340 vs 356
Nick, I have a 336 (almost the same as a 340) and have sailed a 356 that is owned by a friend. I'm not sure this is a very fair comparison as they are realy two different boats based on size alone,but the sailing qualities are very similar (IMO) but the size alone makes the 356 better. Lenght,beam,weight are all larger,this a little like comparing a 27 footer to a 30 footer.The 356 has considerable higher gunnels then the 340 so you are higher from the water vs the 340 may or may not be a issue getting on and off boat from dock or a dinghy.The most impressive thing about the 356 was the roller furler main sail that it had,convinced me there is no other way to go and any boat from here on out will have a roller furling main sail, It was great ! Both boats sailed well and were fun to sail.The 356 is not realy a new model of the 340 it is realy a new boat and much larger.The cockpit shape of the 340 is more round and makes it easier to have more people on board but the 356 can handle a large crew with its elongated cockpit also.Most of the 356s are ly better equipped as far as have refrigeration and air conditioning as the were more factory installed vs the 340's ice box etc,The 356 is better creature comfort wise.Both are good boats but bigger is almost always better when talking boats !
