340 salt water

[Sindbad]

Looking to purchase 2005 340 Sundancer. The boat has just under 100 hrs. and is coming out of San Diego area. Engines are 8.1 horizons. I will be bringing the boat to Michigan.....all fresh water use. I am currently having the boat surveyed and engines, etc. inspected. All of my previous boats were fresh water so just want input on other items to consider before closing the deal. thanks for the help.

 

[fwebster]

There are 2 threads on CSR beginning with "Heads up....." Once has to do with aluminum exhaust manifolds and the other on the Cool-Fuel III fuel cooler on 8.1's in or about the year you mention. You should search for both threads They have to do with corrosion issues in salt water and neither issue can be repaired, short of replacing the fuel cooler and manifolds. The fuel coolers are about $1200 ea; changing exhaust manifolds can cost $4000+.

You really need to determine your exposure to both problems before buying this boat. A hull survey alone isn't enough. It would be far better to hire a Mercruiser technician to survey the engines then refuse the boat if a problem exists than to find you have several more big checks to write to make the boat seaworthy after she begins to overheat. Once you refuse to close, you have leverege with the seller since the boat now has the reputation of failing a survey. You can negotiate the repair with the seller or reduce the price accordingly. Also, the original owner has a lot more leverege with Mercruiser than subsequent owners and Mercruiser has been helping with these repairs.

 

[carterchapman]

My '05 340 had the aluminum manifolds and I had them changed by MM/Searay as a condition of the sale. My boat was originally a CT boat, so it was operated in salt water, but got a "free" fresh water rinse on the CT River on each return to the marina.

My '05 did not have the Gen III cool fuel modules. My dockmate's '06's do have them. They may have been cut in during the '05 model year.

Search for the threads suggested by Fwebster - you'll get all the info...

 

[Sindbad]

thanks. this is very helpful.

Frank

 

[Sindbad]

This is extremely helpful. Thanks much.

 

[BON DIA]

Sindbad, it appears you're new here, welcome. Speaking for many who have been following this forum since inception & the predeceeding one for 5+ yrs, listen to FWebster. His advise will ensure you get the best boat at a fair price.

I hope to live long enough to benefit from his sage advise as to how to buy a used vessel.

We've been very happy with our 340 albeit with the 6.2s but we're land lock so power means very little to us plus the added room in the ER makes maintance a breeze.

When you get your 340 read all the mods & maintance threads to get the max enjoyment from her.

If this particular boat fails inspection there are 100s more out there. Go slow & find the best boat for the $.

 

[Sindbad]

thanks. I appreciate all of the advice I have received on CSR......it has been extremely helpful.

 

[Sindbad]

fwebster -

Thanks for your advice. I ended up talking to Merc Marine Customer Relations.....found out both manifolds were replaced in 2008 and flush kits added. Also was told that the aluminum manifolds were not the real problem, but that owners (in salt water environment) were not following Merc maintenance procedures. Merc said they actually preferred the aluminum for weight savings, but with all the customer issues and, loss of their alum supplier, they went back to cast iron. Good learning experience and really appreciate your insights and advice. I have decided to pass on the boat, even with the replaced manifolds. Ironically, I just got contacted by broker with 340 2006....freshwater boat....I had talked to some weeks ago. Owner has dropped price so I may pursue. Any known issues with 2006 models? Thanks again.

 

[BON DIA]

None that I know off. Suggest you start another thread in the Sport Crusier forum.