Ceiling panel for Beneteau 343

klynch

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Jan 6, 2025
4
Beneteau Beneteau 343 Newport RI
My husband and I purchase a 2008 Beneteau 343 last year and I have been looking for a ceiling panel that fits over the mast in the interior cabin. I have not been able to find it listed in the spare parts catalog from a Beneteau dealer. Any advice would be appreaciated!
Thanks!
 

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Nov 17, 2022
23
Beneteau 373 St Pete Beach
I have a 373 2007. It is likely the same; wood. Mine has a bit of water damage. Wood and stain are not in the spare parts manual but can easily be purchased at a hardware store.
 

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klynch

.
Jan 6, 2025
4
Beneteau Beneteau 343 Newport RI
I have a 373 2007. It is likely the same; wood. Mine has a bit of water damage. Wood and stain are not in the spare parts manual but can easily be purchased at a hardware store.
Thank you for your reply! It looks very nice. Do you have a pattern for it and /or did the hardware store fabricate it for you based on your measurements?
Again, many thanks!!
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,669
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Any advice would be appreaciated!
Thanks!
All of the wood components are on a CAD file in France in the Beneteau wood shop. The entire pre-finished douka wood package was cut using CAD/CAM technology and was shipped to USA for incorporation into each build for each model. So, you could probably get a dedicated dealer to order the panel for you from Beneteau after obtaining the part number from Ward Richardson in Marion, SC. BUT...it is likely going to be cost prohibitive. A better alternative would be to fabricate your own. Make a template, including screw holes, using heavy poster board. Obtain a piece of 1/8" baltic birch plywood ( 30" x 30" from Rockler wood working. com, $14.99) and cut out & drill the panels using the poster board template as a guide. Stain with two to three applications of Min Wax oil stain , mixing 2/3 English Chestnut to 1/3 Sedonna Red for a close match. It doesn't have to be an exact match as the panels are stand alone pieces, not adjacent to other panels or cabinetry. Apply two to three coats of Min Wax Helmsman semi gloss SPRAY urethane, with ultra light sanding between coats, for a nice brush free finish & buff with Johson & Johnson paste wax. Do it yourself costs should be approximately $50.
Several years ago, I used the afore mentioned Min Wax products, available at Lowes & others, to refinish the wood companionway ladder....obtained nice results.
 
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klynch

.
Jan 6, 2025
4
Beneteau Beneteau 343 Newport RI
All of the wood components are on a CAD file in France in the Beneteau wood shop. The entire pre-finished douka wood package was cut using CAD/CAM technology and was shipped to USA for incorporation into each build for each model. So, you could probably get a dedicated dealer to order the panel for you from Beneteau after obtaining the part number from Ward Richardson in Marion, SC. BUT...it is likely going to be cost prohibitive. A better alternative would be to fabricate your own. Make a template, including screw holes, using heavy poster board. Obtain a piece of 1/8" baltic birch plywood ( 30" x 30" from Rockler wood working. com, $14.99) and cut out & drill the panels using the poster board template as a guide. Stain with two to three applications of Min Wax oil stain , mixing 2/3 English Chestnut to 1/3 Sedonna Red for a close match. It doesn't have to be an exact match as the panels are stand alone pieces, not adjacent to other panels or cabinetry. Apply two to three coats of Min Wax Helmsman semi gloss SPRAY urethane, with ultra light sanding between coats, for a nice brush free finish & buff with Johson & Johnson paste wax. Do it yourself costs should be approximately $50.
Several years ago, I used the afore mentioned Min Wax products, available at Lowes & others, to refinish the wood companionway ladder....obtained nice results.
Thank so much for your help! I sent an email to a local dealer, but have not received a response. I agree, it may be much easier for us to fabricate the part ourselves!
Thanks again!
 
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Jun 21, 2004
2,669
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
I agree, it may be much easier for us to fabricate the part ourselves!
Thanks again!
I doubt if a dealer has access to the part number. Ward Richardson, who was the parts manager at the USA factory, can likely access the number; however, you can no longer order directly from the spare parts web site. You have to order the part from a dealer.
BTW, welcome to the forum! You can find much information here, to help along the way. Many opinions, so you have to sift through the responses to fit your application & needs. Don't hesitate to reach out as needed. I have owned my 343 for twelve years and have done lots of upgrades, repairs, & maintenance. Still enjoying the boat & have no regrets. Good luck!