34 feet.

• Galley and Dinette: Forward of the salon and down three steps (a split-level design) is the full-service galley to port and a booth-style dinette to starboard. The galley comes equipped with all essential amenities for extended cruising: a refrigerator/freezer, two-burner electric stove, microwave oven, sink with hot/cold water, and decent countertop space. There are cabinets and drawers for galley storage. Directly opposite, the U-shaped dinette comfortably seats four and can convert into an additional berth if needed. Being open to the salon, the galley/dinette level benefits from natural light and conversation with those in the salon.

The interior design uses every inch wisely. Headroom is generous (around 6’3” to 6’4” in the salon). Large side windows and forward windshields (in the salon) bring in natural light. The choice of materials, like oak joinery and neutral-colored fabrics, contributes to an airy feel. Fit and finish in Silvertons of this era is generally good, with simple but well-built cabinets and easy-to-clean surfaces. One noted limitation is that storage space is somewhat limited for long voyages– there are hanging lockers and some under-berth storage, but being a 34-foot boat with so much allotted to living space, storage for things like long-term provisioning or large gear is at a premium.

Moving to the exterior design, the Silverton 34 Double Cabin exhibits classic early-1990s motoryacht styling with some clever features:

• Aft Deck: Above the aft stateroom is a small aft deck (back porch area). This elevated aft deck provides an open-air gathering spot, often outfitted with deck chairs or a small table for enjoying the view at anchor or dock. Silverton delivered this model with a fiberglass hardtop over the aft deck and a built-in wet bar as standard. The wet bar typically includes a sink and maybe an icemaker or fridge option, making entertaining on the aft deck convenient. The hardtop allows for an enclosure (canvas and isinglass curtains) to make this area usable in rain or cool weather. From the aft deck, molded steps lead down to the swim platform, providing safe and easy access to the water or dock without needing a steep ladder. A sturdy swim platform with a boarding ladder and a transom door makes boarding from a floating dock or climbing out of the water simple.

• Flybridge: Three steps up from the aft deck is the flybridge, the command center of the boat. The 34’s flybridge layout features a central helm station with a captain’s chair (or a pair of helm seats) and a guest seating bench forward of the helm. This forward bench allows a few passengers to sit and enjoy the ride with a view ahead, socializing with the captain. The helm has a wraparound console with engine controls, gauges, and space for electronics (radar, GPS, VHF, depth sounder, etc.). For 1992, the boat likely came with a basic electronics package, but many have been updated by owners over time. The flybridge has a low-profile Venturi windscreen and is usually covered by a canvas Bimini top for weather protection (some owners install a full canvas enclosure around the flybridge as well). Visibility from the bridge is excellent for maneuvering.

• Foredeck and Side Decks: From the aft deck or via the side deck steps, you can go forward along the side decks to the bow. The side decks are reasonably wide for this size boat, with rails for safety. On the bow, the 34 has a molded fiberglass bow pulpit with anchor roller and typically an electric windlass for the anchor (often an option that many have). Stainless steel bow rails run the perimeter for safety. The foredeck is mostly flat, with space to store a dinghy or to lounge (many owners add sun pads on the foredeck for relaxing).

• Exterior Styling: The Silverton 34 of this era has a contemporary, somewhat boxy profile typical of early ‘90s aft-cabin yachts. It has a tall freeboard and a lot of volume for its length. Large cabin windows and the fairly high flybridge give it a distinctive motor yacht silhouette. The overall look is function-forward, prioritizing interior space and deck usability over sleek lines – but it still carries an attractive yacht-like presence with its two-level design and flybridge. The fiberglass radar arch on the flybridge (standard equipment) adds a sporty touch and is useful for mounting antennas and radar domes.

The combined interior and exterior design of the 34 Double Cabin makes it a comfortable floating condo for cruising. Owners can enjoy two separate living quarters, a sociable salon and galley arrangement, and pleasant outdoor spaces (flybridge and aft deck) for relaxation. For a yacht meant for leisure cruising and dockside enjoyment, Silverton did an excellent job packing features into this model.

Performance and Handling

In terms of performance, the Silverton 34 Double Cabin is engineered as a cruising yacht rather than a high-speed vessel. On the water, its performance is characterized by moderate speeds, easy handling, and a stable ride:

• Engine Performance: With twin 320 hp gasoline engines, the 34 Double Cabin has enough power to get on plane and cruise in the mid-teens knots. A typical cruising speed is around 16–18 knots (about 18–20 mph) at a comfortable RPM, which allows for reasonably efficient travel between ports. The fuel consumption at cruise will be on the higher side (as expected for twin big-block gas engines) – owners often cruise a bit slower (12–15 knots) to save fuel. Top speed can approach roughly 25 knots (upper 20s mph) when heavily throttled up. However, many owners report practical max speeds closer to 18–20 knots if the boat is loaded with gear and fuel. Acceleration is steady but not fast; the boat will climb onto plane with some bow rise, then level out.

