Official 320 Dancer Thread

barryg · Mar 19, 2009

I agree... My 320 needs full throttle to get on plane- and then I throttle down to about 3700 and use as little trim as possible..I have always thought the tabs were too small for this boat.. Also this boat does ride a little bow high no matter what, so it's something you just get used to. You might also not want to fill the water tank up full as that does add a lot of weight; and of course check the bottom and the props-if you haven't pulled them and had them prop scanned, it might be worthwhile.

After going to Bimini last summer, we are looking forward to taking ours back to the Bahamas hopefully in May and June..

jimdavi · Mar 19, 2009

Agree as well with teh other 320 folks. I advance the throttles to around 4000, then lean the boat out after it planes. I use the smartcraft to fine tune rpm/fuel flow and on the river will optimize ~3650 RPM and 23-24GPH. slightly more rpm is required depending con current/wind etc.

Escapade · Mar 19, 2009

We are freshwater w/ factory 3 blade cupped also, Normally go light on our tanks ( 3/4 max. ) to increase efficiency. We have 6.2's and mark 3500 RPm = 24 mph in two foot seas. Any one share how that compares to four blades?

Miller · Mar 19, 2009

Hello everyone...we are taking delivery of our new 2007 320 with 6.2 Horizons tomorrow!!! Big day to say the least! We are trading up from a 240 Sundeck and I was wondering what RPM I should be looking for at cruising range on plane? I know there are many factors, wind, water tank, chop, etc., that figure into that, but assuming calm waters, where should I be looking to get the RPMs? Thanks!

barryg · Mar 19, 2009

Congrats.. You will love your new boat!! With the 6.2's you'll have a little more pep than the 350's that are in mine and most 320's... I usually find cruising at around 3650-3750 rpms. Of course how much gas and water you carry as well as passengers will effect how quickly on plane and optimal cruising speed. Once you get out a few times you'll be able to judge for yourself the best speed/gas consumption for your boat.

Good luck and let us know how things go.

Alex F · Mar 20, 2009

Miller said:
Hello everyone...we are taking delivery of our new 2007 320 with 6.2 Horizons tomorrow!!! Big day to say the least! We are trading up from a 240 Sundeck and I was wondering what RPM I should be looking for at cruising range on plane? I know there are many factors, wind, water tank, chop, etc., that figure into that, but assuming calm waters, where should I be looking to get the RPMs? Thanks!

Congrads and welcome to 320 club :thumbsup:

I would say that the range is somewhere around 150 miles, give or take, if conditions are normal and you're keeping the boat at the sweet spot while cruising. If I recall correctly, the specs say around 170 miles, but realistically it a bit less. I'm not sure if it's much different for 6.2 with BIIIs.

GOOD FOR NOW · Mar 22, 2009

Hello Everyone,

Has anyone every towed a jet ski behind their 320? I have been debating on trying to tow a jet ski in lieu of buying a dinghy to get to and from boat to shore. Any suggestions?

barryg · Mar 22, 2009

I've never seen a 320 with a jet ski being towed or placed on the platform..think weight would be a serious problem. I have a 9'6" inflatable with a 6hp merc on it and Nautley Davits and really like the combination. While I could have put a 10hp on it, the 6hp is only about 50 lbs so light enough for me to take off and put on myself (I usually leave off if it is behind my house as too easy to steal, but leave on when under way).. And the inflatable is about 80-90 lbs and with the rollers on the davits, I can easily remove and put back on myself too. Good enough to get us around and onto shore from the boat when anchored.

Alex F · Mar 22, 2009

GOOD FOR NOW said:
Has anyone every towed a jet ski behind their 320? I have been debating on trying to tow a jet ski in lieu of buying a dinghy to get to and from boat to shore. Any suggestions?

I had similar question after last season. I'm looking to get jetski, but haven't finalized my decision yet if it'll be wirth the investment and hasle. Frank (fc3) had shared his experience and told me that he has towed his pwc successfully behind his 330DA with single towdster bar attached to the port side (this is to have better viewing angle on the pwc while towing.

