Beny 331 or 343

[tyce]

I an thinking of a change to a newer boat which I think I have narrowed down to the 331 and 343.
It has to be a lift keel version to match the sailing I do.
Beneteau have made that many boats now that I have no idea which are the good or bad hulls.
Does anyone have first hand experience of either of these boats any comments good or bad would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Still Grinning]

Hi there.
We have (in our 4th season with it) a 331 with a lifting centreboard, and it certainly suits us for our sailing, and anchoring up muddy East Anglian creeks. Layout below (especially the galley and aft cabin) is superb for 2, 3 or 4 people. We have the two cabin (Owners) version. Boat sails quite well with the board up, and indeed on a run or any wind on the aft quarter is actually quicker that way. Will sail upwind with it up too, but lots of leeway. If you really want to point, drop the board, and you will be close to the (cruising) fixed keelers.

Have seen 7.5 knts over the water under sail (15knts wind on beam reach), but 5 is more normal, and I usually calculate with 4 or 4.5 when doing a passage plan. Tends to want a first reef earlyish (13 - 15knts if you don't want your gin to spill ), with barely any reduction in speed, but more upright.

We love ours!

 

[Ningaloo]

I owned a 321 for 15 years which suited my needs at the time. Internal volume is fantastic for a 10m especially the aft cabin and galley in the "owner's" version.
331 is a development of this boat with similar layout but hopefully better keel.
The 321 had 1.3m draft which hurt the performance massively when trying to get upwind. Usually I ended up motor sailing as the tacking angles were so pathetic. Boat was fast off the wind, though was very tender.
Hopefully the lifting keel will not suffer so much.
Now I have a boat with a real keel (2m) and regret not upgrading to something that sailed better sooner.

I felt that the 1995 build quality was good although deck gear was lightweight. I had upgraded winches and engine. Check the in-hull ports are fully watertight as these eventually leak.

 

[andrewAB]

I have a 343 shoal draft 1.5m. Owners 2 cabin version have huge toilet / shower and aft super king bed. Huge space for 10.35m and great for a couple with occasional friends for a week or so.

Sails upwind in a blow like the floating caravan she is, but brings a smile sailing on anything else. On a close reach blasts along at 8 knots if you reef early and keep her flat. Off the breeze I have sustained 10 knots for long than I would I have liked!

 

[tyce]

Thanks all, I have opted for the 343 and had an offer accepted. Looking forward to getting to know it.