• Handling: Handling at speed is generally good. The modified-V hull provides a stable and predictable ride in coastal waters. In calm to moderate chop, the Silverton 34 rides comfortably, with the hull cutting through waves without excessive pounding. The boat’s considerable beam (12’10”) gives it a solid, planted feel, reducing roll and improving stability when running beam-to the waves. In tighter turns, the boat responds safely – it’s not a high-performance hull, so turns are relatively wide and should be done at reasonable speeds. The twin engines with direct-drive props and rudders offer good handling at low speeds. Docking is made easier by the twin-screw setup; the captain can use differential thrust on the engines to maneuver in tight spaces, pivoting the boat as needed. The flybridge position provides great visibility of the corners which helps in docking. One thing to note is the windage: with a tall profile (lots of cabin structure above water), the 34 can catch wind, so in a strong crosswind the captain needs to compensate when docking or in a crowded marina. Overall, it is considered easier to handle and berth than larger 40ft motor yachts, while still giving similar amenities, making it popular with cruising couples.

• Ride Comfort: Thanks to its weight and beam, the Silverton 34 tends to have a comfortable ride in moderate conditions. It’s heavy for its length, which helps it push through waves rather than bob like a lighter boat. In a chop or passing boat wake, the boat’s hull disperses water well, keeping passengers fairly comfortable on the bridge or in the salon. At anchor or drift, the wide beam helps limit how much the boat rocks side-to-side. However, like any 34-foot boat, in very rough seas (6+ foot waves) the ride will get challenging; this vessel is ideal for inland bays, rivers, the Intracoastal, and fair-weather coastal runs, rather than open ocean in a storm.

• Strengths: Key strengths of the Silverton 34’s performance include its user-friendly handling and solid stability. It has the power to outpace displacement trawlers and slow boats, giving you flexibility to outrun weather or make timely passages. The boat’s systems (steering, throttle, etc.) are straightforward, and with features like trim tabs standard, the captain can adjust the running attitude to optimize speed and visibility. Many find it to be a confidence-inspiring cruiser that doesn’t demand an expert to operate – suitable for an owner-operator crew.

• Weaknesses: One trade-off is fuel economy; twin big-block gas engines at cruise will consume a notable amount of fuel per hour, so range is somewhat limited by the 260-gallon tank capacity if you plan long journeys. (Diesel competitors might offer better range.) Another weakness is the previously mentioned limited storage – for extended cruising, careful planning is needed as space for spare parts, extra provisions, and personal items isn’t abundant. In terms of seakeeping, while fine for moderate conditions, the 34’s shorter length means it will hobby-horse (pitch) more in head seas compared to longer yachts. Finally, engine noise can be a factor – the salon is above the engine room, and while adequately insulated, you will know the engines are running when you’re inside at cruise. Regular maintenance of the exhaust and mufflers can mitigate noise.

Overall, the Silverton 34 Double Cabin’s performance is well-suited to the boat’s mission: comfortable coastal cruising. It handles predictably, can get you there at a reasonable clip, and provides a steady platform for enjoying time on the water. It won’t win speed races, but it will deliver a pleasurable ride and is forgiving enough for relatively new boaters stepping up to a twin-engine yacht.

Comparison to Similar Yachts

The early 1990s saw several manufacturers offering mid-30-foot aft-cabin motor yachts. The Silverton 34 Double Cabin holds its own in this field, providing a competitive mix of space, comfort, and value. Here’s how it stacks up against a couple of its peers:

• Carver 33 Aft Cabin (1992) – A direct competitor, Carver’s 33 Aft Cabin (often dubbed the Carver 330/350 in later years) also offers two staterooms and two heads in a 33–35 foot package. Both the Silverton and Carver have similar length and beam – the Carver’s length overall is about 39 feet with a 13’3” beam, nearly the same dimensions as the Silverton. Carver’s design also squeezed in a double-cabin layout with an aft master and forward guest cabin. One notable difference is weight and hull: the Carver 33’s dry weight is around 16,600 lbs, a few thousand pounds lighter than the Silverton’s ~19,000 lbs. This suggests Silverton built a slightly more robust (or equipment-laden) boat, while Carver aimed to maximize interior volume with a bit less heft. Both came standard with twin gas V8 engines; however, Carver often equipped slightly lower horsepower Crusader 350 engines (~270 hp each), whereas Silverton used the larger Crusader 454s (~320 hp each). In practice, performance is similar – mid-teens knot cruising – though the Silverton might have a slight edge in top speed due to the extra horsepower, while the Carver may be a bit more economical with the smaller engines. Interior-wise, Carver’s layout was very comparable: two heads (the Carver 33 also managed to have two shower stalls, at least one in the aft head and a wet shower forward). The Silverton’s interior styling with oak and its salon layout is quite similar to Carver’s use of teak or ash woods and open salon/galley. Carver did offer an inside helm station on some 33 Aft Cabin models (as an option), which Silverton did not – the Silverton 34 has only the flybridge helm. On the exterior, both have an aft deck with hardtop and a flybridge. Carver’s beam being a few inches wider gives it a touch more interior breadth, but Silverton’s efficient design largely negated any real advantage. Reputation-wise, Carver and Silverton were often mentioned in the same breath – both known for creating value-packed motor yachts. Carver might have been seen as a bit more focused on maximizing interior space, while Silverton balanced space with slightly sportier lines and a heavier build. Buyers in the market would likely choose between the two based on layout preferences or brand loyalty, as they compete closely.

