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Always a struggle to justify the cost increase for the 2 extra feet.. presumably the layout is very similar, just 'roomier', so you need to figure out if that extra elbow room is worth the premium.. that may depend on your intended use. One couple? Frequent guests? kids? etc
Tough call unless you simply can't raise the cash!
I think the 323 salon seems a little cramped due to large head, bigger is usually better. I've had a 320 for 2 years and looking forward to our next slightly bigger boat.
We own a 343. Can answer any questions you have on it. One limitation we feel is the lack of storage space. Imagine it would be even worse on a 323 for anything beyond a weekend!
I purchased a 343 new after looking pretty carefully at both boats. From what I had read both boats sailed pretty well and were pretty comparable in most ways. I went with the 343 for a couple of reasons.
Bottom line was that I liked the engine accessibility and the house battery location much better in the 343. I ended up installing a Flo-Scan fuel flow monitor and vacuum gauge on the fuel system, a squeeze bulb to facilitate bleeding the fuel system, and a 325 amp-hr Rolls battery under the berth in the aft cabin. I doubt I could have crammed all of that into the 323.
I really liked the storage volume under the starboard cockpit seat of the 343.
The Admiral liked the headroom above the berth in the aft cabin and preferred the interior layout in the salon/galley of the 343.
I did not have any significant problems with the mainsail furling system. All in all I was very pleased.
I wanted a 323 when I was ready to order in 2006. We sat in the 343 for a bit and then went to go take one last look at the 323 and it felt really cramped, especially in the salon. You'll never be unhappy with more space on a boat. You might be able to negotiate away some of that 30k difference.
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