300 Sundancer questions.

Three more days!!!!!:smt038 I tried to post a picture but can't seem to figure this out.... maybe not enough digital room.

Hey all - I'm negotiating on a 2004 300SD and have a few questions for this thread.

I want to make the boat "fishable" - how easy is it to remove the transom seat? (wish I folded up!)
Looks like there's an access panel on each gunwale. Has anyone added flush mount rod holders or "tracks"?
Any common or known issues with this particular year/model? It has the 6.2L option, gen, etc...

Appreciate any help!
Scott

The seat comes out easily - its two "pins" and then the legs pop out of the socket - no tools necessary - it is really heavy though - ive had the access panels off to tighten cleats - plenty of room for flush mounted rod holders - not a lot of complaints from me on the boat (I've had it for almost 9 years) I dont fish though -

Ididntdoit said:

The seat comes out easily - its two "pins" and then the legs pop out of the socket - no tools necessary - it is really heavy though - ive had the access panels off to tighten cleats - plenty of room for flush mounted rod holders - not a lot of complaints from me on the boat (I've had it for almost 9 years) I dont fish though -

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Thank you for the reply! I figured it was heavy, plus he cockpit table is stored there!
I'd probably have to store it on the cabin floor, or it may fit in the v-berth area.
Strange the 280's have the fold up seat,as do the later model 29AJ's...I would've thought they'd have similar design!

:smt021swivel shaft seal leaks on both b3's. Picked boat up on Saturday as planned, on 50+/- mile trip home stopped to top off fuel tanks (109gl) bilge went on pumped out 1/2 to full gallon. Did not think to much of it(to much excitement) arrived in her new port and while having something cold with a buddie she pumped out again. We started timing it at 19 minutes, then 20, then 21, no idea why it was getting longer but it was enough for me to feel a little ill. On inspection saw the water coming in at steering arm assembly and called seller. He agreed to take care of it and let him know what it was. Read forums regarding and made calls and we both determined proper way is to pull both motors not using the Jr kit and split the approximately 4k tab. This vessel is very clean and otherwise we'll maintained with a clean survey(go figure... If a surveyor ever say some boats just have wet bilge I call bs!!) That even after all said and done I will have about 54500 into the purchase I am doing OK. Stainless package, Genny, bow thruster ect... If you can't tell I'm trying to make myself feel better

Get it fixed and enjoy the boat. If the PO is splitting the cost, that's a bonus.

Thanks Jeff, that's the plan. She is being worked on currently and I should have some final figures by the end of the week.

green anchors said:

:smt021swivel shaft seal leaks on both b3's. Picked boat up on Saturday as planned, on 50+/- mile trip home stopped to top off fuel tanks (109gl) bilge went on pumped out 1/2 to full gallon. Did not think to much of it(to much excitement) arrived in her new port and while having something cold with a buddie she pumped out again. We started timing it at 19 minutes, then 20, then 21, no idea why it was getting longer but it was enough for me to feel a little ill. On inspection saw the water coming in at steering arm assembly and called seller. He agreed to take care of it and let him know what it was. Read forums regarding and made calls and we both determined proper way is to pull both motors not using the Jr kit and split the approximately 4k tab. This vessel is very clean and otherwise we'll maintained with a clean survey(go figure... If a surveyor ever say some boats just have wet bilge I call bs!!) That even after all said and done I will have about 54500 into the purchase I am doing OK. Stainless package, Genny, bow thruster ect... If you can't tell I'm trying to make myself feel better

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I'm far from an expert when it comes to the outdrive parts and connections as it transitions through the hull, but it would seem a leak that significant should have been caught on the survey no? Was it leaking during survey?

Either way, as stray says, it's a bonus that the PO is splitting the repairs with you... And you're having the work done instead of him, so you have the relationship with the repair shop which is good. Don't let this spoil the fun!

BTW- What's the stainless package? Is that the windshield trim/frame being shiny stainless vs the aluminum?
Bow thruster? Cool! I've not seen a 300 with a thruster, and while it is pretty maneuverable as it stands, its always a nice addition/backup!

The boat was first launched for the season and showed no evidence unless perhaps looking for that specific problem being so high on the transom. I have come to terms with it and am happy I caught it now and will know I wont have any problems in the near future. My mechanic had everything in stock and is taking it as a priority and jumping right on it. He also believes he may come in closer to 3k for the job but always plan more is a good rule of thumb. I have been out on her twice and put just over 4 hours on her. Love the boat and how she handles, very excited to enjoy her this summer. From what I gather that stainless windshield frame is an expensive upgrade but most I have seen have it. I am trying not to use the thruster much but have(more practice needed!) and it is cool! My admiral and I were using the Genny while cleaning below the first day and co detector went off, opened forward hatch and it shut off quickly. Had blower on control panel on but not one on helm. Second time I used both and did not have the problem. Is this the norm?

green anchors said:

The boat was first launched for the season and showed no evidence unless perhaps looking for that specific problem being so high on the transom. I have come to terms with it and am happy I caught it now and will know I wont have any problems in the near future. My mechanic had everything in stock and is taking it as a priority and jumping right on it. He also believes he may come in closer to 3k for the job but always plan more is a good rule of thumb. I have been out on her twice and put just over 4 hours on her. Love the boat and how she handles, very excited to enjoy her this summer. From what I gather that stainless windshield frame is an expensive upgrade but most I have seen have it. I am trying not to use the thruster much but have(more practice needed!) and it is cool! My admiral and I were using the Genny while cleaning below the first day and co detector went off, opened forward hatch and it shut off quickly. Had blower on control panel on but not one on helm. Second time I used both and did not have the problem. Is this the norm?

