07 320 da vs 08 330 da

[royal flush]

I know this sounds crazy but I am considering trading my o7 320 da for a 08 330 because the 08 330 has alot more options that I would like: ie bow thruster, etc. I think I can get a good trde in price for my 320 and the the 330 has been at the dealer a while. Any thoughts? Is the the 330 a much different/ better boat than the 320 or is the 320 actaully a better boat?

 

[skolbe]

It's your money - but how long have you owned your 320. I would be surprised if you would get a good trade-in for any boat these days. The 330 is a nice boat - but not an improvement of the 320. So, it will be purely a preference decision. If $$$ were equal and options were the same - I would prefer the 320. It seems roomier to me. A bow thruster is not important to me. But you could always add one to your 320. Personally - If I was to make a switch - it would be a 40' or larger - or the new 350 or 360 Sedan Bridge is a pretty cool boat.

 

[royal flush]

Thanks for the response- You are right-The 320 does seem roomier to me. Don't you need a bow thruster? I have a difficult time docking in the currents

 

[skolbe]

I have learned on the 320 that just locking the boat in forward and reverse is often not enough - often times - I need to give an engine power in reverse and sometimes some power going forward. A Bow Thruster will help in some docking situations - but after reading comments on here - there will be times where the Thruster will not keep the boat under control - only the engines will. If you have a slow current. I have gotten better with the boat over time. The first few months were challenging in the current. When there is not a current - then it is pretty easy.

 

[Skip]

Buy the most boat you can get your wallet around--simple but effective advice from a friend of mine.

I went from an 02 320DA to an 03 420DA with Cummins Power. Best move I made. We are in our fourth season with the 420, averaging 125 hours use per season, and while the idea of a 52DB is attractive, we remain happy with the 42DA. I don't have a bow thruster. I would
use it if I had one, but I have never owned a boat with a thruster and have had to learn to make the engines, propellers, and rudders do the work.

The 10 foot LOA jump (320 to 420) was a bit intimidating at first, until I figured out that the diesels make the boat extremely maneuverable in close quarters, are easier to work on, etc. I am also a used boat buyer, since the depreciation dollars on a new one don't make sense for my situation.

My .02

regards

 

[topgun1185]

I also agree i would not sell the 320 for a 330. If I was going to oil buners and 40 loa maybe but bigger means bigger$ The 320 good enough for me room ,performance, range, options. As far as docking the 320 needs throttle in reverse, use quick bursts then settle down to see how see reacting. With a little pratice no thruster need, it's truley a dock dancer.

 

[Alex F]

I would agree with everyone posted earlier. If I was in your situation the first question I'd ask is what's biggest reason I need to trade? No matter what you'll loose money on this deal, but will you get the better boat that worth this money is a big question. If docking 320 is a problem and you don't think it's worth adding the bow thruster, this can be solved with simply hiring a captain to get good lesson with nice tips and then just practice. With time you'll get very comfortable. If I was to move, I would follow Skip's suggestion.

 

[MAKC]

the move from a 320 to a 330 wouldnt make a bunch of sense since you will probably lose money on the deal. If you were going to make a move, go bigger! The 320, in my opinion, has a better overall layout than the 330.

As for docking with the 320 without a bow-thruster, the nose can get pushed around in wind and current thats for sure. One thing ive found it to apply throttle to the engine in reverse and get the nose to move where you want it. Im actually surprised at how much throttle it takes some times, but with practice, it will become quite easy and predictable. In 1 full season with my 320, i'm quite comfortable docking in tight-quarters in windy conditions and with everyone watching. Stick with it and it'll come

 

[Presentation]

.....Im actually surprised at how much throttle it takes some times, but with practice, it will become quite easy and predictable. In 1 full season with my 320, i'm quite comfortable docking in tight-quarters in windy conditions and with everyone watching. Stick with it and it'll come

Our boat is 4 feet shorter yet I feel the same way.

Season #1 with this boat I was timid on the throttles when docking. I followed the old rule “Don’t move any faster than you are willing to hit the dock.”

Using experience as my teacher, I now use much more throttles when docking. I also use the wheel for directional thrust.

Backing into my slip such that the finger pier will end up on the starboard side I will turn to the right, have the starboard engine in reverse and the port engine in forward. With practice I can get the boat to crawl sideways as it moves a bit astern.

I think the confusion of only using a small amount of throttles comes from the boats with diesel motors that produce a lot of tork at low RPM’s. Gas motors simply have little tork at low RPM’s.

If you like the 320, I’d recommend you hire a captain as a teacher, practice and / or consider adding an bow thruster, at a cost of about $4,000 this would be far less expensive then trading boats. A 2003 320 Sundancer in our marina did add a bow thruster so it can be done.