"24-itis"

ANYTIME

New Member
Dec 3, 2006
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Northern Virginia
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Is there such a thing as "24-itis"??

The Admiral and I have been looking at the 40 Motor Yacht and the 38 Sundancer (2007 Models) and came very close to buying one of them...but never could consumate the deal (our decision) because I couldn't deal with the overall cost.

Last Saturday, we looked at a 2001 38 Aft Cabin SeaRay and the Admiral really liked it. We spent a lot of time checking out the entire boat, but after learning of the cost of an extended warranty and the obscene marina fees (compared to where we are now, where a 340 dancer is the largest boat that will fit in our slip), we decided against it.

Today we took a test drive on a 2008 Sundancer 310 with 350 Magnum SeaCore Stern Drives with AXIUS. Within the first 15 minutes, the Admiral was able to maneuver it upto the Gas dock (something she has not been able to due up to now) and felt very comfortable driving it. After clearing the NO WAKE ZONE after Belmont Bay in the Occoquan River, I took it up to about 4000 RPMs into a 12 knot wind, and it really ran great. It is so incredibly easy to handle compared to our Amberjack 290. The DTS and AXIUS systems are intuitive, complimentary and very easy to use.

We had test driven a 2008 310 Dancer a week earlier, but it was the one with a pair of 350 Magnum V-Drives. It was nice, but we decided the differences weren't enough to make the jump.

Before we left the dealership, we had a contract in hand with a delivery date of 23 May:grin:. The dealer's contract with SeaRay commits them to use this particular 310 as a DEMO boat over the weekend of 17 and 18 May, where the demos will be conducted around the dock area of the Marina.

The "24-itis" I mentioned is 24-inch itis, as the 310 is exactly 24 inches longer than the AJ290.

We have chosen "ANYTIME" as the name with a Hailing Port of Quantico, Virginia.

Photographs to follow...
 
Absolutely !!! Skip is a superior sailor and a true gentleman. It is an honor to share the same Marina with him.:smt038
 
Congrats!! What was your main motivation to move up? Obviously your AJ is pretty new and decently sized already.

Doug
 
:smt038 Whoo hoo on the new boat and all the new toys it has.

As for the Aft Cabin I think they are great except I like the open area on the dancers and having the large swim platforms.

On the 310 not my favorite because of the bed layout but I'm a big fella.

Our next boat will be a 320 or bigger for sure.
 
Congrats!! What was your main motivation to move up? Obviously your AJ is pretty new and decently sized already.

Doug

The AXIUS drive was the primary motivation. The other ameneties that come with the boat helped. We decided we wanted a more confortable, leisurly(sp?) boat instead of a fishing boat. The cockpit in the AJ is great for fishing, but the pits for lounging.

ANYTIME is our retirement celebration. I retire from full time work on 31 May.:grin::smt038
 
Retirement in a warm (relatively) climate. No more work, just boating.
Boy is life good NOW.!!!!!

Congratulations and enjoy your new boat. You have definetly earned it.
 
Congrats Sam & Brenda !

Dont worry about trading up so quickly, like the admiral and I joked when we bought the latest...

Atleast we are helping to stimulate the economy !
 
Congrats.
That has to be a great feeling, + you don't have to wait all winter to go out on her.

Very Cool!
 
I thought this thread was going to be about the TV show "24".
I miss Jack!

Anyways....good luck!
 
Congratulations on the new boat. What, no pictures. (Grin)
 
The AXIUS drive was the primary motivation. The other ameneties that come with the boat helped. We decided we wanted a more confortable, leisurly(sp?) boat instead of a fishing boat. The cockpit in the AJ is great for fishing, but the pits for lounging.

ANYTIME is our retirement celebration. I retire from full time work on 31 May.:grin::smt038
Wow! That has to be a good feeling. Can you give some more details on the Axius drive?

Doug
 
Congratulations on the retirement and the new boat.

I have a question for you about Axis. What happens if one engine is off?
Good question. As I have only one hour of "boat time" on ANYTIME, and have not had the opportunity to read the manuals (which I will get this Saturday -10 May), I will hazard a guess.

AXIUS is a digital, computer controlled interface between both of transmissions, steering and throttle of the stern-drive engines. AXIUS, in order to perform requires both engines to be operating.

The DTS Control (the new gear shift/throttle control at the helm) and the AXIUS JOYSTICK are integrated into this system. There is an LED indicator on the DTS CONTROL labeled TRANSFER. When both engines are operating, that LED is illuminated, indicating that the DTS CONTROL may be operated manually via the DTS Control or via the AXIUS JOYSTICK.

What isn't absolutely clear to me, but what I believe is happening is that in order for AXIUS to be active, there must be a digital presence of BOTH ENGINES OPERATING at the same time in the digital interface, else it is inactive and not available. In order to use the AXIUS JOYSTICK, both engines MUST BE IN NEUTRAL. AXIUS will then control the transmissions, throttle and will independently control the steering of each of the stern drives.

There is also a DOCK LED indicator and switch. When activated, the throttle controls are modified to significantly limit the total RPMs available to both engines. When activated, it affects both AXIUS and manual operation.

There is also a control similar to AUTO PILOT that uses the AXIUS system to maintain the boat on a GPS/Chartplotter route automatically. There are buttons on it to alter course several degrees to port or starboard and to resume the original track. I don't know any more about this feature.

I read an early description on line that says this device will also provide the "SKY HOOK" feature, that using GPS will maintain the position of the boat, such as while waiting for a bridge opening or gas dock availability. I don't believe this function is currently operational, but may be once the "legalese" is worked out.

It is my understanding that the software may be "tweaked" to improve the features and functionality of the AXIUS system, and it is easy to implement updates in each boat. :thumbsup:

This is only the second AXIUS boat that has been through my dealer (Prince William Marine) and the salesmen seem to have limited knowledge/experience on it. That is why I have the cabin keys now and will get the manuals 13 days before we actually sign the papers and take ownership on 23 May.

Are there any other AXIUS users out there?
 
Congrats on the new boat!! That is a great retirement present:thumbsup::thumbsup:. Can't wait to see the pics.
 
Sam,

Congratulations on the new boat and especially the retirement! I just received a mailer from PWM last night and I may be one of the people going for a demo ride on your boat that weekend as all of the press on the axium and zeus has me intrigued.

Also, once again thank you for the heads up on the winterization contractor!

Mike
 
Sam,

Congratulations on the new boat and especially the retirement! I just received a mailer from PWM last night and I may be one of the people going for a demo ride on your boat that weekend as all of the press on the axium and zeus has me intrigued.

Also, once again thank you for the heads up on the winterization contractor!

Mike
Mike,

Thanks for the kind words. My pleasure with regards to Greg and the winterization.

Anytime has a large placard attached to the stern showing the boat has been sold and has our names on it. Enjoy your demo, it really impressed us!!
 

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