Buying a 2006 320 Dancer

[Rich]

I am seriously thinking about upgrading from a 2005 270 AJ to a 2006 320. Just wondering what are the minimum "must haves" on the boat, ie: genset, size engines, inboards, bow thruster, etc. Just wanted some feedback before I get into some negociations!! Thanks.:huh:

 

[skolbe]

We love ours. The boat comes with a lot of equipment. We have v-drives and the boat handles well. Genset is great as well. We had a 260 Dancer prior to this boat. No regrets with this purchase. Bowthruster is not needed. We have the sunpad and spotlight, cockpit fridge...

 

[dpmulvey]

Icemaker

 

[boltman]

Get everything on it you can, cuase if you don't you will regret it in the future... We have ther generator... and most everything. Upgraded the Audio,and Video on the boat, other then that I haven't upgraded anything else.
I have 350 MAGS and Bravo 3's and we Love the way it handles everywhere.

Robert

 

[barryg]

I bought a 2005 320 last year and my must haves included genset, refrig in the cockpit and V-Drives as I've had I/O's and here in South Florida inboards are much better not only for maint. purposes, but for resale. Some of the extras that came with it that I was looking for are ...spotlight, upgrade to sound system and speakers, blue hull, underwater lights, central vac, system view. Of course low hours and good records on service were a must as well. I added a 26" HDTV HD DVD in the cabin that is also connected to the new Garmin Display; a hook up for an "Apple TV" and IPOD; a new 8" Garmin touch display 5208 with Radar, and a reverse camera. I looked at one 320 that did have the bow thruster, but in a boat this size it is really not needed and unless it comes with it without having to pay extra; the spotlight is actually more important.

good luck and let us know what you get and what it has!
Barry

 

[Rich]

Thanks to all who responded! I will be looking for this boat throughout the season, my best deal might come near season end to avoid the winterization costs and storage. Its true that i might as well get all the bells and whistles because they will be pennies on the dollar. I just have to see about the thruster, cant really decide if its going to be a must.

 

[Alex F]

Rich,
Considering your location, I assume you'll be boating in brackish and/or salt water. This puts you in the same situation we had. We just got our 320 and the following are must have items I was looking for:
-Inboards with V-Drives
-A/C and heating unit
-Generator
-Good electronics, including color GPS/chartplotter and RADAR

Also it's realy nice if you could find a package with FWC engines. However, mine are RWC with factory installed flushing system, which is really nice. If I'm not mistaken they're called Blue Water engines. As for 6.2 vs 5.7, if there was a choice for not very big difference in price I would go for bigger engines. However, many 320 owners are happy with 5.7s and I've herd those were one of best GM made.
Bowtruster is not a must have. Having twin inboards provides very good handling. I'm coming from 240 and when I took my 320 for the ride I was pleasantly surprised how it hadles around the dock.

Good luck with your search,
Alex.

 

[comsnark]

Aren't all used boats sold for pennies on the dollar?

 

[CJ Martin]

Pretty much agree with everything already listed - Genset, cockpit fridge, v-drives, etc.

I'd also recommend - Smartcraft gauges (SC5000 display would be even better), radar, camper canvas and a small but talented chimp that can perform all the work in the engine compartment.

-CJ

 

[Escapade]

Ditto's on the Smart Craft. The rudder indictator is priceless on pre-docking. CJ- People would not describe me as a danty fellow, Please post site for small chimp for engine compartment.
Mike

 

[CJ Martin]

I'm still looking for one of those chimps myself...

-CJ

 

[fwebster]

We used to have a little guy at our marina that had double jointed elbows. He was a God send to us old, big guys.......too bad he got arrested for child porn and is only available to the county for their chain gang now.