Buying a 320

I hate to even share what I am paying for the 2002... :smt009 Some people might not be happy but it's great for me!
 
trit21 said:
I have owned both a 280 and my current 320 and I feel the 280 is harder to see out than the 320. The 280 I was always looking directly at the window frame above the window, and if I was to adjust the seat down it was uncomfortable sitting location for me plus there is just no place for any electronics so I was forced to place it on the top of the helm, blocking even more visible area. In my 320, I can easily sit down on the helm seat the entire time coming up on plane and at cruise. If you understand the concept in trim tabs, then you will have no problem with this boat. If you don't understand trim tabs and when to use them and yes, it is ok to use them at cruise, then you will feel coming on plane the boat is very bow high.

Drive a 320 for a little, each boat has there own sweet spot and area they like to run. The 280 is a faster boat and needs speed to really handle well and get the best fuel consumption. In my opinion, since we spend a lot of time off shore, a 280 is a bad choice for this use. Like I mentioned it needs speed to handle correctly and get the best fuel consumption , larger than 2-3 ft seas it does not work real well. Now I am not trashing the 280 because I loved that boat but for our needs it was not what we needed.

The 320 handles larger seas better, heavier boat and will plane slower, and gets more range between fuel ups even with its .90 MPG ( measure it whenever we do out and that is the avg we get).

The interior room and the cockpit room is where you will really feel the difference in this boat compared to others. In our opinion, this boat is large enough for a week or more away and is still easy enough to handle for quick weekends at the island.

No room in the bilge? Have you even worked on a car lately like my 2004 F-150 or BMW we own. Talk about no room to do anything. I guess it is all relative but even though it is tight, it is not as bad as a lot of people are making it out to be. If a tech can get to everything , then stop your belly aching. Either figure it out or pay someone to do it, what is the big deal. I haven't seen any boat that doesn't have some 'thing' that can't be reached and is impossible to work on until you figure it out. I have replace impellers and worked on the gen, not a big deal really.

I usually don't respond to threads with a negative outlook and just ignore the uninformed or misguided but I thought it was necessary since you are looking to purchase this boat and the thread was getting very negative. I didn't want you to think everyone has the same opinion as SOME of the post in this thread. It is a great boat and you will enjoy her very much.

Oh yeah....check check check the manifold, riser and elbows for corrosion. If you take only one thing from my post, check the manifold, riser and elbows for corrosion. This could end up costing you a new long block and about $12,000 to repair if they are corroded. Recently went through this under warranty (thankfullly) so my portion was minimal. Any more questions, just ask.
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Trit, thank you. Your post was well stated. Don’t worry; I am not going to argue with your post.

Regarding your point of there being no place to mount electronics on the 280 Sundancer, I agree with you and have posted about this before.

In my opinion only, there other gripes about the 280 Sundancer including a fuel tank that is too small, its 100 gallons. It should be 150 or at least 125 gallons. The port dash cup holder is great if you like spilled drinks.

However the 280 dancer is a very nimble boat, its a big small boat or a small big boat and it’s the right boat for how we use it at this time of our lives.

Every boat is a compromise. No such thing as a perfect boat for all situations.

The 320 Sundancer is an excellent boat and if in salt water I’d want v-drives and this boat has them.
 
2K WINGIN' IT said:
I hate to even share what I am paying for the 2002... :smt009 Some people might not be happy but it's great for me!
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I am sure the 02 is a very good deal - in general - repo boats including Sea Rays are bargains. At the time I bought my 320 - the used market was very expensive and the delta between used and new was not much. So, I went new. Today - the deals are out there. You can expect a few repairs and surprises, but in general you will get a good boat at a great price.
 
The good thing about this boat is it was always in fresh water so corrosion is not an issue. Engines & generator are being surveyed Friday followed by a sea trial....I can't wait!
 
2K WINGIN' IT said:
The good thing about this boat is it was always in fresh water so corrosion is not an issue. Engines & generator are being surveyed Friday followed by a sea trial....I can't wait!
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Hopefully the eisenglass panels are in good condition because the ones on my boat have to be replace they are discolored so badly. But heck it's only money.:grin:
 
Skyhigh82 said:
Looking at a 2006 320 (Bank owned) at a brokers site this weekend. On average what’s a reasonable percentage off the asking price should I offer pending a survey? Not sure if there is much negotiating room when it’s owned by a bank.
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Sky
If that boat is at Commonwealth Boat Brokers, it's about 200ft from my office. I'd be glad to go take a look at her tomorrow at lunch if you'd like. I'm no official surveyor, but I know a great boat guy right here too who is a Sea Ray owner. Also, they generally advertise 20-30% higher than the price they are willing to let them go, so you can make a bid and low ball it, and the owner of CBB may let you know what the actual bank price is.
 
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