2002 320 Sundancer - my search continues (Reviews Appreciated)

[Aaronpav2001]

All,
I am n looking at 2002 320 Sundancer. Appears to be very clean. Twin 350 Mercs, V-drives, Kohler Generator. One new engine (not rebuild) has less than 10 hours. Replaced because of leak in the manifold. The other engine around 300 hours. New manifolds and risers Allegedly $12000 worth of work done in last 12 months. Does anyone have their own review of the boat they can share? Pros and Cons? Things to look for during my inspection? Also should I be concerned about the replaced engine do to leak? Can this affect other areas? Thanks all!

 

[CliffA]

All,
I am n looking at 2002 320 Sundancer. Appears to be very clean. Twin 350 Mercs, V-drives, Kohler Generator. One new engine (not rebuild) has less than 10 hours. Replaced because of leak in the manifold. The other engine around 300 hours. New manifolds and risers Allegedly $12000 worth of work done in last 12 months. Does anyone have their own review of the boat they can share? Pros and Cons? Things to look for during my inspection? Also should I be concerned about the replaced engine do to leak? Can this affect other areas? Thanks all!

welcome to CSR and to Lake Norman.....

cruisers of this era had issues with soft spots on the deck from inadequate setting/sealing of deck hardware....this allowed water to wet the wooden core and cause it to rot.....this is VERY expensive to repair....since you have outdrives you do not have to be concerned with water ingestion due to inadequate exhaust design a lot of boats in this era suffered.....

I would also pay attention to any corrosion issues with the outdrives.....Bravo III drives are known for corrosion problems due to galvanic corrosion from dis-similar metals.....

I am assuming the boat came from salt water use.....fresh water boats rarely need to replace exhaust components due to corrosion causing a leak....if so some of the guys that boat in salt water can give you better ideas of things to check.....

I don't see a problem with having one new engine as long as the other one checks out well and the rest of the boat surveys well....

where are you located on LKN?....I am at the Boat Rack Marina.....

the 320 and 340 Sundancer are very similar....there are dedicated threads to both boats in the 'Sport Cruiser' forum....you can read those dedicated threads to gain a lot of knowledge.....

cliff

 

[Stee6043]

Silly question - but are you moving up from a 300 to a 320? Are you limiting yourself to the 320 for any specific reason? I only ask because there are gobs of 330's and 340's in this year range that might be worth a look.

On the engine - a full mechanical survey would be a great idea in most any case but for sure if you have reasons to doubt the condition of one or both motors.

 

[Aaronpav2001]

I am moving Up from a Regal 2665 commodore. I previously had a 300 under contract, but it feell through due to a moisture spot in the haul that I didn't want to deal with. I am not limiting myself to just a 320, but I do have budget constraints. Last couple of boats I bought were so simple this one is turning into a huge headache. Very stressful. I do appreciate all of your help though. I want something 30 foot or larger, twins and a generator and would like to stay at or under 50K so My options are limited.

I have always had my boat at Holiday Marina in LKN and hope to go back. That's if I can make a deal.

 

[skolbe]

The 320 is a great boat, very little issues. A survey would be smart, given the history. It is low hours for a 2002 - may have led to the demise of the 1 engine. I have had my 320 for 10 seasons and love it. There are little things you have to take care of. But the 320 and 340 are two of Sea Rays better boats/designs.

 

[Aaronpav2001]

Great looking boats gentleman! Stee6043 I love the Flag!

 

[Aaronpav2001]

All,
I am looking at a 2002 Sundancer. Is this the first year of the new styling? Did the styling change between 2002 and 2007? If so how? I've done some research and what I found shows the boat was re designed in 2002, but I am looking at carpets / nuteak for the cockpit and most are offered for the years 2003-2007. If it was re designed after 2002 for 2003 what changed. Thanks all