Beneteau First 345

[CPD]

I would be interested to hear of any experiences, good, bad or ugly, that people have had with one of these. Looking at mid 80's model, all looks good but interested in what the readers really said .....

Im looking for a cruiser/racer, maybe 20% race mode and 80% chill/fun mode.

Many thanks.

 

[Sui Generis]

They get a good write up in the press for a cruising boat of that era.

They were designed by Jean Berret and there were three in the series, the 345, 375 and 405.

I've got a 375, 1985 version and have owned her since 2001; I'm very pleased with her. We've gone through some scruffly weather very happily, and she is surprisingly quick. I've also sailed the 405. I've not sailed the 345 but I would recommend the other two and so I feel that the 345 is highly likely to deserve the good reviews it gets.

Give it a try, I think you will get value for money. I certainly have.

 

[r_h]

The 345 is a lovely responsive boat to sail, and very capable in heavy weather too - I'd be very happy to have one!

 

[cmedsailor]

Cruiser / racer at this size? Also have a look at the Oceanis 361. Excellent boat and fast. Even with the furling main sail.

 

[GAJ]

Great series of boats, I had the 405 and it was a very bad day when she was sold. All are good sea boats with excellent handling, even Tom Cunliffe waxes lyrical about these boats in an article about boat design and handling characteristics.
Look up 'Cloud Walker' she is a 345 that has sailed to the Caribbean, Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland and was last heard of in Norway. See Yachting Monthly Nov 2008 page 86. If anyone tries to tell you that those Beneteau's are not up to offshore passages like 'proper' boats then I suggest you agree to differ! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[youen]

beware of osmosis which touch a lot of Beneteau 1984 1985 1986