1988 Silverton 34 X

By: Mike Burns

Since its inception in the late 1960s, Silverton Marine has enjoyed much success with many of its models. Although Silverton has been primarily regarded as a manufacturer of popular flybridge and motor yacht models, they’ve also had much success with the production of several express models. We recently took a look at one of their mid-sized express cruisers, the Silverton 34 X.

With a production run from 1987 to 1989, this model was well built on a solid fibreglass hull – only the decks were cored. In 1990, Silverton restyled this model and it became know as the 34 Express. Down below, the midcabin floor plan is laid out with a large L-shaped dinette off to port, which can also be converted into a berth. There are ample sleeping accommodations in the forward and mid stateroom, both of which have spacious double berths. The forward stateroom is fitted with a privacy curtain, while the mid-cabin has a solid door for the utmost privacy.

Off to starboard, the galley area features ample counter space and a generous amount of storage areas both above and below the counter. Galley amenities were as expected for a boat of this size. Our test boat was fitted with a standard two-burner stove, built-in microwave and under-counter fridge.

Just aft of the galley is a large head, with its most notable feature being the separate shower stall – not very common for a boat of this size.

As with many boats of this vintage, the 34 X features a bolt-on swim platform rather than a moulded platform, which became popular during the early ’90s. It was common practice not to include the platform in the model length. So, in essence, we end up with

a “big” 34 footer. For example, the cockpit offers over 62 square feet of usable space.

There is plenty of seating for guests along a bench seat back aft. Further forward there is a smaller bench seat to port, and a large double wide seat at the helm. The helm itself is well laid out, but a lack of surface area means larger electronics – such as a radar and

plotter – must be surface mounted to the top of the dash.  

For ease of boarding, there is a transom cut-out off to starboard and portable steps can also be mounted to port or starboard. Other features in the cockpit include a handy wet bar complete with on-demand water and a built-in icemaker.

Our test boat was powered by a pair of 454ci Crusaders, which was the standard power for this model. Producing 350 hp each, this engine package put the 34 X on plane in a respectable 5.4 seconds. Once on plane, we cruised comfortably at 19.6 mph at 3000 rpm, and sound levels at the helm were an acceptable 91 dbA.

Although the Silverton 34X may not be considered one of the sleekest express cruisers on the market, it is a well-built model that offers plenty of space throughout as well as a relatively steep deadrise of 17 degrees at the transom. So, if you’re looking for a boat with relatively good sea keeping characteristics in a chop, you should certainly consider this model.

POWER / PERFORMANCE
TEST BOAT ENGINE: Twin 454 Crusaders,
350 hp, V8, gasoline engines
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph): 3000
/ 19.6
TIME ON PLANE: 5.4 seconds
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph): N/A
SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE: 91 dbA