1980s 34 foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge

S

Subaru06

New Member
Jan 1, 2010
32
Woodbridge, VA
Boat Info
280 Sundancer 2003
Engines
Twin 4.3 MPI Alpha 1
Does anyone out there know anything about the 34 foot Sea Ray Sedan bridge produced during the early 1980s or so? For example, original cruising speed with two engines, structural integrety compared to today's Sea Rays, good traits, bad traits, etc.?

Thanks for your help. :smt038
 
I know someone that lives on one. Engines are original and the boat never travels above "double idle" as he is nervous about stressing the engines. Is this for you? Going from a 2003 to an early 80's model would be tough.
 
The big ol 340s are built like tanks compared to todays boats.
And I am in no was nervous about stressing my crusaders ..bit I don't beat on them either
 
Not a Sea Ray but I own a 34'er with Crusaders and have never worried about the engines being stressed. Trouble shot some stuff in the first season but since then the boat seems to like being up on plane. Anywhere from 2800-3200 depending how quick I want to go, and some times full throttle jaunts for the last minute or two, just to open her up.

A 34' sedan with Crusader power should be a good boat assuming it's cared for!
 
The old '80's Sea Rays were fine boats. I have owned them and would again. However, just for clarity, the newer Sea Rays are built better and stronger. And, even though most folks don't realize it, the new ones are heavier, too. Weight is not necessarily an indicator of better construction. I only point it out, because from time to time folks refer to the old ones as 'heavy tanks' and the new ones as 'light/flimsy'. It just is not the case.
 
Can you give me some information on your fuel burn per hour at normal cruising speed at what rpms and your engines? Also, what was your top end? Thank you.
 
Mercruiser 340hp 7.4's will burn 28-32 gph at cruise rpms which is about 3200 rpm which is about 16 to 18 kts in a fully loaded boat; 20-ish kts with a light load. How much fuel you burn is going to be directly related to how the engines are tuned and the condition of such things as spark plugs, distributor caps, ignition wiring, etc.

As far as the 340DB itself goes, they are well built, but tend to be stern heavy and slow. They handle well except when docking in a wind. The rudders small as are the props which run in pockets, so the 340DB isn't very responsive at slow speeds and they can be down right ornery to handle when docking in a crosswind.

When compared to later model boats, the 80's models have some construction features to be aware of: A lot of plywood is used in cockpit side walls. It will be faced with mica, but the edges are unsealed so it tends to rot. There are some weep holes that drain trapped water from the bridge area. If they get stopped up with dirt, dust, leaves, debris, etc. then you can see a leak into the cabin area along the side walls near the top of the windows. The triangular side windows along the trunk cabin tend to leak after 5 or so years as the gaskets shrink. Expect to need to remove and rebed/reseal them. The limber holes in the bilge may be lined with PVC. The PCV pipe is sealed with silicone which usually breaks down after a few years. When the seal between the pvc and the stringers is compromised, the stringer can get wet and if not caught early can the stringers can rot. None of the above are "terminal" problems with the possible exception of stringer rot, if it is present.

Hope that helps........
 
Fwebster you know alot about this boat. I own a 1987 340 sedan and am looking for info on the ac system. I have a split system I need acess the the forward air handler under the dinette. Mine has been replaced and completely covered in carpet how do I get to it?
I also have a question about the engine bed mine hold water and some oil and it does not drain into the bilge. Is this how it's designed or is the drain plugged.
Thanks
 
We just purchased an 83 340 Sedan Bridge in October. Brought it down from Baltimore to Wilmington, NC in 3 1/2 days. Ran the bay and then stayed inside due to the vessels fuel capacity. Ran her anywhere from 2700 rpm to 3100 rpm and she performed great. Our fuel consumption was about 22 gals per hour on big block V8's. Never let the fuel gauge drop below 1/4 of a tank.
 
Those are great fuel numbers mine starts to fall off plane at 3100. Do you have 4 blade props?
 
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Hello Everyone, I just purchased a 1983 Sedan Bridge 340 12/26/13, I am looking for someone who might have a parts manual for this boat!! I contacted SeaRay and they sent me the Owner's Manual via a pdf file, but after a call to them I was told they could not find a parts manual back that far. I have found all the other equipment manuals such as Vacu-Flush, AC, Onan generator(owner's and Parts manuals) but just can't put my hands on a SeaRay parts manual for this 1983 340 Sedan Bridge. If anyone has or knows of one I would be more than willing to pay for copying and shipping. She is a beauty and is in great shape for her age, very well taken care of, so far only one leak from around the bow hatch and in the process of rebedding the hatch. any and all help would be greatly appreciated!! Thks:huh:
 
Hi,we just bought our "83" 340 Sedan Bridge Dec 26 2013. Did you happen to get any parts manuals for you boat when you bought her. I have managed to get manuals for every piece of equipment Generator, Vacu-flush, Raymarine E120, Cruis-air, and SeaRay sent me an owners manual, but said the parts manual is no longer available from them, so I'm still looking for it. If you are in need of any manuals I do have email me and I will make arrangements to get get copies for you or provide site where I found them, Thks Ron
 
Our friends in the marina have a 1987-88 Sea ray 340 Bridge for sale. We used to run with them to quite a few places. They since upgraded to a larger motor yacht and we still go, but now they have their condo on the water which just happens to move. From a relaxing weekend perspective, they had quite a bit more room than we had on our 33 rinker express. It wasnt as fast obviously however once we got to the destination, they had it made compared to us.
 
I have the same issue on 1984 270 Sundancer …no parts manuel and would be grateful to find one as well
Mike
 
Another "new" 1983 340 Sedan Bridge owner here. only had it a short time but we love it so far. Docking is a bit tough, but i'm happy to live with that.
 
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