Official 1980's Weekender/Sundancer 300 thread

A maintained FWC engine can last many hours but the key here is a maintained engine. I've seen guys with much less hours have many more issues. If you are worried be sure to have the engines surveyed

34' is a great boat. Big, fat, and heavy. Great things to have when the waters get choppy.
 
A maintained FWC engine can last many hours but the key here is a maintained engine.
Thanks dwna1a. If we pursue this vessel survey is a must as it's been around the block a few times. I'm just trying to wrap my head around hours on a marine engine the way I'd view miles on an auto. Auto/truck/suv for years had a standard of 100k being a bellweather of "tired" unless you had knowledge of upkeep (outdated perhaps, but makes my point.) I can't seem to find any similar "rule of thumb" for marine engines. When you were looking for boats, did you eliminate some possibilities based on hours? If so, around where? If not, because of survey(s) past or present?

Thanks for any clarification :) (Noob still shining bright)
 
I searched online for approximately 2 years, and very few boats in the 30' range had inboards AND aft berths. Those are the major differences between the Weekender and the Sundancer: the DA has an aft berth, the WE/EC has inboards and a roomier cockpit.

Having an aft berth was a high priority, but I still had a relatively low budget and wasn't willing to wait several more years 'til I built up a fund, so I jumped in and accepted the hassle that came with the I/Os.

According to spec sheets, the '90 310 DA had a v-drive option, so if a slightly smaller boat is still your preference and you're ok with Vs, I'd search those. Since you mentioned a 340, also, you might want to check out the 340 thread--it's pretty robust!! It's what several folks have recommended to me as my next boat (those who aren't trying to convince me to go on up to 37' or 40', that is!!)

(P.S. Thanks for acknowledging some of us go by Ms.!! It's easy for us to get lost in here!)
 
Permitting is a piece of cake! I go online and renew it. I'm under 12 feet wide so no pilot cars required and I can still tow at night. I get it for $20 a month April thru October and then tow it over to Anacortes to have it slung in. My trailer is home made and painted steel in salt water wouldn't be a good thing. We will attempt a night tow next time. The drive is easy until you hit 405. That is white knuckle for about 30 miles and then fine after that. Bellevue drivers can't! LOL! We usually leave from Prosser early on a Friday morning and next time we will leave Thursday night! We've been going for almost 10 years and usially stay 2 weeks and cruise to Victoria as well.

How did the Carver sea trial go?
 
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Oops! Just saw your Carver response. That is a lot of hours on a set of engines. Well maintained will typically go 2,000 hours and anything beyond that is pretty amazing for a gas engine. Usually they rust, rot or ingest water well before that. I'd plan on replacing those very soon or at least have an engine sitting waiting to go in!
 
5.7’s are great motors and my old 300 had plenty of power with them but I’m not sure how well they would move a big old heavy 80’s 340 through the water.
 
I'd want big blocks in an 80s 340. A sea trial will tell you how it will perform.
 
Most of the 34's I've seen have the 454's. That being said all of those I've looked at were 340EC's. I love the cabin space.

T, you could never get lost on this site
 
survey? yes
7.4 great engine , crusader or mercruiser?
300 weekender has straight drive velvet transmission
300 sundancer had a v-drive option
boat handles very well, takes big water well but is still nimble in handling.
definitely my all time favorite sea ray.
 
Hi all, wanted to say thanks so much to all here who gave me info, support and advice... well met!!!

Bought a boat today that isn't a Sea Ray... still - think we came out pretty good for our first "yacht" lol. Not sure where that leaves me with this group... would love to stay in touch if that's allowed, heh! In the meantime, following is the new family addition... at the mechanic's still getting the new motor installed:

89 Carver Montego 2557:
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i think you did well, when carver built family boats they were awesome.
I downsized to a 300 weekender from a carver cruiser which we loved.
but paint that ugly bottom!
 
lol, not a fan of "Mariner's" blue eh, jadrop? lol Thanks for the note of encouragement!!
 
Also Sundancer the info I'm getting say something about waxing the fabric once your done. Can you explain this part?

You don't want to wax the fabric it will make it feel like leather. I would wax the material if it was going on patio cushions outside but don't wax the side panels on the boat. I've had 2 people look at the boat and both liked the color of the panels and the new look. A leak again would stain the material the same way it did before but if the rub rail and stanchions are sealed you don't have any issues. The chalk paint does not come off the panels I could not be happier with the results and the cost.
 
Thank you Iprof and Sundancer. Now I just need to figure out what color to change to, and find the time to do it
 
Well I think I have read this entire thread and will probably re read it many times over the years. I am going to sea trial and hopefully buy a 88 300 Sundancer on Saturday. Thanks everyone for the wealth of information!!
 
I was in Home Depot yesterday getting a key made and saw the chalk paint in spray cans on sale. Would that make it easier to apply than the dilution and putting in a spray bottle?
 
Congrats Captainscall! They are great boats destined to out live their owners! I have the same hull, just a year newer and it's a great boat! It's showing it's age a little, but it's got a lot more life left in it! They handle the weather, waves and are still a pretty quick and manueverable sport boat! You will love it! I wish I had a gennie and A/C but we work around it and go to the San Juan's when it's hot to avoid the heat back home. We trailer it all over Washington and Idaho and love the flexibility!
 
In your photo, what is that plate next to the starboard small hatch?
 

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