Considering Going Bigger

wyrman

Well-Known Member
Jul 12, 2012
1,917
Tri-Cities, Wa
Boat Info
2007 310 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 350's, V drives
2003 Fisher 17 aluminum
90hp Honda 4 stroke
Didn't think it would happen to us as we are pretty content with our current boat, but we were rafted up to a 33'ish Maxum this past Sunday and it got the admiral liking a bigger cabin.
I've been wanting a little more room in the cabin for a while but it hasn't been a big deal as most of the time its just the two of us.
I want to stay with something that is easily trailerable, but a wider beam might be nice.
I want to stay in the mid 2000's if possible.
I was thinking a 290DA, but open to suggestions.
I would like v drives if possible because the bravo3 corrosion is a pain.
 
Why don't you go 290!! It is a good jump from the 260 that you have; good space inside and headroom, yet easy to move around compared to bigger boats.

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V drives seem rare in sub 30', but our 290 has alphas which I understand handle corrosion a bit better. Most 260 owners and even some 280 guys prefer our layout /space when compared to theirs. We have a 10'3" beam
 
Do you guys regularly trailer 290's? That's going to be considered over-width here in Michigan and require a permit to tow. I don't think that would qualify as "easily trailerable"?? hmmm...
 
Wider beam tends to cancel out the easily "trailerable" aspect I'd think?
 
you can get permits to trailer bigger boats but IMO a 290 is a pretty big boat to be trailering on a regular basis....if it is considered oversize you may be limited on when you can move the boat over the highways....

you would need a heavy duty tow vehicle and triple axle trailer to handle a 290 if you are going to trailer it any distance.....also not all loading ramps can handle a heavy and large boat like a 290 so you may be restricted on which loading ramps you can use....

cliff
 
I really like the layout of that JimmyDubai. We moor our current boat and will continue to moor the new one.
I guess I shouldn't have said easily trailerable, just trailerable.
I only tow it once a year at most, but I want to be able to, and I have a capable truck. I have a 2000 F350 with the 7.3 with upgraded turbo, exhaust, and a tuner.
 
If you're not set on just getting a Sundancer the 290 Amberjack came with V Drives as an option. It has the 2 sleeping area setup and a dinette.
I went from a 290SD to a 310 SD. Best move I made. The amount of cabin and cockpit space on the 310 is great.
I wanted FWC Motors, V Drives, Generator and a Vacuflush Head.
This is our second season with the boat and are glad we made the move up.
 
If you're not set on just getting a Sundancer the 290 Amberjack came with V Drives as an option. It has the 2 sleeping area setup and a dinette.
I went from a 290SD to a 310 SD. Best move I made. The amount of cabin and cockpit space on the 310 is great.
I wanted FWC Motors, V Drives, Generator and a Vacuflush Head.
This is our second season with the boat and are glad we made the move up.
Can you trailer it?
 
a friend at our marina has a 2015 310DA that he trailers with a new Chevy 2500 6.0 gas engine, single rear wheel (not a dually). he pulls it twice a year but said it pulls fine. not sure the difference from a 2015 to a mid 2000's
 
I had a 32' Regal that I trailered several times a year throughout California back in 1999. I did need a oversized load permit which was obtained over the phone back then. Your mileage may vary. I had a dually F350 at the time and was very comfortable. But I trailer heavy loads all the time so its fairly routine.
 
Greg, don't let the thought of trailering keep you from buying the boat you want. I had 2 different 330 Sundancers and trailered them several times to Portland and Anacortes.

It's not a huge deal. Get the permit, avoid holiday weekends and rush hour traffic and you're home free. The Seattle/Issaquah/Bellevue has prohibitions on trailering during rush hour so we would stop in Issaquah for dinner and wait for the time when we could trailer.

In theory you're required to get pilot vehicles when you hit two lane roads but we snuck through a few times with no problems. The first was Mt. Vernon to Anacortes ( both directions), then Troutdale to Hayden Island (Portland) twice.

You just need to take your time, allow extra stopping distance and make sure you're legal with the signs and flags.
 
Yeah, I'm not too worried about it Mike. We won't be trailering all that much. I do think I want to stay with the 290SD though, our current boat is fine with the exception of needing a little more room below and a separate bed from the dinette.
I should mention that I most likely will go with the 290, I need to get on one and check it out first.
I'll put mine up for sale in August and see what happens and go from there.
 
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I trailer my 310 2 times per year. But, I bought the boat in FL. and brought it back to Indiana. Pulled it through the hills without any trouble.
I brought it home in Jan. and even ran into some slushy snow. Trailer has surge brakes and not electric but, stops fine.
 
Can you trailer it?

Why not, you have the truck to do it.
What year boat are you considering?
The beam on the 2001 290 Amberjack is 10'6 11,300Lbs dry
A 290 SD of the same year is 10'2 10,500Lbs dry
Either one would be considered too wide to trailer without a permit. (In NY where I live don't know about WA)
I just mentioned the Amberjack because you said you were interested in V Drives.
 
I would need a wide load permit here also, but I doubt it's a big deal. I guess I don't have to have the v drives, I really like the Sundancers.
I'd like something in the early 2000-07 most likely, I really like the looks. I definitely want the wider beam than what I have now.
 
My 340 is for sale..........new pics are on my blog.

Dale
 
Dale
I followed many of your posts as you restored this boat. Having owned a 340 myself, all I can say is "AMAZING!!" Can't imagine what you are asking for it, but I know whoever buys it will get a boat like no other!
Rob
My 340 is for sale..........new pics are on my blog.

Dale
 
I guess I don't have to have the v drives.

you may want to consider moving up to a 310 size Sundancer just to get the V drives if nothing else....

if you will be leaving the boat in the water most of the time you will appreciate the V drives....maneuvering around the docks is easier with V drives and maintenance for V drives is easier (except for engine water pump impeller replacement)....

I have a dock friend that has a very nice 2008 34' Cruisers Yacht with twin 350 MAG engines and stern drives...my boat is MUCH easier to dock (stern first) than his and my V drives are quieter than his stern drives while cruising.......this is noticeable if you are having a conversation with someone in the cockpit while cruising or just listening to music....

I have had both V drives and stern drives and I will never go back to stern drives on a cruiser size boat.....

cliff
 
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