2008 330

Rich

Rich

New Member
Jan 5, 2008
96
Jericho, NY
Boat Info
270 Amberjack 2005, Raymarine C70, Fishing Package
Engines
350 Mercruiser w/ Bravo III Drives
Has anyone taken the new 330 out on a test drive? What is your preference for the powerplant on the boat?
 
Hey, Thanks for the info!
 
I'd have to see the weight of this boat, but it seems to me that both engine packages tested represent an unnecessary over-powering of the hull. The 320's max power package was the 6.2L and most are very happy with the performance. The biggest problem with these boats is accessing anything in the engine room. I would stray away from the 8.1's in this boat. The 350 Mag in the 320 with V-drives is probably on the under-powered side. 6.2's with V-drives would be about right, but wait:

OK, I just went to their site. This boat (330) weighs 15,400, is 35'6", and a 11'6" beam. The 340 weighs 15,500, is 37'6", and 12' beam. They don't offer the 6.2's with V-drives. Something's wrong. Either way, I think the 8.1's with V-drive are too much for a 320 replacement. Unfortunately, they are the only option for gas inboards.

The 340 has been the smallest boat with the 8.1's, and is quite nicely powered with them. I can't imagine cramming that much engine into this boat and not offering an easier, more efficient option with inboards.
 
Actually the 320 was offered with 496 sterndrives. Its replacement, the 330 is about 1600# heavier. I doubt that it is overpowered. The 320 must have flew with the twin 375hp engines.
 
Woody said:
Actually the 320 was offered with 496 sterndrives. Its replacement, the 330 is about 1600# heavier. I doubt that it is overpowered. The 320 must have flew with the twin 375hp engines.
Click to expand...

You're right - I was looking at V-drives alone.
 
Rich

I had a demo ride on a 330 equipped with big blocks and v-drives when my dealer got his first boat in last year. I was amazed at how quickly the boat planed and how it could maintain planing speed at a relatively low speed as well. There is very little bow rise with this boat and at no time did we have to use trim tabs. That demo convinced me if I ever bought a 330DA, that configuration would be my first choice.

Dave
 
The new 330 weighs just as much as the 340 dancer. Is there really such thing as too much power?? Why not cruise at 30 knots at 3500 rpm and plane more efficiently?
 
dcwjd said:
The new 330 weighs just as much as the 340 dancer. Is there really such thing as too much power?? Why not cruise at 30 knots at 3500 rpm and plane more efficiently?
Click to expand...

Gas. The price of Gas. Maintenance. The price of maintenance. This boat's engine room is very, very, very tight. Every inch of real estate is to be appreciated. Gas. The price of gas.
 
If you want a vdrive configuration the only option is the 8.1 package. If stern drive is your preference you can go with 6.2's or the 496's but is the difference in fuel burn between the two going to be that significant? Also is the person that plunks down 220k for a new boat going to care over a slight difference in fuel burn. Between $3500 bucks for a slip, $3000 for winterization, storing and spring commissioning, boat payment,and boat insurance gas is my least expense and that is only for my 280.
 
Wait for Zeus to come into the 310 at the next redesign. You'll get engine room space, more gas mileage, better weight distribution, less stress on the gears, no corrosion problems associated with current I/O's, and the ability to walk the boat sideways. I think V-drives will become a thing of the past. Other manufacturers are already putting IPS in their smaller boats. Sea Ray won't be left behind. I'm sure they are hard at work on it today.
 
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