Comparison 28,30 +34 Sundancer models?

Ctsearay

Ctsearay

Member
Apr 19, 2009
857
Milford Ct
Boat Info
Formula 40PC Volvo IPS500's Pod Drives Joystick- SOLD 2002 360 Sundancer
Engines
Twin Volvo IPS 500s with Pod Drives

LONG GONE Twin Mercruiser 8.1 HO's
Hi All,

I have been combing the boards for quite a while and bouncing from model to model on my next purchase. Does anyone know of a place with a comparison chart or listing of the options and specs between 28ft-38ft Sundancer models ? Its driving me nuts trying to amass all the particulars, or at least try to get me closer to the actual target.

My biggest things are, I was told to make sure no matter what the model make sure you try to get the largest power available as they wont have to work as hard pushing the craft.

Thanks BIG TIME in advance
 
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Ctsearay said:
Hi All,

I have been combing the boards for quite a while and bouncing from model to model on my next purchase. Does anyone know of a place with a comparison chart or listing of the options and specs between 28ft-38ft Sundancer models ? Its driving me nuts trying to amass all the particulars, or at least try to get me closer to the actual target.

My biggest things are, I was told to make sure no matter what the model make sure you try to get the largest power available as they wont have to work as hard pushing the craft.

Thanks BIG TIME in advance
Click to expand...

Don't choose the boat based on the engines or options. Find a TYPE you like - where the interior and exterior design suits you and who you bring with you. I like the 310 SD 2007+ due to the reasonable amount of space outside where you can sit 5 adults around a table. I like the 340 DA with its U shaped outside space as well. I don't like some of the other designs with only room for 3 adults. So that is what I chose from. THEN I went to look at model specs and engines :)

And engines are not only about getting the biggest. It is about the best power to weight ratio. If you add 1000 pounds of engine - you have another 1000 pounds to move around. It might not help that much.
 
What do you plan to do with the boat? Do you have any expectation for doing watersports? Do you plan to trailer the boat or leave it on a specific lake? Do you have any major concerns about fuel consumption and maintenance costs? How many people do you expect to have at a given time? Do you want something you can spend a week on overnighting or a weekend? What is your price range?

These are just some of the things you should start thinking about. For example, if you plan to trailer, a 280 is probably the biggest you want to go unless you have quite a truck to tow with and the experience to do so. The bigger the boat, the more gas it consumes and more it costs to maintain. There is quite a difference in what my boat burns when compared to my friend's 340DA. On the other hand the cabin and cockpit size is quite larger on the 340 compared to the 280 so much more comfortable and practical for longer stays ont he boat. Price range means alot too since a 340 is roughly twice the cost of a 280 in the used market with 300 and 320 falling somewhere in between.

I would say most here would advise you to get the largest boat that meets your functional requirements and budget.
 
Decide if you want v-drives or outdrives first. That affects the decision up front. 320 on up is primarily v-drives. Also - how much time are you staying on the boat and with how many people. The more time you spend on the boat the bigger the boat you will need. Then just make sure you have adequate power for how you plan to use the boat. Most SR models have adequate power and will not be an issue for cruising.
 
WOW thanks guys!! What responses! You guys are great.

Well I'm looking to not trailer it cept in and out for the season, which I can just have a marina store it.
Water sports nope
I'd like to do over nights for sure, possibly a weekend
We would always do 2-4 people
We do salt water Long Island Sound,
$ I'm figuring like 50-85K I'd prefer 2002 +
Layout I'd like to have the back section be able to have 3-4 people in the sun
Generator and A/C are a GOTTA have
As for cabin room, I'd like a queen size bed but not a deal breaker. But I'd like room for 4 people below deck to get into the A/C and be comfortable.
Oh and I'd like to be able to put a 28-32" flatpanel screen in over the aft cabin if possible.

Thanks very much everyone!!
 
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Look at 02 - 05 320s if they are not fast enough for you look at 01 -02 340s which would be the same size but offer big blocks
 
For that price range and staying 2002-up I think you will be looking at a 280,300 or maybe an 02-04 320 if you can find one competitively priced. Since you have no plans to trailer or do any kind of watersports and want a larger bed, I would say look for a 300 or maybe a 310 if you are willing to go a couple years older but don't write off a 320 either. As the last poster said, you may be able to even find an early 340 as well as that will have the largest bed of all models mentioned thus far. There are always real low priced repo boats out there but beware of problems from neglect.
 
