Bought a 340DA Yesterday

[Marvin Gardens]

Hi, Everyone. Well, after lurking this site and several online boat for sale web sites for a about a year, I finally made an offer (and it was accepted) on a 340 DA w/ about 200 hours on the engines - 8.1 Mercs.:grin:

She's a one owner 2005 model and has spent her entire life in a covered slip on Lake Lanier here in the Atlanta, GA area.

I have scheduled a sea trial and the boat will go through an entire survey including an out of the water hull inspection.

Any help/direction at this point that y'all can provide would be greatly appreciated. What should I look for on the sea trial? Are there any tell tell signs I should be looking for? Are there any questions I should be asking at this point?:huh:

Responses are greatly appreciated and I look forward to spending more time here and out on the water!:thumbsup: As soon as she's officially mine, I will post pics.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hampton]

Reach under the exhaust manifolds (4) and feel around for signs of corrosion. This is a fresh water boat, but, buyer beware. You never know. Ever since I had my Strong seals replaced, my bilge has been bone dry. It can be done, and in my opinion, it is the preferred way. You don't have to get 40 mph. In fresh water, this boat with it's deep V may sit significantly lower in the water (even on plane) than in salt. Make sure you run it weighted down (near full fuel, full water, 4 adults).

With a clean bottom, it can get 40 mph. I believe the targetted RPM is 4600 RPM with 8.1 Horizon S engines at WOT. A good cruise is about 22 knots or 25 mph at around 3300 RPM and about 15.5 gph per engine in salt water. Ours seems to prefer to run faster at around 3500 rpm, 23.5 knots (27 mph), and 16.5 gph per engine. If you run light weight, expect the lower cost numbers and the higher performance numbers above.

As mentioned above, one of the biggest signs on the survey is vibration. Check both engines, independently in gear at idle, and with a little power on, then with both at all throttle settings. Zero vibration is normal, but a slightly out-of-tune prop may cause minor vibes. Some of these transmissions "whine." The engines will whistle as you move the throttles. It should come on plane almost effortlessly, cruise smoothly, and put a big smile on your face. If you find a big question mark over your head, something's wrong.

Also spent last two nights on boat.

 

[Marvin Gardens]

John & Scott,

Thanks for the suggestions! Will definitely add to the list! The corrosion thing is definitely on the list, especially after reading the comments posted earlier about the 8.1's and aluminum manifolds.

Also, great comments on the vibration. I believe the surveyor will accompany us on the sea trial, so, hopefully, he will be paying attention to such things as well.

We cranked the engines yesterday in the slip with the compartment open and didn't hear any funny noises then. That made me feel good. Also, the entire compartment looked good and clean and there were no signs of leakage whatsoever. I am sure we'll be more thorough during the survey.

I gotta tell you - I'm pretty excited and hopefully the boat is everything we hoped for and then some. The entire family is ready to get out on the water. It has been consumed our conversation this morning over Mother's Day breakfast in bed.

 

[Marvin Gardens]

Oh, and the boat is equipped with V-drives. Hopefully at some point, we are going to be able to get the boat down to the coast for some open water boating and I had heard to stay away from stern drives.

 

[gmathes]

Congratulations! It's a great boat, I'm sure you and your family will love it.:smt001

Only thing I would add, is, check the snaps that hold your canvas in place. Two of ours tend to pull out of the hull.

Gordon Mathes
Chill Factor 07 340 DA
Sneads Ferry, NC

 

[never monday]

Is Jeff Noda doing the survey?

 

[Marvin Gardens]

I am calling Jeff in the morning. It makes me feel good that his name has come up. Evidently, Jeff has a great reputation in the Atlanta area.

 

[barryg]

If you don't mind answering; was wondering what they were asking vs what you were able to get it for...If you don't want to answer in this thread, maybe a PM?

Thanks!
Barry

 

[Girlfriend III]

Might want to be on the safe side and get oil samples for the engines and transmission, and/or have a mechanical survey on the engines?

 

[Marvin Gardens]

Just an update for everyone. The sea trial and out of water survey was completed yesterday. Everything turned out perfect with only a couple of "little" things (port running light burned out) detected. :thumbsup:

We close on the boat in the morning and will be spending the holiday weekend on the lake :smt038

As I become more familiar with the boat I look forward to the interaction with you all! It great to finally be a "real" member of Club Sea Ray :grin:

See ya' on the water