• Chris-Craft 350 Catalina (1980s) – Although a slightly older design by the 1990s, the Chris-Craft 350 Catalina was a well-known 35-foot double-cabin boat that set a precedent in this class. The Silverton 34 can be viewed as a more modern iteration of the concept. Compared to the Chris-Craft 350 (which was produced mainly in the late 1970s to mid-80s), the Silverton has more contemporary styling and typically a planing hull for better performance. The Catalina was extremely roomy for its size (Chris-Craft sacrificed some performance for volume, using a lower profile hull and smaller engines), but its fit and finish were also top-notch for the time. By 1992, Silverton’s 34 had the advantage of newer fiberglass construction techniques and a layout refined for modern comfort (for example, dual showers, which older 35-footers often lacked). In terms of performance, Silverton’s higher horsepower engines mean it can plane and run faster than a 350 Catalina (which often cruised at a slower pace with its smaller engines). For a buyer in the early ‘90s, the Silverton 34 would have been an attractive more-current alternative to finding a used Chris Craft double-cabin – offering similar livability with better speed and arguably easier maintenance (Chris Crafts had more wood on the exterior to upkeep, whereas Silverton is mostly fiberglass exterior).

• Bayliner 3388/3488 Aft Cabin – Bayliner (and its higher-end Avanti line) also flirted with smaller aft-cabin designs. The Bayliner models in the low-to-mid-30ft range tended to have one full stateroom plus a smaller mid-cabin rather than two fully separate staterooms. For example, the Bayliner 3388 was a popular 33’ cruiser with an aft cabin feel, but it was actually a sedan bridge style with a mid-cabin under the salon. Later, Bayliner introduced a 3788/3587 Aft Cabin in the mid-90s which was a true double-cabin. Generally, Bayliner’s comparable offerings prioritized affordability above all, often coming with the option of smaller diesel engines and a bit less luxury in materials. The Silverton 34, while a value in its own right, was positioned a notch above Bayliner in terms of fit and finish (higher grade cabinetry, more robust construction). In return, Bayliner’s models were usually lighter and could sometimes achieve similar performance with smaller engines, plus they had a loyal following for offering a lot of boat for the money. Still, a buyer looking for a mid-range, quality 34-ft motor yacht in 1992 would likely see the Silverton as offering a nicer interior and more “yacht-like” feel than the utilitarian Bayliner, justifying its higher price compared to Bayliner’s entry-level approach.

• Sea Ray 370 Aft Cabin (mid-90s) – Sea Ray introduced their 370 Aft Cabin a few years later (mid-1990s), which is a bit larger (37’ hull, over 40’ LOA) but is worth mentioning as a class benchmark. Sea Ray’s emphasis was on sleek styling and a luxurious interior with glossy wood and contemporary fabrics. A Sea Ray 370 Aft Cabin would outsize the Silverton 34 in length and likely in price, but share the concept of two staterooms and two heads. Where Silverton 34 shines against some competitors is that it managed to include many features (twin showers, hardtop, generator/AC options, etc.) at a 34’ size that others only did at 37–40’. Thus, the Silverton is an efficient choice for those who want the trappings of a motoryacht in a slightly smaller, more affordable package. It may not have the luxury brand cachet of a Sea Ray, but it delivers practicality and space on par with larger boats.

In summary, the 1992 Silverton 34 Double Cabin holds up very well against similar aft-cabin yachts of its era. It often matched or exceeded competitors in interior accommodations (notably with two real staterooms and two showers in a 34-foot hull), had solid construction and reliable performance, and came from a builder with a strong reputation in this segment. Buyers comparing it to the Carver 33, Chris-Craft 35, or others would find the Silverton to offer a compelling blend of livability, quality, and value – which is exactly what made Silverton a respected name in mid-size yachts for decades.