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By "blower on control panel" do you mean the "Power Vents" switch in the cabin control panel? That switch has nothing to do with the bilge blowers. It simply energizes power so the galley and head vent switches work. The bilge blower switch at the helm is what needs to be on when you run the generator, to keep the engine room vented. Actually, I had mine on all the time when the main engines were on as well.

That's what I meant I think, it is the toggle switch three in a row right next to generator warm up and on/off. I think though that a blower turns on with it. Explains a lot if not, I will verify when I get her back. Thanks Bill. I too keep it running while engines are running.

ZZ13 said:

By "blower on control panel" do you mean the "Power Vents" switch in the cabin control panel? That switch has nothing to do with the bilge blowers. It simply energizes power so the galley and head vent switches work. The bilge blower switch at the helm is what needs to be on when you run the generator, to keep the engine room vented. Actually, I had mine on all the time when the main engines were on as well.

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What Bill said... Plus running the generator at the dock can be a challenge (assumption = you were cleaning at the dock). Usually better to run on shore power at the dock if you have the option. Generator is best underway or on anchor so you can swing around keeping bow into the wind, and exhaust/CO blowing away from the back of the boat. On occasion you can get the station wagon effect if you have the front eisenglass and side panels up. That sometimes sucks CO back into the cockpit/cabin.

Would also recommend getting a CO detector at your local hardware store. They are pretty inexpensive, and many come with a digital readout, giving you an idea if there is CO around even before it becomes an alarm-worthy issue. I was surprised when I kept it at the helm, watching it in a speed zone going with / downwind etc. You'll find several threads here that talk about the wall mounted CO detectors that come with the boat having an expiration / end of life too. While I haven't replaced mine, it does alarm before either of my two hardware store models go off. For me, if any one of them go off, it's all hands on deck and ventilate!

Addition - Im still not comfortable sleeping with the generator on. I run the AC for a while utill bedtime to get the cabin good and cold, and then have 2 12v fans that I turn on to keep air moving in the cabin. Plenty cool most times.

green anchors said:

That's what I meant I think, it is the toggle switch three in a row right next to generator warm up and on/off. I think though that a blower turns on with it. Explains a lot if not, I will verify when I get her back. Thanks Bill. I too keep it running while engines are running.

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Oh, you are correct. I forgot they put a blower switch next to the generator switches. That does the exact same thing as the blower switch at the helm. Both turn on and off the same blowers in the engine room. Just makes it convenient so you don't have to walk up to the helm to turn on the blower when firing up the generator.

Is it possible that each may work on an individual blower? Something I will have to look at when I get it back, It is possible while cleaning at the dock we had a station wagon effect.

You'll know if the blower is on because it's as loud, if not louder, then the generator. I always ran the blower when the generator was on.

And station wagon effect is no joke especially when using the Camper top on the 300DA. I would get a CO unit for the cockpit area just to be safe.

Good advice, its on my list this weekend.

Great idea in the topside co2 monitor.Wife and I took a nice long shakedown cruise yesterday. My plan was to spend a lot more time getting things ready this spring but with weather, sickness (month long bout with sinus and bronchial infection), work, honey dos, and all the fun stuff that comes with a two year old boy (tornado with a pacifier), we have been slow to get started. All service complete except for the generator. She needs a good cleaning too. The boat ran beautifully. I'm amazed at how easily this thing gets up, stays up, and handles for such a large boat. 3300 rpms and I'm cruising at 28-32 mph. Also, it was a sub-5kt wind kinda day so I got a chance to practice a bit around the docks. Still up in the air in the steer or shift debate. She seems to do pretty well both days, and my marina is a little tight so it kinda depends on the situation. She is steady and predictable with the B3s though. The weaver davits and single standoff worked perfectly on our 9' dinghy. Outboard storage is an issue, for now I lay it on the sunpad but I think one of my next projects will be a swivel bracket and transom arc. One annoying thing about moving up to a boat this size is not being able to beach it as easily as I used to do our small fishing boat. If fact I prefer to not even try because where I boat we have long shallow runs between our island shores and deep water. Too much can go wrong when trying to get close. I replaced my anchor rode with all chain and really happy with my set up. I just ease in til the df reads about 10', usually at that point I'm about 150' from sore and the bottom rises quickly. I let out about 60-80' of chain, set it, and pretty much not have any worries for the day. Not to mention the dinghy is just fun. Necessary upgrades: electronics, the raymarine is shot but the ram mounted low range elite 7 does a great job. I do eventually want radar. My main issues are related to small things that just don't work consistently. Yesterday, neither the tv or the stereo worked. Both worked fine last year. I'm thinking I need to hire a good marine electrical guy to spend half a day with me in the boat and work all this stuff out. Over time I'm sure I'll learn these systems (especially with you guys as a resource) but I'm not there yet.

Hi guys Well I am officially a member of the club now we brought the boat home from Conn. to Kingston New York via the Harlem river to the Hudson. The boat ran perfect and as all stated plenty of power, and not so bad on fuel cruising about 24 knots at 3500-3600 RPM thanks for all your information.

Congratulations Knacc and Bob a Bouy!!! It looks like we are all new to us 300 owners this month! I absolutely love this boat and am very excited to get to know her well this season. I am with you Bob on the shifter/wheel issue, I am trying real hard to not panic last minute and grab the wheel. I am getting pretty good maneuvering around the marina with just shifters but still for some reason still finding myself wanting the wheel last seconds of docking. Our girl should be done with the swivel shaft replacement Thursday and drive her across the lake for a third time:smt101 I am still trying to key in on the efficiency as I am getting around 25-27mph at around 35-3600rpms. You two seem to being do a little better. I usually start with my tabs all the way down(bow down) and as she planes out I bring tabs up then a very quick short up with the unit trims until I hear them work easier.