Beneteau First 345

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The archetypal mid-range cruiserracer of her day, this 1983 boat was also created with more than one eye on the charter market To that end, she was an early exponent of the option for one or two aftercabins. The interior design was successful, but lacking in enclosed stowage. The build quality was insubstantial but the finish was good. The twoaftercabin model also had a small forecabin and an amidships heads. The galley and chart table were both well thought-out. On deck she was easily handled by a family crew. She could be heavy on the helm when hard-pressed to windward but had a good turn of speed. Many 345s have seen heavy use and may be showing their age. Over 400 were built.

LOA 10.5m (34ft 8in), LWL 8.9m (29ft 2in), beam 3.5m (11ft 6in), draught 1.45m or 1.9m (4ft 9in or 6ft 2in), displacement 5,500kg (12,100lb). Price guide: £35,000 to £42,000.