2008 Beneteau 343

The 343 cockpit is functional, comfortable and spacious for up to six passingers.The wheel is mounted on Beneteau's patented pivoting pedestal that opens up to provide easy access to the swim step. The swim step, access is via another patented design, accommodated by a swiveling helmsman's seat that lifts and drops out of the way. This user friendly approach to getting in and out of the water is an important point for those who anchor for swimming and snorkeling. In addition, the cockpit has excellent storage with two lockers, a good-sized lazarette and dedicated LPG locker to port.

All sail controls are led aft to clutches on the trunkhouse and two Lewmar 30 self-tailing winches handle halyards, lifts and the mainsheet. The primary sheet winches are Lewmar 40s, Many sailors considered the 343 because it could more efficiently be singlehand than one of the larger. The cockpit has excellent storage with two lockers, a good-sized lazarette and dedicated LPG locker to port.

The intricate diamond pattern nonskid offers excellent traction on deck and two teak handholds are well placed on the cabin-house. The pulpits, stanchions and double lifelines are well supported. The stainless stemhead fitting includes a single anchor roller. The external opening chain locker is deep, placing the ground tackle where it belongs, low in the hull. 

The deck-stepped roller furling mast is standard and Neil Pryde builds the furling main and 140-percent genoa  Profurl is the choice for the headsail furling system.  The single-pod chainplates and genoa tracks are mounted well inboard providing tight sheeting angles with the mainsheet traveler, located forward of the companionway.

DOWN BELOW

The interior of "Wine Down" is bright, complimented by five overhead hatches with eight opening ports with shades, four hull ports and large skylights in the saloon all with shades. Comfortable ventilation is no problem in this luxurious 3 cabin layout. Fans are mounted in various locations throughout the entire below deck areas. 

Beneteau's outstanding joinery work provides high quality interiors finished and trimmed in douka, a cousin to mahogany and the varnish has a cherry stain. Beneteau has always paid attention to details, from clever hatch shades to halogen lighting to beautiful upholstery, and the 343 blends a touch of elegance with the practicality of molded liners and floors. 

GALLEY

The interior plan works great with the  L-shaped galley immediately to port when you drop below. A two-burner gimbaled stove and oven, microwave, single sink and large counter top with serious fiddles makes cooking underway possible and downright enjoyable when dockside or at anchor. The galley includes a spacious refrigerator freezer combination directly under the fiddled counter top.Storage is provided in lockers behind and above the stove and sink. 

HEAD

The inclosed head is opposite the galley. This is head is one of the best features on "Wine Down" with headroom of 6 feet, 6 inches, not typical in most heads today. There is a separate shower, an overhead hatch and an opening port light. It is perfectly positioned to double as a wet locker if the need arises.

AFT CABIN

The aft cabin features a huge queen berth, a hanging locker, shelves along the hull and impressive headroom-you don't need to stoop to move about. There is also access to the starboard cockpit locker, the steering system and the rear end of the engine, to include the shaft and stuffing box. Two opening ports, one aft and one into the cockpit, and an overhead hatch keep the air moving. 

FORWARD CABIN

The forward cabin includes a comfortable sized V-berth, a convenient hanging locker and shelves along the the hull also with its own fan.

SALON

The salon has opposing settees with a handsome drop-leaf table between. Technically the port side is the dinette, although with the table leaves extended, six can be seated around the table comfortably. The Salon features Ultra Leather cushions with a max of 6'8" headroom on centerline.  There is storage beneath both settees and shelves behind. The interior maximizes the beam resulting in a sense of spaciousness. The skylights (panoramic windows), flood the saloon with light. Wooden handrails in the headliner lend security when underway. A navigation station that utilizes the aft end of the starboard settee for a seat. A great place where one can sit below and gain additional knowledge in the use of charts, plotters and dividers.  

ENGINE ACCESS

Access to the Yanmar is from behind the companionway and from the aft cabin. You'll be impressed by the lack of noise below while the engine is running.. A poly plastic 19-gallon fuel tank seems a bit on the small side but this is a fuel-efficient engine. 
house battery. 

UNDER SAIL

Out on the water the 343's performance is impressive.  The helm is light even while being over canvassed at times with the large Genny providing a lot of power to punch through heavy chop. Easing off, the boat flattens out and the helm remains well balanced. 

Equipment and Enhancement Listing