2000 340 Sundancer

[Tantrum]

Im going to take a look at a few 2000 340 Sundancers I have found. Any tips on what to look for in this model year? Any problem areas?
What engine package fits this boat without being underpowered?
Im new to the cruiser market so any tips or comments on what to look for would be greatly appreciated.
Boats are located between MD and NY

 

[Skip]

I also looked at 340DAs in this model year. An '02 320 came available so we went that route. Then the 420DA with diesels, and now I am done. At any rate, when I was looking, there were a couple '02 340DAs available that appeared to be very good deals at the time. The reason they were priced low and languished on the market was the fact that they had 6.2L IBs. I have no helm time in this boat, so I am only relaying what I gleaned from other boards, like the late, great SRO. The general consensus was that this boat is underpowered with 6.2s. There are some 340DA owners on this board running similar model year boats with 8.1s and they seem pleased with that combination. I put an hour or so on an 04 340DA with 8.1s and that boat was a real runner. Plenty of power.

As always, sea trial the boat as you intend to use it--fully loaded with gear, fuel, water, and guests. Run in wind and current if these are factors in your area. This is the best test of the adequacy of a boat's power.

regards
Skip

 

[TheAcademy5]

I purchased my 340 because of the 8.1's, I looked at several with smaller engines and was very disspointed. 8.1's give this boat a great ride, could not be more pleased. I really recommend the 340, we sleep 5-6 people very easily every other weekend.

 

[waterlogged]

I'd echo the 8.1s. They seem to be a really good match. V-drives for sure. As I mentioned in another post, I went from a 75 mph boat (not quite as fast as your AMT) to the 340 (via a 280), and have absolutely no regrets.

 

[Bounty]

I've got the 2000 340 DA with the 7.4s, close cooling system, and the upgraded muffler mod. Basically you want to stay away from the 6.1s in my opinion. Mostly those started showing up in the 2001 models though.

My 7.4s have plenty of power, even with a pretty good-size dinghy hanging off the stern and the boat full of people and gear.

 

[Alex D]

I can only second everything the other 340 owners said.
6.2s are a no-no. 7.4s will give you a good go. Closed cooling is best. The 380HP horizons are good if the upgraded exhaust with lift mufflers and taller risers are in the boat. Fromm- 99 through 02 SR upgraded the 340 with little stuff every year. Be sure to get cherry wood. White cabinetry is hard to resell. I would avoid it! 2002's had the 8.1s that have a bit more torque and are a little more efficient.

One of the best mods that can help the old style 340 are to install the four blade props from the new style 340. They bolt right on and give you much better bite and planing performance, as well as better efficiency than the original 3 blades. I am still looking to buy a set ... :grin:

If you need to know anything specific, just ask. I service my 340 myself as many cuts and bruises prove ... that bilge is tiiiight ... :smt013

 

[Bounty]

You are right about the tight bilge. :wink:

I have five batteries in my 340DA plus an additional one dedicated to the genset. I finally got tired of killing myself to check the water in them, and switched to AGMs this season. We'll see how that works out.

 

[Skip]

Roger,
I bit the bullet when I bought my 420DA and installed 5 new Optima AGMs. 14 months on and no complaints..and no maintenance. You will not regret the AGM purchase.

regards
Skip

 

[Alex D]

You are right about the tight bilge. :wink:

I have five batteries in my 340DA plus an additional one dedicated to the genset. I finally got tired of killing myself to check the water in them, and switched to AGMs this season. We'll see how that works out.

No kidding! You have to literally make a headstand ... and I am not kidding ... to check the ones down on the keel. I had to change the generator battery out this weekend and it was fairly simple. I only have the standard four batteries. Where did you put the others? Any pics?