What common problems should I check when buying a used Arcona 340?

Start with grounding damage around the keel and its internal load-bearing structure, then check the rig, concealed deck-line runs and engine installation. These are inspection priorities on a used Arcona 340, not signs of a universal model defect; maintenance history and racing use largely determine what needs replacing.

Keel and internal structure

The Arcona 340 carries substantial ballast for a performance cruiser: the original specification lists 1.9 tonnes in a displacement of approximately 5.2 tonnes. A grounding can leave expensive damage beyond the visible keel joint.

Inspect the boat ashore and lift the cabin sole boards. Ask about groundings, insurance claims and structural repairs, and request photographs and invoices for any work.

• Inspect the keel-to-hull joint for an opening, displaced filler, rust streaks or fresh local paint. A hairline paint crack alone does not establish structural damage.
• Look inside for cracked laminate, detached structural bonding, distorted floors and movement around keel fastenings and structural attachments.
• Check the mast support area and chainplate attachments for cracking, staining or distortion.
• Compare both sides of the hull for unfairness or repairs, particularly around the keel root.

The brochure lists a standard draught of 1.95 m and an alternative of 1.80 m. Confirm the fitted keel against the build documents. Have a surveyor assess suspicious movement or cracking; tightening keel nuts is no substitute for a diagnosis, and a generic torque setting is unsuitable.

Rig and racing wear

Club racing need not count against a boat, but highly loaded fittings deserve close inspection. Establish the standing rigging's age from invoices. It may be considerably younger than the boat.

Check wire terminals for broken strands, rust bleeding and bending, and inspect bottlescrews, clevis pins, spreader roots and mast fittings. A deck-level inspection cannot establish the condition of the whole rig. Agree any replacement requirement with your insurer before committing to the purchase.

• Inspect chainplates and the surrounding deck and interior for movement or leaks.
• Load the backstay adjuster, vang, mainsheet traveller and rope clutches during the trial.
• Check winches for slipping, stiff bearings and overdue servicing.
• Inspect sails for stretched shape, failing stitching, damaged batten pockets and separation in laminated cloth.

The original sail plan lists a 37.8 m² mainsail and a 29.4 m² 106% jib. Replacing tired working sails adds a substantial sum to the purchase cost. Obtain quotations for the actual inventory; sails folded in bags reveal little about their value.