2001 SR 310 - First Boat Buy - Few Questions

[HIRISC]

Hi all,

We've been looking at '04 320's, but ran into what seems like a good deal on a 2001 310.

5.7, Bravo III's
130 hours on engines
15 hours on West. genset
Shows very well

I was expecting to see V drives on this size boat, and I don't want to start up a V-drive vs Stern drive war, but can anyone comment on any known maintenance/repair issues with the Bravo III's?

Price is $65K and they are willing to throw in a new TV, updated/Sirius head/remote, and will change out the gold trim inside (wife doesn't like it).

This is our first boat, will be on a good size lake in suburban Minneapolis, and will be used 1 or 2x a week.

Comments on this vessel in general and/or this vessel compared to a 2004 320 with 250 hours/v drive for $104K.

I want to get the 'right' boat - the cost difference between these isn't my primary concern, but like anyone, I'd prefer to spend the least amount possible for maximum return (and $45K isn't an insignificant difference).

Thanks very much in advance for your insights

 

[Scottzzzy]

Welcome to my world! We have been trying to make a move up also and I have been torturing myself with the lists of used and broker boats!

As for the 310 that is an '01 for 65K, seems a little high to me based on what I have seen of Freshwater boats. We looked at a nice 03 310 that started at 65K asking. My wife hates the gold trim too and once we looked at it compared to a 320 we knew it was too small (family of 5).

I know if you are like me, the used market is CONFUSING!!:smt101:smt101:smt101

As for service on the Bravo III, that is what I have now on my 220 SD and I do not think it is bad at all. You did not mention if you were storing it in a slip or dry stack, but I would expect the service to be better if you keep it out of water, but I will let others speak to that.

But hey, welcome to the site and best of luck on your search!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[skolbe]

Seems like a good deal on the 310, it's a great boat. The Bravo III's mainly need the right anodes for the environment. I personally would have the coupler greased and aligned annually when the drives are serviced. With only 15 hours on the generator, don't be surprised if you have issues with it. It needs to be run under load on a regular basis. Ideally weekly for an hour. The lack of use may create a few surprise repairs.

 

[keokie]

I don't know with pricing. Maybe a little high. As far as the comparison to the '03 310.... there wasn't one. '02 was the last year.

As far as the comparison to the 320, the boats are similar in size and weight. The 310 has more deadrise at 23 degrees.

I have been extremely happy with the build quality, performance, handling, etc. of my 310. I would choose it again.

 

[HIRISC]

Thanks very much for the insights all. I appreciate it.

I'm seeing '03 320's in the low $80's and up. Besides the exterior styling and interior layout differences between the 310's and the 320's, are there any other significant changes?

I know this is subjective, but how much more difficult is docking a stern drive 30'ish foot boat vs V drives? I like the draft benefit of the I/O's, but as a noob, I'm a little nervous about adding too many variables to docking maneuvers.

I know someone mentioned 310's below $65K, but I've looked high and low and haven't seen any 2001 310's with <150 hours below $75 asking. I'm also speculating that there isn't as much negotiation room on a $65K boat as a $120K boat. Any comments on those two points?

Oh, what kind of cruising/max speed can I expect with the T-260's?

Again - appreciate your time to help. I'm a bit out of my element here.