2005 Beneteau 343

The Beneteau 343 is the latest model from one of the industry's most prolific builder. Conceived as a lively cruiser, the 343 includes design and construction features that we've come to take for granted from Beneteau. The 343 is comfortable on deck and below, it is easy to handle and maintain, and it performs well through a wide range of conditions.
Designed by the team of Berret and Recoupeau, the 343 hull is voluminous, there is plenty of freeboard and wetted surface is kept to a minimum. Beam is moderate but it is carried well aft, indeed maximum beam is somewhere around the companionway. South of the waterline the narrow keel section flares aft along its foot. The standard three-bladed propeller is supported by a molded skeg, and the balanced rudder is placed well aft, providing good steering control, especially when deep reaching.
The 343 cockpit is functional, comfortable and quite spacious. McCallum plans to carry up to six passengers and I don't think he'll have a problem. The wheel is mounted on Beneteau's patented pivoting pedestal that opens up to provide easy access to the swim step. Speaking of the swim step, access is via another patented design, the swiveling helmsman's seat that lifts and drops out of the way.
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.  The cockpit has excellent storage with two lockers, a good-sized lazarette and dedicated LPG locker to port.
The interior is bright, courtesy of five overhead hatches, eight opening ports, four hull ports and large skylights in the saloon. Needless to say ventilation is terrific too.

Beneteau's joinerwork proves that a production builder can turn out high quality interiors. The 343 is 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.
The interior plan works. The L-shaped galley is immediately to port when you drop below. A two-burner gimbaled stove and oven, single sink and large counter top with serious fiddles makes cooking underway possible and downright enjoyable when dockside or at anchor. Storage is provided in lockers behind and above the stove and sink.

The head is opposite the galley. Don't laugh, but this is one of the best features on the 343. The headroom is 6 feet, 6 inches and there's a separate shower, an overhead hatch and an opening portlight. It is perfectly positioned to double as a wet locker too.

The aft cabin features a huge double bunk, 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 back end of the engine, including the shaft and stuffing box. Two opening ports, one aft and one into the cockpit, and an overhead hatch keep the air moving. The forward cabin includes a decent sized V-berth, a hanging locker and small shelves along the hull.