Arch on 330 and 340 DAs

[AndersonAcres]

The admiral and I are considering a late 90's 330 or 340. I noticed on Sea Ray promotional PDF material for the 1998 330 that the arch was painted aluminum, whereas the 1999 340's arch is fiberglass. Interesting. Did moving to the fiberglass arch add the extra weight when the 1998 330 was renamed as the 1999 340?

 

[fwebster]

The aluminum was a poorly thought out approach, although it did save some weight and manufacturing cost. Almost every one in our area has had portions of it repainted in areas where the stainless steel snaps cause corrosion. Perhaps they aren't a problem in freshwater areas but I would look very carefully at anyboat with an aluminum arch since the repair cost fo fix a corroded one can get expensive.

 

[fc3]

Not really. The arch isn't that substantial. The major difference is the height of the arch. The 330's arch is much lower than that of the 340. I thought that the 340 looked ungainly with a too tall arch for the length of the boat. Since the dealer had both 330s and 340s in the showroom, it was easy to compare them. I bought the 330 as it is more aesthetically pleasing. Of course, for someone too tall to fit under the bimini, then priorities may be different.

I don't have any corrosion issues with my arch.

Best regards,
Frank C

 

[Larry]

Eric,

I spoke to Se Ray when I bought my 33 Sundancer and they said the difference in weight was due to an inner liner in the hull, I haven't studied the inside of a 34 Dancer long enough to see for myself. I am sure the weight diference in the arches is very minimal. The next time I have my boat hauled I want my yard to use there lift that has a scale on it to see the actual weight, I question Sea Ray's number of 11.2K (?) I think it is a little heavier.

 

[KeithD]

Not really. The arch isn't that substantial. The major difference is the height of the arch. The 330's arch is much lower than that of the 340. I thought that the 340 looked ungainly with a too tall arch for the length of the boat. Since the dealer had both 330s and 340s in the showroom, it was easy to compare them. I bought the 330 as it is more aesthetically pleasing. Of course, for someone too tall to fit under the bimini, then priorities may be different.

I don't have any corrosion issues with my arch.

Best regards,
Frank C

When I was just shopping, I looked at a beautiful '99 330 - and the deal breaker was the low arch. I couldn't stand and drive the boat. Too bad, really. The layout of the boat otherwise was awesome.

 

[dpmulvey]

While we are on the subject, has anyone ever raised the arch on a 330. I need the distance equal to the cockpit floor to the "hump" caused by the aft cabin. I have folks ready to sawsall the "hump" and make the entire deck level.

It's tempting particularly because the aft cabin is rarely used.

 

[AndersonAcres]

Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated. Have a great weekend.