2005 320 Sundancer versus 2007 310 Sundancer

[wolfgang6]

I have narrowed my boat buying to 2 - 05 320 and 07 310.
I like the extra 1ft beam of the 320 but I also prefer the walk thru windshield of the 310 that the 320 does not have.

Interestingly, the 07 310 is heavier than the larger 05 320, 14000lb vs 13800lb respectively. Does this imply that the 320 actually have better mileage; be it small ?

Which will ride better ? Does the 1 feet extra beam on the 320 make more stable, i.e. less issue for folks with motion sickness ? Most of my boating will not be near the ocean, in the Chesapeake Bay area.

 

[JimG]

Given the same power plant, there's not going to be any difference in fuel miliage. Can't imagine there would be much difference in ride or stability. Either would be a great choice.

Welcome to CSR!

 

[spirt320]

The 320 will also give you slightly over two more feet in length. 35'6" vs. 33'4". I had a 2006 320 and didn't see any problems with not having a walk thru windshield. And once properly shown, my two youngest who were 9 and 12 year old girls had no problem making their way to the bow or back on the gunwales. My suggestion is to look at both heavily and see what in the end you may feel works best for your needs and requirements.

 

[Bay B's]

We went from 06 320 to an 06 290. The main reason is the walkthrough windshield. Wife wanted it, 320 didn't have it. The "beamier" boat will be more stable. Our 290's beam is only 9'6" vs. the 320's 11'5" and we definitely notice the difference. And the 290 only weighs 9250 lbs dry. I will say its total cost of ownership is about 1/2 of what the 320 was.

Go with the layout and features you like. Sounds like you want the 310 bc of the walkthrough windshield. It's made all the difference for us.

 

[j98052]

We bought a 2008 330 (which is 35.5'), over several other boats primarily because of the walk through windshield. It's a big deal for kids, but also for docking -- not having to walk around the outside was important for my wife.

 

[IslandTime]

We bought a 2008 330 (which is 35.5'), over several other boats primarily because of the walk through windshield. It's a big deal for kids, but also for docking -- not having to walk around the outside was important for my wife.

nice having that walk through windshield when its rough and you need to get up on the bow -whether docking or just re-attaching lines / fenders, etc...

 

[CliffA]

I had similar concerns about not having a walk-thru windshield when we bought our 340....as it turns out there was no reason for concern because we found out the kids and grandkids and wife can easily use the forward deck hatch when they want to go to the bow if they don't want to use the side decks.....once you get used to the side decks it becomes second nature.....the side decks come in handy when you need to use the side cleats for docking......

cliff

 

[dmorris800]

Other things you might want to take into account would be engine maintenance. Have the Manifolds / risers been replaced? Since it sounds as if it is salt water something to think about.
Dave

 

[skolbe]

In 2007 we had the option to buy either boat. We went with the 320. No walk through windshield did not matter to us. It all depends on what works for you. We like the space of the 320. Can't imagine the ride would be substantially different. My dock neighbor had a 300 and I drove that. It felt smaller, it had out drives. So a different feeling.

 

[SeasonTicket]

We went through this process over the last three months. Picked the 310 because it made more sense for our situation. I really don't feel you will go wrong with either. I am bias but would pick the 310 if I had to do it again.


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[JimT]

I like the walk though windshield. I also prefer the integrated swim platform rather than the bolt on.

 

[Sous]

Walk through windshield makes a big difference if single handing the boat as well. Much quicker access to the bow if needed.

 

[Woody]

I like the integrated platform also, but it could be a costly fix if you screw up and smack something hard. The bolt on swim platforms are like protection for the rest of the boat, if you smash it up just buy a new one and bolt it on.

 

[Fly'n Family]

We went from a 98' 310 to a 98' 370. I bring up this example because of beam. I had never thought much of going from 11' 2" to 12' 7" as part of buying a bigger boat - until I got on one. That extra foot and a half is immediately noticeable on deck and down below. If I was looking at similar boats, beam would now be a big consideration.

I have a 9 and 12 year old, and they love going up the sides to the bow. Teach them to lean in and always use the ample railing and there are zero issues. There also seems to be a "cool" factor for them in walking up the sides.

We stern in to the slip, so no bow requirement until after she's in. Whether with the assistance of a dock mate or by myself, access to the bow cleats is the last aspect to accomplish as she's already in with the aft and mid cleats being tied.

Given the above, for us - bigger is definitely better.