2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in general

D

dantheman1966

New Member
Jul 9, 2012
17
mentor,ohio
Boat Info
2005 320 sundancer
Engines
twin350 mercruiser
Looking to buy one of these and I,m not sure if I should go with a stern drive or v drive because of the spped difference.No one will let me drive one unless I sign a contract to buy so there is no way to test the differences out. Also would appreciate any comments on the boat in general if you are an owner. Salesman I have spoken too also say it burns about 22-25 gallons a hour?
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

On a 310, I would probably go with the stern drives. Engine room access will be challenging enough. Also, assuming you are keeping it in fresh water, making stern drives more viable. Go with the Bravo drives - much better engineered, better built and better handling than the alphas. (I dont think the alphas are even available on the 310.) Better fuel efficiency on the stern drives and 10-20% higher speed. They are definitely more maintenance but it is manageable.
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

Here is one more vote for B3's. Sorry but if I was to have a V-Drive like boat - it would be 40'+ with diesels where there is room for the extra needed space in the engine compartment.

I live in "the worst of the worst" environment for salt water (43ppm vs florida's 35ppm) and hotter temperatures and plenty of growth.

The issues we have here are not Bravo 3 related - they are cooling system related on most of them. The only stern drive issues we seem to get is from bad maintenance - or impact damage. But that is far between compared with engine rebuilds due to cooling system foul up. And the boats that gets the fouled cooling systems are also the boats where the owner treats them like cars - or hardly ever use them. Many mechanics also offer "rebuilds" as first choice when engines start overheating - without even considering a good engine cooling system flush first. And the "boat-as-car" operators just say - "if the mechanic says so then..."

I think the stern drive/salt water vs V-Drive debate is off track due to historical bad reputation of the Bravo 3's corrosion problems. Yes to repair a B3 costs a lot of money. But you save 10-15% in fuel. So why not just take that savings and put into a maintenance fund.

And then there is Axius... After the latest software versions it works. My surveyor said before checking the boat... "What kind of a toy is that. That Axius is not useful for anything and is not worth a dime"

After the survey the tone was very different.... quote : "I am now an Axius convert..."

And my surveyor is a old fashioned boat guy with many years experience.

You do not get Axius with V-Drives.
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

Personally I would agree on V-Drives however I honestly don't see how one can get in there to do any work on the front of the engines and especially the RAW water pumps if the boat had a generator. This is due to the location of the genertaor on V-Drive 310s. Same problem on the 320DA V-Drive config w/Genny as well.
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

Photo May 20, 3 10 58 PM.jpg

With proper care and maintenance, the Bravo 3 drives will do JUST FINE in salt water. These are the drives from my 280 . 7 years in ocean water - no corrosion whatsoever. We added the extra mercathode puck, monitored galvanic corrosion with the drop-meter, applied brush-on antifoulant and changed anodes each year. Also used the spray-on antifoulant for hard-to reach areas, which is why you see some of the overspray on the swim platform - this was cleaned-up with some acetone.)

The best argument FOR v-drives? Easy, all the stuff listed above does not apply...
 
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Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

Dan I would agree with kaz911 I've had mine for 3+ years and once the Axius System's bugs were fixed it works like a dream!! No that being said you can probably buy a Stern-Drive without an Axius... but why!! I agree with gerryb do all the proper maintenance and you should be Fine!
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

dantheman1966 said:
Looking to buy one of these and I,m not sure if I should go with a stern drive or v drive because of the spped difference.No one will let me drive one unless I sign a contract to buy so there is no way to test the differences out. Also would appreciate any comments on the boat in general if you are an owner. Salesman I have spoken too also say it burns about 22-25 gallons a hour?
Click to expand...

This is the one I would try to get. It was my 2nd choice.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2008/Sea-Ray-310-Sundancer-2446553/Marco-Island/FL/United-States

Yes it has lots of hours. But don't worry about hours as long as it has been maintained. Budget in with riser/manifold replacements at some point in the near future - and bid accordingly. But any 5 year old boat has that "potential". It also looks like it has not had the White Glove Axius update (see batteries) - and that would be a "have to have done" as well.

Engines are SeaCore engines - so "semi" fresh water cooled (1/2) - best you can get with Mercruisers.

It comes with a tandem axle trailer - (too small trailer I think - but it is there)

Price - I think you can knock about 10% of the advertised price plus a bit for Risers/Manifolds. It has been advertised for at least 3 months.
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

That's a Great Price!! I paid $160- 3 years ago with 33hrs., the same exact set-up!! Bonus it has a Trailer!!
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

I think this is a preference thing. In the end - I think V-drives are better for just light slow cruising and putting around and lighter on maintenance requirements. Outdrives are better for get up and go. But are a little tougher at the docks with wind and current. Primarily because the pivot point. Engine access is tight in a 320. So a 310 is going to be tighter.
 
Re: 2007-08 310 sundancer review and thoughts on stern vs. v drive and boat in genera

Welcome to CSR. :smt001
 
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