We are looking to purchase a new boat and the 343 is on our short list. We have been doing some research and found quite a few posts in a different forum which suggest that the 343 is prone to excessive heel at what look to us like fairly low wind speeds. Does anyone have any experiences they can share about this?
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343 Handling
I've sailed the 343 and found that you need to reef when it gets into the upper teens. I don't know if the boat has a shorter than normal rudder or if it's just the length of the hull but if you get into rougher water (3 to 5 ft chop) and good winds she'll round up on you quickly. It only happened when we got up on top of a wave which is what leads me to believe it was an issue with hull or rudder length. On the positive side all you need to do is throw in a reef and she settles down. On the return trip we had winds in the 10-15kt range in much smooth water and she sailed like a dream. We spent 3 plus hours chasing two other 40 somethings that were in our group and did quite well for ourselves. Overall I thought it was a nice comfortable boat.
I've sailed the 343 and found that you need to reef when it gets into the upper teens. I don't know if the boat has a shorter than normal rudder or if it's just the length of the hull but if you get into rougher water (3 to 5 ft chop) and good winds she'll round up on you quickly. It only happened when we got up on top of a wave which is what leads me to believe it was an issue with hull or rudder length. On the positive side all you need to do is throw in a reef and she settles down. On the return trip we had winds in the 10-15kt range in much smooth water and she sailed like a dream. We spent 3 plus hours chasing two other 40 somethings that were in our group and did quite well for ourselves. Overall I thought it was a nice comfortable boat.
Thanks
Thanks for the feedback Mike. It would be interesting to know whether the rudder is too short. Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Thanks for the feedback Mike. It would be interesting to know whether the rudder is too short. Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Rudder/hull design
Craig I don't know how you'd tell if the rudder is too short, the hull design or just the length of the boat. I have a B361 that takes quite a bit before she'll round up on me and that's what I was comparing it to. In all fairness the conditions were a bit rough, with winds in the high teens, gusting into the 20s, and waves 3-5 ft. Whenever we would get on top of a wave and get hit with a gust she'd turn on me. Seemed as though the rudder was lifting early. I had not reefed due to a problem with the roller main misbehaving. The luff hadn't been properly tensioned which caused it to bunch up and jam when I tried to reef in those winds. (I later fixed it and all was well) Instead I furled the genny and sailed under main alone, which worked very well. One more reason to think she was just over canvased. On the return trip we had 10-15 kts winds and much smoother water and she was a dream to sail. It's what leads me to believe it just needs to be reefed early, similiar to many other boats. Otherwise we liked the boat. It had a Yanmar that was smooth and quiet, she handled predictably, even in reverse, and was easy to move around on above and below decks. Even the wife thought it was well laid out. Good luck with your decision. Mike
Craig I don't know how you'd tell if the rudder is too short, the hull design or just the length of the boat. I have a B361 that takes quite a bit before she'll round up on me and that's what I was comparing it to. In all fairness the conditions were a bit rough, with winds in the high teens, gusting into the 20s, and waves 3-5 ft. Whenever we would get on top of a wave and get hit with a gust she'd turn on me. Seemed as though the rudder was lifting early. I had not reefed due to a problem with the roller main misbehaving. The luff hadn't been properly tensioned which caused it to bunch up and jam when I tried to reef in those winds. (I later fixed it and all was well) Instead I furled the genny and sailed under main alone, which worked very well. One more reason to think she was just over canvased. On the return trip we had 10-15 kts winds and much smoother water and she was a dream to sail. It's what leads me to believe it just needs to be reefed early, similiar to many other boats. Otherwise we liked the boat. It had a Yanmar that was smooth and quiet, she handled predictably, even in reverse, and was easy to move around on above and below decks. Even the wife thought it was well laid out. Good luck with your decision. Mike
Headsail Size?
Craig - There is a common mis-understanding in the sailing world that the main should be reefed first in high(er) winds. the truth is, the headsail handles 90% of the boats forward drive, while the main simply acts as a balancing device for airflow. That said, what size headsail were you using? If you are out in 20kts with a 140%, then you can expect to get a beating (no pun intended). It wouldn't matter at all what you do with the main, as your B343 (or any boat) would just be way overpowered with that much canvas. Think of it this way. When racing, you'll notice a headsail change is always done first, and continued until the smallest sail is in use. If the weather continues to worsen, then the main is reefed. Obviously the difference in cruising and day sailing is that a headsail change is just a pain, so reefing the main is usually done first. Some headsails can be furled or reefed, but if they aren't specifically designed for that (ie; head and tack patches or reef points), you'll ruin it. I would suggest you change out the headsail at the dock if the forecast even hints at 18+kts. Put on a working jib (85-90%) and you'll likely avoid having to reef the main. Make yourself a general rule for headsail size based on your own observations and comfort level in varying conditions. I bet you'll find that your 343 will perform a lot better than you think.
Craig - There is a common mis-understanding in the sailing world that the main should be reefed first in high(er) winds. the truth is, the headsail handles 90% of the boats forward drive, while the main simply acts as a balancing device for airflow. That said, what size headsail were you using? If you are out in 20kts with a 140%, then you can expect to get a beating (no pun intended). It wouldn't matter at all what you do with the main, as your B343 (or any boat) would just be way overpowered with that much canvas. Think of it this way. When racing, you'll notice a headsail change is always done first, and continued until the smallest sail is in use. If the weather continues to worsen, then the main is reefed. Obviously the difference in cruising and day sailing is that a headsail change is just a pain, so reefing the main is usually done first. Some headsails can be furled or reefed, but if they aren't specifically designed for that (ie; head and tack patches or reef points), you'll ruin it. I would suggest you change out the headsail at the dock if the forecast even hints at 18+kts. Put on a working jib (85-90%) and you'll likely avoid having to reef the main. Make yourself a general rule for headsail size based on your own observations and comfort level in varying conditions. I bet you'll find that your 343 will perform a lot better than you think.
343 sea comfort
hello Craig, We have sailed 1800nm on our 2006 Ben 343, the first few sails we were not sailing her correctly and did have a few round ups and excessive heal but once as others have said you reef in good time and use the traveller effectly all is well. Our conditions here in the North Sea can be moderate winds and moderate seas we have sailed in over 30-35knots fully reefed and all was well. Looking at other boats yes the rudder seems a little short and can lift as the stern is big and bouyant (sp). We have full battened main, foldy prop and give bigger boats a good chase now and again. The 343 in my opinion is a lively boat if you want but can be trimmed for comfort also, great in light airs and fun to sail cheers franky
hello Craig, We have sailed 1800nm on our 2006 Ben 343, the first few sails we were not sailing her correctly and did have a few round ups and excessive heal but once as others have said you reef in good time and use the traveller effectly all is well. Our conditions here in the North Sea can be moderate winds and moderate seas we have sailed in over 30-35knots fully reefed and all was well. Looking at other boats yes the rudder seems a little short and can lift as the stern is big and bouyant (sp). We have full battened main, foldy prop and give bigger boats a good chase now and again. The 343 in my opinion is a lively boat if you want but can be trimmed for comfort also, great in light airs and fun to sail cheers franky
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