2001 Sundancer 340

[Barry340]

Hi Everyone-

I am in the process of researching and purchasing a 2001 340 Sundancer. I intend to have both a hull and engine surveyor. Can present owners give some advice on the following:

• CRUISE SPEED- What speed does this boat comfortably cruise at with the 320 hp engines and the 350 hp engines?
• ENGINES- This generation of the 34 seems to come with either the 320 hp engine or the 7.4 with 350 hp.
• Does anyone have the 320hp and is it okay or underpowered? Any issue with these engines? How many gallons per hour do you burn at a 20 knot curise?
• If you have the 7.4 engines, the same questions.
• Any weak spots on these boats I should look out for?

Thanks for any insight you might be able to offer.

BARRY340

 

[Greg]

I currently have a 2000 340, although I hope to be getting rid of it soon. In its place will be a 480 Sedan Bridge. But with the 7.4's it would cruise comfortably at about 28~30 MPH, at that speed I would get approx 28 GPH or about 1MPG. Top speed of the boat during the sea trial was 42 MPH at like 5100 RPM's if I recall, however I never ran it at those RPM's. I've only had the boat 1 season, it's been great. I've had no real problems to speak of. When I was looking to get the boat, I found there were issues with water ingestion into the exhaust. The fix was riser extensions, and hope they were retrofitted before any water was ingested. Hope that helps a little and welcome and good luck.

Greg

 

[Hoo'sdave]

I currently have a 2000 340, although I hope to be getting rid of it soon. In its place will be a 480 Sedan Bridge. But with the 7.4's it would cruise comfortably at about 28~30 MPH, at that speed I would get approx 28 GPH or about 1MPG. Top speed of the boat during the sea trial was 42 MPH at like 5100 RPM's if I recall, however I never ran it at those RPM's. I've only had the boat 1 season, it's been great. I've had no real problems to speak of. When I was looking to get the boat, I found there were issues with water ingestion into the exhaust. The fix was riser extensions, and hope they were retrofitted before any water was ingested. Hope that helps a little and welcome and good luck.

Greg

Greg Are you sure about there numbers But with the 7.4's it would cruise comfortably at about 28~30 MPH, Are your 7.4 310 hp or 380 hp Never got 28-30 or 2 :huhther 34ft in my area 3 blade or 4 blade prop

 

[VinceR]

Barry,

We love our 2001 340 with 7.4 MPI engines, v-drives and 3 blade props. We cruise at 3600 RPM at 26 mph heavy and 27 mph lite (1/2 tanks or less). All at about .79 MPG. My top speed heavy is 4300 RPM, 32.6MPH at .68MPG. Your bottom condition and prop condition will effect performance.

 

[Barry340]

Thanks for the info. Great people on this website!! Does anyone know have a 34 with the 6.2 litre? Saw on at a good price but do not know if it will be underpowered. 7.4 is probably the right size, but trying to get a feel. Thanks for all the help.

Also, have been told that there was an issue with exhaust risers. Anyone have a problem or know anything about this?

BARRY340

 

[VinceR]

You need to get a survey on the boat and a mechanical inspection on the engines. However, at the end of the day you pays your money and you takes your chances.

We bought our 340 last July. Last fall after some preventive maintenance we cruised her home. We spent 7 days on the trip 829 miles and 49.5 hours on the engines. The two of us were very comfortable and felt like we had plenty of room. We were not ready to get off of the boat when we arrived home. To date we have put over 115 hours on her since purchase. Our boat had not been abused but had been neglected somewhat. She only had 232 saltwater hours on the engines when we bought her and was 7 years old. We have had very little trouble with the boat. She appears to have the original risers. We boat in fresh water and they may last through nest summer. The boat handles very well. We really like the 340. Personally, I would not go less than the 7.4 engines. The 8.1 engines would be great but not necessary.

 

[rcknecht]

Just had my 2001 340 with twin 7.4 310 hp, out yesterday. I just bought it last week. We cruised at 28 mph at 3500 rpm, in 2-4 foot chop and 20 knot cross winds. The speed was measured by the gps. We had full tanks and 4 adults. I believe that it gets less than 1 MPG at cruise. My 300 DA only got 1 MPG with twin 5.7 l inboards. The boat runs great. I got a great deal on the boat. It was a repo, but in excellent shape. We are looking forward to many trips this summer.