1981 310 Vanguard or 1987 300 Weekender

[cigars01]

Hi:

If you had a choice between a 1981 310 Vanguard with twin 454 crusaders with about 300 freshwater hours in very good condition from what I can see or a 1987 300 Weekender with twin 270 crusaders with about 370 hours in very similar condition from what I can see and pretty much the same amenities which would be a better boat. I would have either one surveyed and the prices are very close as well.


Which would be the preferable boat in terms of build quality and less chance of rot, resale etc.

Thanks

 

[dpmulvey]

It depends on the maintenance of either boat and the maintenance coupled with your boating needs. If you need to go fast, there is no replacement for displacement....... 454's. If cocktail cruising is your style then which has the most space? I see time and time again the question of the age of a vessel as opposed to its maintenance schedule being followed and its seaworthiness. I understand your trepidation though. Your questions are akin to why a 40 year old Hatt 58 LRC is a rare find. They're built like a brick and the owners know maintenance is the key to longevity.

To to your specific questions, if I were you I would call Al Prisco, tremendous surveyor out of New York, and talk to him regarding your concerns and see if he has a counterpart in the Lanier area.

 

[cigars01]

Thanks for your input. I am of the opinion that when it comes to engines on boats or cars that "Bigger is Better". Getting out of the hole faster and the engine doesnt have to work as hard to stay on plane at a comfortable cruising speed. My concern lies more in the hull, cabin tops, stringers and transom. I had heard that the pre Brunswick were better built.

Thanks again.

 

[JVM225]

My vote goes to the 87 300 Weekender. The boat will perform very well with the small blocks, you'll have more room to work in the bilge, parts for them are generally less expensive, and they are much cheaper to replace if you ever have to re-power.
I had an 87 300 Sundancer, and it was built like a tank, but handled and jumped on plane beautifully.

 

[keokie]

Both are great boats. Note that the Vanguard is quite a bit bigger.

 

[Pure84GTT]

the 310VA became the 340DA in 83/4 (someone can correct me if they wish, but this is what is generally accepted)

you get a ton of boat with those 310's and a lot of people really love them. re-sale will be easier on the 300WE though.

 

[The Bill Collector]

My previous boat was the '89 300 weekender with 454's and engine maintenance was a huge PITA as there is no room to work in there..... Just my 2 cents.

 

[JVM225]

My previous boat was the '89 300 weekender with 454's and engine maintenance was a huge PITA as there is no room to work in there..... Just my 2 cents.

The 270's in the 87 300 Weekender he is looking at are likely small blocks.

 

[The Bill Collector]

The 270's in the 87 300 Weekender he is looking at are likely small blocks.

Yes, I saw that but there can't be that much more room in the ER on the Vanguard w/454's....

 

[cigars01]

As I dont do much of my own engine work (I know just enough to get myself in trouble), the space in the engine room is not that important to me. I do other work though (fresh water plumbing stuff, electrical stuff sometimes etc) so I would not say it isnt at all important. What is important is not being underpowered. I am always of the opinion that if the engine is bigger, it doesn't have to work as hard to get the same speed etc.

But I do appreciate all of the input.

I still need to sell my current boat but I am most likely going to be buying a Sea Ray and trying to get an education on the different models in the low 30's size range.

Thanks

 

[JVM225]

As I dont do much of my own engine work (I know just enough to get myself in trouble), the space in the engine room is not that important to me. I do other work though (fresh water plumbing stuff, electrical stuff sometimes etc) so I would not say it isnt at all important. What is important is not being underpowered. I am always of the opinion that if the engine is bigger, it doesn't have to work as hard to get the same speed etc.

But I do appreciate all of the input.

I still need to sell my current boat but I am most likely going to be buying a Sea Ray and trying to get an education on the different models in the low 30's size range.

Thanks

My 87 Sundancer had I/O's, so it was a little bit of a different animal than what you are considering, but still very close in design to the 300 Weekender.
The boat had more than enough power. Hole shot with stainless props was fantastic. It jumped up on plane. The boat liked to cruise at about 3100-3200 RPM and at that speed it was cruising along anywhere from 27-30 MPH depending on conditions.

 

[cigars01]

One of the things I love about the 310 Vanguard is the straight shaft transmissions. I hate I/O's due to the frequency and cost of maintenance. Performance wise I think I/O's are probably better in some respects.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[dpmulvey]

Thanks for your input. I am of the opinion that when it comes to engines on boats or cars that "Bigger is Better". Getting out of the hole faster and the engine doesnt have to work as hard to stay on plane at a comfortable cruising speed. My concern lies more in the hull, cabin tops, stringers and transom. I had heard that the pre Brunswick were better built.

Thanks again.

Lot of truth to that. Going way back...... A friend had a 34 Wellcraft w/ 454's. His cruise mates had similar boats, both w/ 5.7's. In fact one was the same 34 Wellcraft but with 5.7's. No comparison in engine strain to stay on plane at the same cruise speed.

 

[Gentlemensport]

I vote for the Vanguard

Better Cabin layout ( Sofa & dinette convert to beds and a door on the rear bedroom )
454's
Direct Drives
12 FT Beam

I was very close to buying a 86 300 Weekender but ended up choosing the 310.

 

[cigars01]

I am very inclined to agree with you. I hope its still available when mine sells. They are a rare breed. The weekender would most likely be the next choice if it isn't still available when I am ready.

Thanks for the input