280 to 340 new model or 2001 style?

[Panchita]

HELLO:

We are looking to move from the 280 to the 340.

I have looked at both the new and previous generation styles,

What are the pros and cons of each?

What engines are preferred?

Thanks

 

[JV II]

New vs. old style is in the eye of the beholder. Sea Ray Sundancers have identifiable design DNA. Pretty boats and sea worthy either way.

 

[mquiet]

I can speak a little about the 2000 sundancer 340. I have been out on the east coast during a small craft advisory (which was posted after I departed). I did 3 hours in solid 8' with a couple of larger. Cruise RPM was 2800 and speed was 18kts. The ride was smooth as the rollers where far apart. I would agree that the change in deadrise to 21 degrees and increase in weight is always a good thing, however, with seas less than this, I would say that the difference might not be noticed. I don't like to ever have the hull pound down, so I control with speed and S-turns through the waves. I would lean toward a newer boat with the newer features and some small changes to the interior design ( Flat panel TV location ect...). I would check both versions and see which is more for your style of cruising and if going into the ocean...go out when the seas are 3-6 to get an idea of the ride.

Hope this helps. Best of luck.

 

[rondds]

I'm a fan of both incarnations of the 340DA and have spent some time studying both models. Given a choice, I'd opt for the 2003+ model.

The 2000-2002 has more in common with the previous model 330DA ('93-'99) than it does with the 2003 model 340. Some topside changes and you've gone from a 330 to a 340 with pretty much the same hull. The gen 2000 was offered with 6.2s as well as 7.4s and I've read some arguments that the 6.2L engines are not enough for this boat. Can't comment b/c I have never been on both to compare. A guy at my marina had a 2001 with 6.2s and maple interior and he had trouble unloading it for the price he wanted. He eventually settled for about $57K. The boat was in decent condition but he really didn't do much to take care of it.

The 2003 was a complete redesign with more reverse sheer which, IMO, is a sexier and more contemporary look. As Scott mentioned above, the LOA is greater but the real noticable difference in interior space is more related to the extra 6" of beam.

If you're a DIYr (which you seem to be from your Manifold Thread), you'll have a tough time getting much more than your forearm btwn the engines! But hey, that about goes for any twin engine SR 36' and under.

2000
http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNX1A048.pdf

2003
SR site stops archiving at 2002.

 

[VinceR]

We have the 2001 with 7.4 MPI engines at 310 HP. Cruise at 27 on 31 gallons top out at 33 mph at 50 gallons. It is 6" narrower, one foot shorter and thousand of dollars less expensive to purchase than the newer 340s. If money is no problem then go with bigger and newer.

 

[beerman]

I'm a fan of both incarnations of the 340DA and have spent some time studying both models. Given a choice, I'd opt for the 2003+ model.

The 2000-2002 has more in common with the previous model 330DA ('93-'99) than it does with the 2003 model 340. Some topside changes and you've gone from a 330 to a 340 with pretty much the same hull. The gen 2000 was offered with 6.2s as well as 7.4s and I've read some arguments that the 6.2L engines are not enough for this boat. Can't comment b/c I have never been on both to compare. A guy at my marina had a 2001 with 6.2s and maple interior and he had trouble unloading it for the price he wanted. He eventually settled for about $57K. The boat was in decent condition but he really didn't do much to take care of it.

The 2003 was a complete redesign with more reverse sheer which, IMO, is a sexier and more contemporary look. As Scott mentioned above, the LOA is greater but the real noticable difference in interior space is more related to the extra 6" of beam.

If you're a DIYr (which you seem to be from your Manifold Thread), you'll have a tough time getting much more than your forearm btwn the engines! But hey, that about goes for any twin engine SR 36' and under.

2000
http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNX1A048.pdf

2003
SR site stops archiving at 2002.

I think they may have also offered the 8.1's in the early 2003 models before they made the change to the late model 2003's.

 

[Jim M]

The 6" difference in the beam is a lot on the boat. I like the room the newer 340's have.