P.S. As for the question which is better to get (pwc or dinghy), you're the only one who may know this based on your needs. I'm leaning toward the pwc due to the fact that as we got in to bigger boats we had gave up some fun stuff like tubing and skiing. Since we have small kinds they need a little extra entertainment (not to mention that I'd like it as well) than just cruising and being on the boat. But, I'm still debating on the idea for the following reasons:

1. Cost of ownership maintenance and summer storage.
2. How often will it be used realistically.
3. Where to store it during the summer (there are few otpions, but I'm looking for the one with minimum overhead and reasonably priced).
4. How easy or difficult would be the process of getting it hooked up to the boat when getting out of the slip and getting back in.

GOOD FOR NOW · Mar 23, 2009

Thanks Alex F,

I'm still debating as well, I have two small children as well and they get cabin fever very easy. Based on that alone I am leaning more towards the pwc just so when we are at anchor I can run them around and up to the beach if need be. Thanks for the input.

StevenA · Mar 24, 2009

topgun1185 said:
I had the same problems with the head lights. They cannot go on unless all the main cabin lights are on which wakes every one up. factory sea ray added a seperate switch under warrenty and said it was a fault with 05' and newer 320's because of the flat pannel tv option mounted on the bulk head option.

Hi Everyone!! First I'd like to say I'm now a proud owner of a 2005 MM Premium Certified 320da. I Just took delivery and splashed it on 03/18/09. Since before my splash date and now after I have been trying to digest as much as possible of this entire thread. I must say I love so much about this boat I don't know where to start as I am just getting to know her. I however share an issue that a few other members have mentioned previously on this thread (see more below).

My 320da does not have the factory bulk head tv option on it. After reading over this thread I suffer the same head light switch problem, in which the main cabin light switch must be on, or my head light will not function properly. This is already starting to become a real pain in the a$$. I am under the Pemium Certified warranty and some have mentioned that they had this issue fixed under warranty by Sea Ray. Another said something about re-wiring the light themself. I am at a loss, what did the rest of you 320da owners do about this head light switch issue that share the same problem as me ?? I am open to any/all suggestions of how to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible.

Thanks, Steve.

rcd0810 · Mar 24, 2009

Anyone have suggestions on some underwater lighting for a 2003 / 320. I am trying at all cost to avoid drilling through the hull. The wire, okay, I can put that above water level.

Some have said if not in the hull don't bother. But if you look on 340's and up Sea Ray mounts them underneath the platform.

"Hurley Underwater Lights" seem to have a nice set-up. The price isn't to friendly though.

RCD
2003 / 320

Escapade · Mar 24, 2009

RCD- The factory option for this was lights by Barnignat Lights? It is some where in this thread if you serach. Anyways, the factory pre-wires for this light to a terminal block on the wall of the bilge near your charging system. These lights mount under your platform and angle back. You will have to run one small hole through well above the water line with a bulk head fitting. Then route the power lines to the block. Your electical diagram will show you witch terminal will be activated by your aft accesory switch. I cheathed and went to the dealership and took notes on how they did it. Good luck.
Mike

barryg · Mar 24, 2009

My 05 320 came with Swim Platform lights which I've used when on the hook at night here and in the Bahamas, where the water is so clear you can see all the fish that the lights attract; but the Ocean LED type lights-especially the blue ones are HOT... A friend has one on their dancer and it is a show in itself..If I didn't have the swim platform lights already; that's what i'd go for..

topgun1185 · Mar 25, 2009

see my signature

sb in gp · Apr 5, 2009

sb in gp said:
We are doing strataglass throughout, with 6 zip out screens (windshield middle, 2 triangular sides and 4 on the camper) for ventilation. On most of your suggestion his response was: "that is our standard procedure".

The mods he suggested were minor, such as:

1. He is not using post snaps because he said that the angle he was using on the 320 would cause the pole snaps to pull out easier.

2. Instead of putting plastic behind the snaps, they sew a vinyl lining into the whole snap edge.

3. They don't do fuzzy pole covers to protect the glass, but instead use spare canvas with velcro holding it in place.

Scott

Here are some pics of the new camper for you 320 geeks (5 of 10):

sb in gp · Apr 5, 2009

Remaining 5 pics of camper replacement on 320:

CJ Martin · Apr 6, 2009

SB - very nice. Our camper canvas is basically the same as yours. I am quite curious about those post snaps along the transom - we have regular snaps there and they are always coming undone. I'm going to have to look into what you have.

-CJ

Hampton · Apr 6, 2009

I really like the fit and finish of your camper canvas. How do you feel about covering the walk around? It is truly a beautiful job.

topgun1185 · Apr 6, 2009

camper looks great!!! How Much??

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