I spent approximately 40 non consecutive charter days on a 331 when I was A member of a charter club. Generally a well founded boat that was balanced & handled well. Things that I remember. Some Beneteaus of that era had a factory defect in the coatings applied to the cabin interior wood surfaces, that resulted in the top coat of sealer peeling off the underlying surface. The factory had to send a crew to refinish While under warranty. The Volvo shaft seal should have been changed at the ten year mark and the shaft seal cooling water nipple should have been replaced. Beneteau recommends removing the nipple periodically for inspection / replacement. I wouldn’t advise attempting to pull the hose off the nipple; cut the hose off. The nipple is notorious for corroding & breaking, resulting in a flooded boat. If it has a roller furled mainsail, a “blown out” mainsail will make furling very difficult. Be careful to inspect thru hull fittings. Beneteau used fittings that were not of high quality. Inferior metal that was not high quality bronze; they warranted them for only five years. I have replaced all of mine. Over all, it was a great boat and it was on my short list of prospective boats before I purchased my current Beneteau 343. Hope all goes well With the survey!
