Oceanis 350 WK (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Beneteau Oceanis 350 WK in 1986 marked a significant period for the French builder, coinciding with their embrace of fiberglass construction for recreational yachts. Designed by Philippe Briand, a naval architect known for his innovative and performance-oriented designs, the Oceanis 350 was envisioned with a "new philosophy" to be easy to handle and without restriction. Beneteau, having transitioned from building robust wooden fishing trawlers, applied its growing expertise in efficient production methods and robust build quality to its emerging cruising lines. The company aimed to balance sailing performance with comfortable and practical accommodations, a hallmark of their design philosophy that continues today. While the specific "WK" designation refers to a wing keel, which was a feature of this model, another keel option was also available. Production of the Oceanis 350 continued until 1993.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Oceanis 350 WK, with its masthead sloop rig and wing keel, offers a moderate sailing experience tailored for comfortable cruising. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.68 suggests that while capable, it is not a light-air flyer and may perform better in more consistent breezes. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 33.45% indicates reasonable stability, allowing the boat to stand up to wind without excessive heel, though it is not designed for extreme stiffness. With a high Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 399, the Oceanis 350 WK is a heavy displacement vessel for its size, indicative of a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed.

Anecdotal reports from owners generally describe the Oceanis 350 as well-balanced and reasonably seakindly. Its handling is often noted as easy, contributing to its appeal as a family cruiser. However, some owners have observed a "lackluster light wind performance", a characteristic sometimes associated with boats of this displacement and sail plan. While offering "reasonable performance", its wide beam, which contributes to interior volume, can sometimes make the boat feel "squirrelly to handle in certain conditions". It is generally not considered a dedicated blue water cruising boat, but rather a capable coastal cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Oceanis 350 WK was notably designed with chartering in mind, resulting in a spacious layout that prioritizes comfort and living space. Reviewers describe the interior as featuring "rounded features and high-volume cabins". A key appealing feature of the design is the presence of an aft cabin. While the maximum headroom is not specifically detailed in specifications, the emphasis on volume suggests ample space for a vessel of its length.

The typical interior arrangement includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, a head, and the aforementioned aft cabin. Construction quality is generally considered "average to above average" for a production boat of its era. However, while the interior offers generous space, some owners note that stowage can be "at a premium" with a full crew, though it is likely sufficient for a week's cruise for a family. A common critique pertains to the ventilation, which some find "inadequate," with only a single small deck hatch on the foredeck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Oceanis 350 WK often highlight several strengths, primarily praising its comfortable motion and its general seakindliness. The construction is widely regarded as solid, typical of Beneteau's focus on robust build quality for their production models. The spacious interior, influenced by its charter-oriented design, is consistently appreciated for providing ample living space.

However, some recurring weaknesses and common maintenance issues are also noted. The "lackluster light wind performance" is a frequently mentioned point by owners. Additionally, issues common to Beneteaus of this era, such as gel coat blistering, have been reported. The disintegration of the original foam liner is another known concern for Beneteaus from this period. While not specific to the 350 WK, general issues like deck core rot and leaks in original deck fittings can arise on older Beneteau models and warrant careful inspection.