Elite 346 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié Elite 346 commenced production in 1985, designed by the collaborative efforts of Philippe Harlé and A. Mortain. Philippe Harlé was a prolific designer for Kirié, notably contributing to the highly acclaimed Feeling range, including the "Boat of the Year" winning Feeling 1090. This era saw Kirié at the forefront of marine construction, extensively utilizing polyester (fiberglass) at its Château d'Olonne facility. The shipyard's manufacturing ethos focused on creating vessels that offered both excellent sailing capabilities and spacious, comfortable interiors, a philosophy clearly reflected in the Elite 346. While the exact end year for its production is not definitively listed in all records, some sources suggest the Elite 346 was built until around 1998, with the Feeling 1040 (to which it is compared) produced from 1985-1987. The Elite 346 was offered with various rig options, indicated by references to a "shorter rig" specification.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kirié Elite 346 is designed as a performance-oriented cruiser, a characteristic evident in its key performance ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.58, the Elite 346 suggests good performance in lighter air, capable of responding to gentle breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at about 0.416, indicating a stiff and stable boat well-equipped to stand up to stronger winds and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 198.8 places the Elite 346 in the lighter-displacement category for a boat of its size, suggesting a lively and responsive sailing experience. Owners have generally praised Kirié's "Elite" and "Feeling" models for outperforming their ratings and appreciated their overall sailing performance. The boat features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration typically associated with good maneuverability and responsiveness.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Kirié Elite 346 are not extensively documented in available public reviews, the design philosophy of Kirié, particularly for its closely related Feeling range, emphasized blending performance with comfort and practical, spacious interiors. The builder was known for creating habitable cruising yachts that provided ample living space. Typical for a 35-foot cruiser of its era, one would expect the Elite 346 to feature a traditional layout with a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a galley, and a head compartment. Kirié's commitment to quality finishes and robust construction likely extended to the interior, using durable materials common in French yacht building of the period.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Kirié Elite and Feeling yachts generally express appreciation for their boats' solid construction and sailing capabilities. While the Elite 346 may not be as widely discussed as some other models, some owners note that Kirié Elite models tend to outperform their ratings. Owners have formed online groups dedicated to Kirié Elite boats, suggesting a community of enthusiasts who value these vessels. Common points of discussion or potential considerations among owners of similar Kirié models from the mid-1980s have included the maintenance of Volvo Penta engines, particularly if raw-cooled, and the potential for small blister issues on older fiberglass hulls, though many such issues may have been addressed over time. The overall sentiment indicates that Kirié boats, including the Elite 346, are regarded as well-built, thoughtful designs for their time, offering a rewarding sailing experience.