Just got a survey report on an '86 WE that I really wanted to buy, would really like your opinions before I get too deep in the hole!
1) Boat looks great-almost showroom.
2) Compression is good on both engines
3) Lots of little items cracked hoses, lights don't work, etc
4) 20%-24% moisture...
We're about to close on our first cruiser and I was wondering about the advantages/disadvantages of a vacuflush v electric head? I'm not seeing any new vacuflush heads advertised for sale.
Looks like we're going to close on a '78 Sea Ray 300 EC. Does anyone know of a good boat hauler to take her from the Great Lakes (Ohio) to Central Arkansas? Would also like to know which ones to stay away from. I'm getting quotes ranging from $1,500 to $3,800.:huh:
Norris
I see you have a '77 300 WE; I'm looking at a '78 30 EC. Any pro's or con's on your boat? Looks great! Does it have tunnel pockets? Although the photos are not real clear, it looks like the 78 EC has a traditional hull. Do you have any idea when Sea Ray went to the tunnel pockets on the 300's...
I've really narrowed my search down to two boats:
1) '88 340 EC loaded; A/C, genie, radar, closed cooling , bottom paint,
etc , etc w/ mid time 7.4L engines . In really showroom condition.
2) '78 300 EC with tons of beautiful teak and an unbelievably colored gel coat.It has an A/C but open...
I am really trying to decide between a 340 EC with7.4L and a 300 EC with 5.7L. The 340 has more of everything but I'm concerned about fuel consumption. The consumption I'm getting on the 340 is exactly what the Merc web site gives at the same RPM's, which seems to be twice that of the 300 EC...
Does anyone know the cruising RPM's on an '88 340 EC w/ 7.4 L 300HP? I like the 340 much better than the300 WE but I'm afraid that the 7.4L would eat up a lot more fuel than the 5.7L at cruising speed. I know: Forget WOT unless you have a fuel tanker behind you!
Thanks for your help
Norris
Looking for info on tunnel hulls on 80's 300's & 340's. I can find very little info. From what I've found it seems the tunnels do give you a more shallow draft but makes the boat sit heavy and requires a lot more power to get on a plane. Please let give us your insights before we buy one...
Looks like fresh water and holding tanks have been replaced with larger capacity tanks. Trying to see it it was still possible to install a generator without changing out the existing tanks.
Norris
Looks like fresh water and holding tanks have been replaced with larger capacity tanks. Trying to see if it was still possible to install a generator without replacing tanks.
Norris
Thanks a million. That will work! Thought I'd already looked there and all I got were 360's. Guess my eyes aren't as good as they used to be.
Thanks again.
Norris
I am searching for a copy of the bilge layout for a 1978 Sea Ray 300 Express Cruiser. The Sea Ray web site has no information prior to about '86. Called SR Customer Service and no help there either. Any ideas???? Complete owner's manual would be great but really just need the bilge layout.
Norris
I checked with Sea Ray yesterday and was told all the 300's were built at the Merritt Island plant and have solid fiberglass hulls. They also told me that all Amberjacks also had solid fiberglass hulls.
I know this question has probably been asked a hundred times but my memory is getting short. Do '89 and prior 300 series boats have balsa cored hulls or are their hulls solid fiberglass ?
Norris
It was represented by a major broker that my intended purchase (an '84 260 EC) was a 4.5 on a 5.0 scale "without a ding, dent or scratch". Except for a few minor rubs on the cushions it was in "showroom condition", with the stern drive "replaced in 2013"
Survey:
1)several dozen minor things...
I really appreciate everyone's insight. I too am an accountant; a CPA for over 40 years. With our "anal personalities" it is very easy to get lost in the weeds. I am buying this boat for the enjoyment of my family and myself; nothing more, nothing less.
Norris
Thanks for the info! The stern drive was replaced in 2013. Unless something shows up in the survey I feel I've got a boat that should provide years of enjoyment for my family.
Norris
Have a sales contract pending on a 1984 Sea Ray 260 Express Cruiser with a 2014 Brand new 5.7L 300 hp engine (only 20 hours!). Survey will be next week with sea trial and closing to follow. Need many words of wisdom from the "great ones" !
Norris