300 Sundancer questions.

[Sea Ray 300]

My wife also wanted the port lounge for a long time, but after comparing models, and seeing the huge difference in size and accomodations, we opted for the 30. Everything in a boat is a compromize. A large(r) cabin was more important to us than the lounge.
We looked at other manufacturers, but all things considered, the Sea Ray 30 was the best all around package for us. What we found in our research, was that allot of manufacturers tried to cramp as much as possble in any given size, which severely compromised "floor space", particularly in the cockpit. Floorspace is important for everyday living, as well as while out on the water, as people don't feel cramped.
I second the motion that Sea Ray has tweaked this model to the max over the years, and agree that it is about as perfect as possible given the size, layout, and incorporated systems.
Yes, the trunk hatch is small, and could have been larger. As far as the tabs go, you won't need them often, and when used, you will notice the effect, as it is very possitive almost immediately.
One thing that I never realized until the end of last season, after reading a post, is, in the aft cabin, there is a huge storage compartment on the starboard side. It is not apparent until the upper bolster is removed.

 

[Bridog]

One thing that I never realized until the end of last season, after reading a post, is, in the aft cabin, there is a huge storage compartment on the starboard side. It is not apparent until the upper bolster is removed.

Steve, The "secret" storage compartment in the aft compartment is where I found the screens for my port lights and a cockpit table pole I thought was missing at delivery. Even the Marine Max guys don't know about that compartment :lol: I had to remove the "filler cushion" and give a pull downward on the upper cushion. Cool :thumbsup: Jim, I sent you a PM as well since I knew you said you were missing the screens as well. Maybe they are there? Kind Regards, Brian

 

[skolbe]

Thats were my 320 screens were hiding as well.

 

[tawcat]

thanks so much

being i am not that familiar with (however hope to be soon) the 300, a pic would be helpful for me.

thanks for all the input. told the wife that if the SR dealer can down to about $100k we will be owning a new boat!!!!! and she will learn to love it!!!!! :grin:

well i actually said i think you will like the lounge seat not being there!!! :smt001

 

[Bridog]

Re: thanks so much

thanks for all the input. told the wife that if the SR dealer can down to about $100k we will be owning a new boat!!!!! and she will learn to love it!!!!! :grin:

100K for a new 300DA?? I think you might be keeping the Rinker :grin: . Also, the double helm seat up front is what my wife loves most about the cockpit seating. She enjoys being up front with me. When she gets sick of me she goes back to the other seats. You wouldn't get that large of a seat with the side lounge seating. Anyway..good luck with your search. Regards, Brian

 

[skolbe]

There is a used 2004- 300 - 2 slips down from me. It has 6.2 MPI's low hours and pretty much all of the options. I am not sure you can buy it for 100k. I am in Mo - so not to far from you.

 

[Bottom Line]

Tawcat...welcome to the board. I was talking a to a Sea Ray salesman Saturday evening and he said he had sold a 48DA to someone on Lake Ouachita...to be delivered this week. The cockpit layout of the 300 has fit our family's needs (there are 4 of us) very well. If the port side lounger is important, you might examine the 280 or 320. What really sold us on the 300 was the open mid cabin on the interior. Let us know if you have other questions...there are a lot of great 300DA owners on this board. Happy hunting...

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Re: thanks so much

being i am not that familiar with (however hope to be soon) the 300, a pic would be helpful for me.
thanks for all the input. told the wife that if the SR dealer can down to about $100k we will be owning a new boat!!!!! and she will learn to love it!!!!! :grin:
well i actually said i think you will like the lounge seat not being there!!! :smt001

For pictures, go to this website:
http://www.searay.com/sport_cruisers.asp?modelid=80584&modelyear=2007
There is a section there that you can "Build and Price", and then figure a 20% to 25% or so discount, not including a trade. Maybe more.
But as previously stated, $100K, I don't think so. Well, that might get you a 6 or 7 year old 300...
Go to a boat show, and look at the diferences in manufacturers.
Best of luck.

