This fractional-sloop monohull combines modest displacement with performance that belies its length. It was built to Germanischer Lloyd certification and carries a CE Class A Ocean rating.
Design and Construction
Where the Elan 333 had a softer entry, the 340 received a finer bow and fuller afterbody. This change increased form stability and improved downwind speed.
The fibreglass hull is laid up with quad- and multi-axial GRP, with Kevlar reinforcement around the mast base and bow. Vinylester resins in the outer laminate help resist osmosis, while vacuum-assisted curing controls resin content without adding excess weight.
Inside, transverse and longitudinal GRP frames and stringers form a structural grid and the floors. This grid is glued and glassed into the hull. The chainplates bolt directly to a heavy-gauge stainless liner. The hull-to-deck joint is both glued and stainless-bolted to resist shear, while the hull and deck are laminated together at the bow and stern. Ten stainless bolts secure the cast-iron keel.
The bronze skin fittings are double-fastened and accessible. Gelcoat is robotically sprayed for consistent thickness, and recessed deck hatches help keep the working surface clear.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
In standard trim, the Elan 340 carries a 7/8 fractional, twin-spreader Selden aluminium mast. It is keel-stepped and secured to common chainplates with single lowers and caps. Headsail options include a Furlex 200s furler or a Tuff Luff groove for racing, and the boat can fly either a fractional or masthead spinnaker.
The sheeting tracks are inboard of the shroud base. Halyards, reefing lines, vang, and outhaul all run aft through Spinlock clutches on the cabintop.
Steering is positive and extremely light, and the helm remains responsive even when the boat is pressed under a shy gennaker. In flat-water testing, she made 6.5 knots to weather in 10 knots true and 7.5 knots with sheets cracked in 11 knots. One owner reported that she tacked as fast as, or faster than, a well-crewed Young 88 and pointed extremely well. Her lofty rig benefits from weight on the windward rail, and she carries full sail to around 18 knots true.
Cockpit and Deck
The wheel sits at the extreme aft end of the cockpit on a Jefa A-frame pedestal. Its twin-spoke stainless design leaves more room for trimmers, although the helmsman’s space is restricted until the clip-in transom board is removed.
The mainsheet traveller is forward of the pedestal and well aft of the primary winches. Wet lockers flank the wheel, while a central locker houses the drains, steering quadrant, and a small gas bottle. The companionway hatches drop into the sole instead of requiring separate stowage, and a hinged bridgedeck box holds the halyard tails.
At the bow, a deep anchor locker contains a factory Lofrans 1000-watt windlass. A split bowrail completes the foredeck arrangement.
Accommodation
The Elan 340 was offered with a single interior layout. It has a double cabin aft to port, a head and shower aft to starboard, and another double cabin forward. A central U-shaped settee wraps around a bi-fold table.
The port-side galley includes a gimballed two-burner oven and hob, twin stainless-steel sinks, and a 12-volt Isotherm fridge. Galley stowage is marginal because pumps occupy the cupboards beneath the sinks and stove, and the stove top lacks a rear fiddle.
The head is large, with a fore-and-aft twin-sink unit and a wet-weather locker that drains into the bilge. Standing headroom at the door is tight, however, for anyone taller than about five foot five.
In the forward cabin, the berths can be arranged as two singles or converted into a double with a small infill squab. Both cabins have proper doors.
Trade-A-Boat described the interior fitout as fairly basic for Elan’s entry-level yacht. Finishes include light timber veneers over plywood, a dark epoxy-sealed sole, recessed downlighting, and a one-piece deck liner.
Access and Other Known Issues
Testers noted that the one-piece cabintop liner covering the coachroof is too large to remove safely at sea. The dodger must also come off first, which complicates access to the halyards.
Because of their location, the port and starboard sole lockers take in water. The deep starboard cockpit locker would also benefit from nets or shelving. The double companionway slides appear to be merely screwed to the superstructure.
The Verdict
The Elan 340 is a genuinely quick, well-engineered small racer-cruiser. Its Lloyd-certified construction, responsive helm, and thoughtful deck plan are strong points. Its main shortcomings are the entry-level interior finish and a few access and drainage annoyances that a careful owner can mitigate.
Pros
- Finer entry and fuller afterbody increase form stability and downwind pace
- Extremely light, responsive helm and good light-air speed
- Lloyd-certified hull with Kevlar reinforcement and an integrated structural grid
- Practical cockpit stowage and a drop-down companionway arrangement
Cons
- Cabintop liner cannot be removed safely at sea without first removing the dodger
- Sole lockers admit water, and the starboard locker is awkwardly deep
- Basic interior fitout, with marginal galley stowage and no rear stove fiddle
- Companionway slides appear to be only screwed to the superstructure
