Beneteau 34 engine access

After a year of study, the 34 best fits our needs and I’m going to survey a 2016 34 later this week and need some insights from owners.

Whenever I ask about engine access, dealers and brokers all show how easy it is to get to the port side of the Cummins engine. Yes the routine access is easy, but how do you get to the starboard side to service the heat exchanger, starter, etc? Is there a hatch under the couch? I assume the couch is bolted in place. Is it hard to unbolt? I expect to only need to get over there a few times a year so I don’t mind some inconvenience moving furniture.

One more question to you owners, the mast base on this one is turned so the mast would pivot forward, not aft like every other one I’ve seen. Did the dealer just do it wrong and is flipping it around just matter getting some friends to help lift the mast out of the base, unscrewing/un-bolting, flipping, sealing, and refastening?

Thanks for your help and hopefully we’ll have a 34 in a few weeks.

Dan3281

I dont know about moving the couch. But I have able to get to that side of the engine by squeezing under the exhaust hose.

I cant imagine why the mast base would be that way. Mine is the right way.

Greetings,
Welcome aboard. Have the brokers and/or dealers show you how "easy" it is to get to the starboard side. Access may change your mind. As I said, have them SHOW you. Negotiate flipping the mast as part of your offer or deduct $$ if they won't.