340 questions

[Good Ta Go II]

a few questions regarding the 340: Anyone have the soft top? How does it compare to the standard top, after a quick look thought I remembered openings in some places where the rest of the canvas connects...does it leak? Is the size of the engine compartment an issue with the 8.1 v-drives (I'm used to I/Os)?

 

[Dave S]

Just a thought on the soft top.

Even though it looks nice it is a pretty pricy option at $2500 list on Sea Ray's web site. I would opt for the regular top if it were me and use the extra monay to have a second rear Bimini made with matching camper sides and backs. Why Sea Ray doesn't offer this package to begin with on the 340 is a mystery to me because the first thing I would do if I bought a 340 is have a canvas maker do the modifications I just described.

 

[Robski97]

Craig,
I had and o3 34. I loved that boat. Ull love the motors . NEver had an issue with over 400 hrs... Great hull. Great boat.


Rob

 

[Good Ta Go II]

Thanks for the input. I'll take a closer look at the 340. Did an impeller replacement on my 320 last spring and it was not to bad with I/O's bet its a chore with the V-drive! Next thing to do is pop the hood and see the set up.

 

[Hampton]

Thanks for the input. I'll take a closer look at the 340. Did an impeller replacement on my 320 last spring and it was not to bad with I/O's bet its a chore with the V-drive! Next thing to do is pop the hood and see the set up.

I did the impellers on my 340 I/O a couple of months ago. I went in very apprehensive about what I was getting myself into, but it wasn't bad at all. The hardest part was getting the hoses off.

 

[Good Ta Go II]

John thanks for the reply, are the impeller water pumps mounted low under the alternater like the 350's? since the
v-drives 8.1 motors are mounted facing the stern of the boat it seems like it would be difficult to get to them unless there is enough room between the front of the motor and rear of the boat.
I've read to winterize the 8.1 s motors all you do is use the pump that comes with the engine, is that true?

 

[Hampton]

I imagine the winterizing is true - I'd have to look at the owner's manual, or perhaps someone else on this forum can help you with that - I live in Fl.

Impeller job:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5167&highlight=bracket

The pumps are located on the boat's port side toward the back. The Stbd is fairly easily accessible. The Port requires you to reach around the muffler to do much of the work.

 

[chef_doctor]

John thanks for the reply, are the impeller water pumps mounted low under the alternater like the 350's? since the
v-drives 8.1 motors are mounted facing the stern of the boat it seems like it would be difficult to get to them unless there is enough room between the front of the motor and rear of the boat.
I've read to winterize the 8.1 s motors all you do is use the pump that comes with the engine, is that true?

The water pumps are mounted low. Changing the impellers on the raw water pumps is easy IF YOU CAN WORK UPSIDE DOWN AND HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS. Using the small blue hand pump that comes with the motors allows you to drain the water out of the engine block and manifold down to the raw water pump. I'd still run anti-freeze thru the system.

 

[Good Ta Go II]

Thanks for the info on the impellers. sounds like its similar to what I incountered when I did them on the 320. Also good advice about using anti-freeze.

 

[rondds]

inboard impellers on boats this size are a complete nightmare. there is a learning curve and the second one will be easier than the first, but prepare to straddle and lay over the engine and hang upside down like this guy...