2003 340 Sundancer , what are the weak points

[Panchita]

Hello:

We are looking to purchase a 2003 or newer 340 Sundancer.

We currently have a 2003 280 and I do most of the maint so I understand my boat pretty well.

What are the weak points on the 340 from a reliability standpoint, what are the items I need to be looking out for in a used boat.

What options would you consider fluff , and what options are necessary, other than the obvious generator and AC,,

Thanks

 

[VinceR]

We went from a 1999 270 to a 2001 340. We love the boat. The 2003 340 is larger than ours. The only real minuses are a tight engine compartment and the engines are thirsty.

 

[mmcguire2002]

Agreed. I have the 2003 340. Great boat. Good layout. No major draw backs other than a tight engine room and the engines are VERY thirsty. I average between 31 and 32 GPH when at cruising speed (3450 to 3500 rpm's).

 

[jason78]

With all the comments about the tight engine room I must say this after helping my dockmate with his 05 340DA on occasion- Some may think it is tight but when you are accustomed to working in a 280 Engine Compartment, the 340 ER is like being in a living room.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

If the 340 has 8.1's make sure you are up on issues regarding their cast aluminum exhaust manifolds. For salt water I'd be making sure they are the cast iron replacements since the aluminum ones had a relatively short life span that sometimes involved engine damge from water intrusion.

Great time to upgrade!

 

[Jim M]

After 5 years of faithfull service the only complaint I have is, its getting to small.

 

[Brent]

I have a 2003 340 and have had to replace the aluminum exhaust manifolds with only 240 hours. Mercruiser refused to cover the manifolds but the new ones sent were cast iron. The problem is the copper inlet elbow at the bottom of the manifolds. The manifolds were perfect except at the copper/aluminum contact where you could poke your finger the rotten aluminum. The disimiliar metals caused electroysis at the contact point. Anyone with these manifolds should inspect the area regularly and if they don't have flush kits they should install them and use them. Brent

 

[carterchapman]

The only weak point on mine is that it is not a 60DA with MANs...

 

[wvsundancer]

My neighbor at the dock has a 340 with 8.1's and V-drives on our trip to Cincy last year he used 36% more fuel than I did with my 280DA. Still that is going to be my next boat.

 

[rondds]

Moving from your 280 to a 340 will certainly give you gas-pump shock! Once you're past that, you'll be OK. Someone said they get 0.9MPG - that's pretty good for a gas boat.

 

[Panchita]

ok,, so I sold my 280 today,, got a deposit and a contract,, just need to finalize next week.

I have money on a 2005 and am thrilled to finally be moving up.

My Kids just out grew the 280 ....

And so did I ,,,,

 

[Jim M]

Scott - Was this repaired by your dealer and what did they have to do to fix it??? How long ago did you find this problem???