HUMPH
Well-Known Member
- Nov 4, 2009
- 7,618
- Boat Info
- 2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
- Engines
- CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
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 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.
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!
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!
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.