Sweden Yachts 340 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sweden Yachts 340 was in production from 1986 to 1995, with 101 units built during this period. The design philosophy championed by Peter Norlin and Jens Östman, "vackra båtar seglar väl" (beautiful boats sail well), guided the creation of the 340, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and sailing prowess. During this era, Sweden Yachts focused on crafting luxurious, high-performance cruisers, characterized by elegant lines, robust construction, and meticulous finishes. The company maintained a direct-from-yard sales model, fostering close relationships with customers and allowing them to witness every stage of their yacht's construction.

A notable variation in the 340's design was the availability of a winged keel version, offering options for different sailing preferences and draft requirements. The boat features a masthead sloop rig, a common and effective choice for its simplicity and sail area distribution. The design duo's influence is evident in the 340's classic lines and sturdy appearance, which contribute to its reputation for seaworthiness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sweden Yachts 340 is celebrated for its excellent sailing characteristics, offering easy handling and impressive speed when desired. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.73, the 340 demonstrates respectable performance across a range of wind conditions. While not an extreme light-air specialist, it possesses sufficient sail power for enjoyable cruising. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.41 indicates a stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of around 259.2 places it in the category of a moderate-weight cruiser, balancing robust construction with efficient hull form.

Owners consistently describe the Sweden Yachts 340 as a well-sailing and seaworthy yacht. Its design ensures a protected cockpit, allowing for comfortable and secure sailing even in challenging conditions. Overall, the 340 is praised as a fast, stiff, beautiful, and strong vessel, reflecting the builder's commitment to high-quality, performance-oriented cruising yachts.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sweden Yachts 340 is renowned for its refined craftsmanship, featuring high-quality joinery, typically in mahogany. Despite its 34-foot length, the interior feels remarkably spacious and offers a practical layout. The designer's choice of a "slightly more spacy hull design" contributes to a roomy living space below deck.

The interior arrangement generally includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a spacious salon with seating and a dining area, and a functional galley. Storage is ample throughout, a common characteristic of well-designed cruising yachts. The general finish quality is high, with all interior fiberglass surfaces reportedly ground smooth and top-coated, showcasing the attention to detail expected from Sweden Yachts. This thoughtful design creates an inviting and functional living environment, suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sweden Yachts 340 consistently praise its solid construction and the overall build quality, often highlighting the attention to detail characteristic of Sweden Yachts. Many owners view it as a well-built fast cruising yacht, appreciating its performance capabilities coupled with comfort and seaworthiness. The enduring satisfaction of owners is evident, with some maintaining ownership for many years, a testament to the boat's lasting appeal and quality. The positive feedback generally revolves around the boat's robust feel, good sailing manners, and the high standard of its interior finishes. While general discussions about Sweden Yachts might occasionally touch on common maintenance topics like keel issues, specific widespread problems for the 340 are not commonly reported.