I am partial to the 02-07 300DA since I bought one. You can get them used for around the same price as the 280, yet they have a cabin layout similar to the 320 and 340, just shrunk down a little (with the big advantage of an integrated open mid-berth, not the cave that's in the 280). Prices take a big jump when you go from the 280/300 to the 320/340. Cockpit is comfortable for 4 people although the lack of separate single port seat next to the helm can seem limiting. Wife and I sleep great with ample space in the v-berth with an extension that was added to square off the bed and a memory foam mattress. 5.7L powertrain really makes it run well compared to the 5.0L that it also comes with. Aren't made with V-drives, so you are stuck with Bravos. Got my '04 300 last year for the low $60s.
 
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Thanks big time Jason and ZZ. I'm so on the hunt now. Is there any other specs that I should look for?
 
I have a few guys around me that keep telling me to get the most HP I can get so its not a slug. And they are leaning me towards diesels for the longevity of lifetime. Once I do it I will have it, I will have it for a long time I'm SURE.
 
Ctsearay said:
I have a few guys around me that keep telling me to get the most HP I can get so its not a slug.
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I'm hardly expert being a first time owner myself, but cruisers are "slugs" regardless when compared to fish/dive boats. Full stop. You can of course you put 7.4/8.1l power plants in there for some decent cruising speeds, but at speed you're burning a lot of juice, reducing your range.

Diesel will give you far better economy, but you're up for a lot of coin if something goes wrong. Also considerable investment to survey them, and even then things can go wrong. Look up a thread "Smoking like 2 fat guys in a crematorium" by Steve500dancer

So it all comes down to finding a compromise between speed v fuel burn v range v potential "big bill".

My 93 300DA had what I thought was a slightly undersized tank (120gal), but in reality it is far too small and I cruise at 18kts - we're always packing jerry cans for longs weekends (no marinas with juice where we go)
 
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If i was you I would get out there and look at the different models in person. Its one thing to look at comparison charts and specs and another to see the boats in person. I originially had my heart set on a 320 and after looking at the 320 and 340 I felt the 340 suited all my needs for now and in the future. I love those 8.1's plenty of get up and go.
 
jason78 said:
What do you plan to do with the boat? Do you have any expectation for doing watersports? Do you plan to trailer the boat or leave it on a specific lake? Do you have any major concerns about fuel consumption and maintenance costs? How many people do you expect to have at a given time? Do you want something you can spend a week on overnighting or a weekend? What is your price range?

.....

I would say most here would advise you to get the largest boat that meets your functional requirements and budget.
Click to expand...

Here you go, the best advice yet!

Consider the reasons you want the boat, what your needs and budget will allow, keeping in mind all the expenses that come after the purchase as well. Then you can refine your search to the right model.
 
IMO you need to narrow your size range a bit
compared to a 280 a 340+ looks like a ship with the extra beam and 6' of length really makes a difference.
and to go diesels add nearly the amount of you budget for the total boat to the back end of the price
most newer (95 and newer) diesel boats start at 100k+.
 
16000 pounds is the point gas boats stop being efficent I read once. Based on the 28 footer and 38 footer I would say they were correct. Gas boats are easy to work on and maitenance on a deisel can be very expensive.
If you are not young, thin and very flexable room in an engine room is very important if you plan on doing work on things. The 28 footer was 10.5 feet wide and had twin V6 3.8. to change the oil took 4 hours because I had to go upside down to get at the filters. To replace a starter you needed to be able work on it by feel only. As noted by others go look at a few boats. No matter what size boat you buy it will be too small and you will want a bigger one eventually.
 
If your budget is still 50-85K for a 2002+, as you had indicated presiously, I think you are going to have a hard time finding something with Diesels. At least on the later model Sea Rays, you don't see a lot of Diesels until you get to ~40' and up. Sure they are out there but just not seen often. I think most were sold internationally. I still think for that money/year range you laid out, you are going to be looking at the models I mentioned in Post #9.
 
The differences between a 280 and 340 are so drastic there really is no comparison. Two completely different boats in almost evey way
 
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