The Crowne Jewel

by Bill Fedorko

Chris-Craft's new 340 Crowne offers family-size performance

The 340 Crowne, the latest and largest entry in OMC Chris-

Craft's Crowne line of big family cruisers, exemplifies the company's commitment to its historic reputation for quality and reliable performance.

This roomy, contemporary-design model is nearly 35 feet in length and carries an 11 foot beam. Its accommodations are quite plush for a weekend cruising machine, but its helm is more like that of a high-performance sportboat.

It's surprising to find a boat this comfortable that is so much fun to pilot.

Taking to the Water

Our test boat was equipped with a pair of 460 c.i.d. Commander engines with V-drives, instead of the standard pair of 351 HO Commander engines, which provide adequate performance for most skippers.

The 340 Crowne offered excellent handling characteristics, and its controls were light to the touch. This boat was fast enough to satisfy a performance-minded pleasureboater, but surefooted enough for any weekend cruiser. Shifting and unpredictable water conditions were met head on with little difficulty.

In rough water, the more-than-generous amount of freeboard provided an extraordinarily safe feeling aboard. It also allowed the boat to offer a comfortable six feet, six inches of cabin headroom.

The test boat's 460 Commanders pushed it to speeds close to 40 mph, at 4,300 rpm. By anyone's definition, that's a respectable speed, while burning 62 gallons of fuel per hour at wide open throttle position.

Despite the ample power, sound readings at the helm were relatively quiet, making it easy to converse with others aboard. Our decibel meter showed readings of 86 in the db-A scale.

An optional power package -- a pair of 502 big-

blocks -- would probably push this heavy cruiser to a higher top speed. A diesel engine option also is available, for economy-minded boaters.

With 180 gallons of fuel aboard, long-range cruising should be no problem. The 340's small, 35 gallon fresh water tank, however, does not allow this boat to be used for living aboard over long periods of time. Still, cruisers will find that the amenities and roominess belowdecks more than make up for this oversight.

A Spacious Cockpit

Guests enter the 340 Crowne's roomy cockpit from an integral swim platform. A convenient transom gate and a couple of molded-

in steps make access easy for everyone.

Front seat passengers will find plenty of space to stretch out and get comfortable. The aft seating area is simple yet practical, also offering abundant space.

For long cruises, the helm seat has plenty of room for two, except during close maneuvering, when the shift levers must be used extensively. In these instances, the skipper's companion will have to slide over to the large, side-facing port lounge seat.

A wet bar with a small stainless steel sink and an ice-maker are included in the cockpit for entertaining guests.

At the helm, the instrument panel consists of a crescent-

shape array of white-background gauges. They are easy to read and are clearly visible from either a standing or sitting position.

The top of the instrument panel is covered with anti-glare material, for added comfort and safety. Engine controls are easily accessible on the port and starboard side of the stainless steel steering wheel.

A sleek, wrap-around windshield design provides a rakish overall appearance. It is tinted, and three wipers may be added optionally.

The framing of the windshield ends at the fiberglass radar arch, and it is tall enough to offer excellent protection from the elements.

The foredeck sweeps gently upward from the bow and the windshield finishes the effect. Sharing these sweeping lines are three round, white-framed hatches.

An exceptionally high stainless steel rail provides an extra measure of safety, when it's time to walk to the bow. The 340 features an integrated bow pulpit with anchor stowage.

Interior Comfort Interior comfort and luxury amenities are what draw most buyers to a boat of this size and style. Happily, the interior of the 340 Crowne is a space-efficient wonder.

Its U-shaped bench seating converts to a private double berth. A separate convertible dinette is provided for more sleeping accommodations, along with a large stateroom that has a double berth, hanging locker, privacy curtain and its own deck hatch.

Cabin contours follow the pleasingly curvaceous lines of the hull, and it is finished with a luxurious touch.

Standard amenities include a galley with refrigerator, sink and electric stove; and a head with vanity and porcelain toilet.

Access to the cabin is through a center-mounted sliding door. In heavy seas, reaching a doorway to the cabin can be difficult, so the designers of the 340 mounted a pair of passenger-assist rails along both sides of the entrance, making entry much easier.

The 340's engine room is well finished, and all wire bundles are neatly mounted and secured along their paths. Despite its compact dimensions, items needing regular service are easy to reach.

Moving Up

The 340 Crowne is most likely to stir interest in mariners who are toying with the idea of moving up to a boat with a more luxurious, contemporary cabin design.

This boat will appeal to a broad range of buyers and can satisfy a wide variety of boating activity demands. The 340 offers lots of room, is extremely comfortable and has a design that's quite suitable for cruising families.

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Boat is located at Main Harbor Marina, Ridgeland (Jackson) Mississippi
For More Info Contact
Keith
601-594-2068