 

[tawcat]

Re: thanks so much

being i am not that familiar with (however hope to be soon) the 300, a pic would be helpful for me.

thanks for all the input. told the wife that if the SR dealer can down to about $100k we will be owning a new boat!!!!! and she will learn to love it!!!!! :grin:

well i actually said i think you will like the lounge seat not being there!!! :smt001

the $100k is referring to a pre-owned boat. guess if i could find a new one for that kinda $$ we would be stupid not to buy it. we did get a call from the marine max guy at port arrowhead LOTO, said he had a '06 300 like new for $130k; i'm thinking ice damage!!!

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Re: thanks so much

the $100k is referring to a pre-owned boat. guess if i could find a new one for that kinda $$ we would be stupid not to buy it. we did get a call from the marine max guy at port arrowhead LOTO, said he had a '06 300 like new for $130k; i'm thinking ice damage!!!

I wouldn't jump to any conclusions right away as to why a boat is turned in within the first year or two.
When we were shopping in '97, the local dealer had a previously owned 26, a 28, and a 30, all within a year old, with low hours. The owners of each, after spending time on the boat, just wanted a bigger boat. This is the reason that I referred to "floor space" as being so very important, and why I think that the 30 layout is near perfect, given it's size.

 

[tawcat]

Sea Ray 300

thanks for the info. and one reason we haven't just jumped into upgrading, we want to be sure we get is really what we want.

just a little side note. i notice in your signature you have a pic of the big boat and a little boat!!!! i own one of those little whalers as well. mine is a 1970 13 sport.

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Re: Sea Ray 300

thanks for the info. and one reason we haven't just jumped into upgrading, we want to be sure we get is really what we want.
just a little side note. i notice in your signature you have a pic of the big boat and a little boat!!!! i own one of those little whalers as well. mine is a 1970 13 sport.

The Whaler is allot of fun, and is great for putting around the harbor.

 

[tawcat]

bottom line

wow, nice looking 300. showed to wife, waiting her response :smt014!!

 

[Bridog]

Also, where have you guys mounted your documentation number? I have mine on a board, but have never mounted it. I can't find a "good" place in the bilge. Also, how did you attach your numbers?

Here is where I ened up putting them. It's epoxied over with West Systems epoxy and hardener. It's under the forward berth on the hull. I tried the engine compartment but had no luck finding any space for it. It's still quite easy to get to if CG, etc, needs to look. Maybe your board can be attached in there? Good luck, Brian

 

[Stray Cat]

Brian - Nice job on your Doc. No. :thumbsup:

Our boat finally is afloat once again! Here is where I stuck my board. (pay no attention to the winter grime in the bilge :wink: )

I tested the water system and had no problems with my winterization. The genny fired right up so all is well. It sure felt great to be messin around with the boat again :smt038

 

[Sea Ray 300]

Now, tell me the truth....
Aren't you guy thrilled with the 30?.... :wink: :wink: :wink: :thumbsup:

 

[Stray Cat]

No kiddin! This boat just fits our cruising style. Sea Ray got this one right :thumbsup:

 

[jrirvine1]

Now, tell me the truth....
Aren't you guy thrilled with the 30?.... :wink: :wink: :wink: :thumbsup:

Great all around boat!
Ours does have a slight degree of newbie operator trouble that I can’t seem to find a way to blame on SR. :grin:

 

[Bridog]

Now, tell me the truth....
Aren't you guy thrilled with the 30?.... :wink: :wink: :wink: :thumbsup:

Great all around boat!
Ours does have a slight degree of newbie operator trouble that I can’t seem to find a way to blame on SR. :grin:

What might that be?? :grin:

 

[jrirvine1]

Brian, hope you got out this past weekend it was a glorious two days on the bay.

The issues are wind related. In the Chesapeake we always have a stiff breeze, which I guess is why we have so many rag boats. Not that this is to mean that other places have less wind. Just need some practice judging when to make the turn into a slip. You know, line up, stop turn and oops the dang wind just lined you up with a pylon.

BTW, this is still mostly on topic isn't it?