1997 370 Purchase

330DA

330DA

Active Member
Oct 12, 2006
500
New Buffalo, MI
Boat Info
2000 310 Sundancer, Brig 330 RIB
Engines
350 Horizons, V-Drives
We are considering moving from our 330 to a 370. Are there any issues with this model that stick out as problems? We are going to have hull/condition and engine/mechanical surveys. It has 450hrs, 7.4 MPIs, genny.
 
What year 370.......??? (never mind....I re-read the title.....)

Back in 2001 I looked to make the same move from my 1993 330DA to a 1998-1999 370DA. In those years, the 7.4 Horizon engine installation had issues with water ingestion.

I specifically looked at the 98-99 models because the admiral and I liked the raised arch, the hydraulic engine hatch, the tan gel coated dash and the vitracore interiors.

I think the 370 is great boat....good luck in your search.....

Oh, btw...I ended up buying a 98 330DA instead...then in a few years later bought a 380DA....also a great boat....
 
I did the same research that Domenic did and came to the ssame conclusion. Ulyimately we bought a 98 370 with the revised exhausts and all the features Dom mentions. We looked at a lot of 97s too. Our boat only has 150 hours which can be a drawback too - not enough use to keep things moving.

Right now we are excitely looking forward to a launch next week.

Gene
 
Thanks for the replies. The boat has 7.4 MPIs not the horizons. Over the years, I've read a lot of posts about the water ingestion issue. I guess that I'm getting confused.

Are the MPIs OK, or does the new design need to be installed on these, too?
 
You should be OK with a 1997 model year boat. The problems started with engines/boats produced in late 1997, but I think was limited to 1998 model year boats (and later) and only the Horizon engines.

Make sure you sea trial the boat, the low arch was a deal breaker for me and I am only 5'10". The arch was raised in 98.
 
Gas powered 370DA's had a little handling quirk..........small dia props mean they are not user freindly in tight quarters until you get the hang of using some power to make the boat react.
 
Frank,
Would a prop change to 4 blades help out handling?
 
That was Sea Ray's answer, i.e., move more water at idle, but you still have fairly low torque engines for big blocks in older 7.4's......don't expect miracles.

I even hesitated to post the comment about poor low speed handling. It is something you can pretty quickly learn to overcome. The wheels just can't move enough water to get the boat to react, so it takes a short burst of power to get the boat to react when you change direction or need to stop movement quickly. From this description you can see that a docking situation is going to be the squeaking wheel, but it is manageable.
 
I agree with Frank...... low speed handling is an issue with the 370DA. It does take a little time to get use to.... using throttles to get a reaction when around the docks. I had the same issue with my 330DA and went to 4 blade props. It made a bit of a difference performance wise.....pushing more water....but in a windy situation you still needed to power up around the docks. The fact that they are a pocket hull design....is a double edge sword. For me pockets are a plus....boating in the Great South Bay(puddle) .....but a bit of a challenge around the docks.

But over all we love our 370DA............
 
The low speed handling issue is there on the 37 DA but if you go with the 37 express, the boat handles much better. It's a beamier boat and has straight inboards and better weight distribution. Also less prone to leaks between the deck and hull in the forward area. You get less space down below, but it's really a nicer boat in my view. It's also a different hull.
 
Yep this is an issue, but not for long once you get use to using some power when required to get the boat go where you want. My previous boat was a 1991 310 DA (similar to a 330) an had the same issue. In fact the 370 DA is easier to handle than the 310 DA.

One way to help with this issue is to get a 370DA with a bow thruster.

Overall we really like our 370 DA also. A very good improvement over our 310 DA.
 
Thanks for the responses. Our offer was accepted today! Now come the hull, mechanical surveys, and sea trial.

Our current 330 has 4 blade props. They move so much water that I have to put the trannies in neutral sometimes at idle speed to slow down in the fairway. Looks like this will be the opposite.
 
We took delivery of our 37 in April, so you wont be alone this year mastering the handling in any conditions. I'm not doing too bad myself jumping up from a single i/o to a twin screw with only a few times out. Good luck on the surveys. :thumbsup:
 
I have run the 370 Diesel, and own the 370 MPI gas.

There is little overcome in close quaters, except neighbors hearing a throttle up vs. just shifting.

Gas 3.09/gal Diesel 2.99/gal

who cares?

:grin:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,224
Messages
1,428,895
Members
61,116
Latest member
Gardnersf
Back
Top