Comparison of Sea Ray 31, 32, and 33

[Michaelkm8]

Hi All,
I've been looking for a year now for a Sea Ray and I have been trying to get a good idea on what the differences on the above refenced models are. Is there a good place where differences in models are aggregated? I'm trying to figure out options to look out for, year models to avoid, and main differences.

I'm currently looking at 2005-2007 Sundancer 32's, 2010-2015 Sundancer 31's and 33's.

From what I can tell the 32's are out of my price range for anything after about 2007 and I'm curious as to why they are so much more than the 33's?

I'm in Maryland and will have her (eventually) in the Chesapeake Bay, so salt water conditions. In water about 5-7 months out of the year and dry docked the rest of the time.

Any opinions on preferences or advise is appreciated.

 

[sfergson727]

Sea Ray started playing with the numbers in the late 2000's. The 320 DA, and the 340 DA from 2003-2008 were larger boats than the newer 33. (And in my opinion far superior, but I digress) The size equivalent for the 2003.5 - 2008 340DA was the 370DA which replaced it for a while...the 370DA started as the 350 in the first year of production, which led to the numbers game, so really the only way to tell now is look at beam and overall length in order to compare apples to apples.

Good luck in your search. I previously owned a 2003 320DA and a 2007 340DA, so if you have specific questions about those models, I can help...really don't know much about the later models as the euro-design Sea Ray went to appalled me and still does. For me at least, Sea Ray died in 2008.

 

[Michaelkm8]

Sea Ray started playing with the numbers in the late 2000's. The 320 DA, and the 340 DA from 2003-2008 were larger boats than the newer 33. (And in my opinion far superior, but I digress) The size equivalent for the 2003.5 - 2008 340DA was the 370DA which replaced it for a while...the 370DA started as the 350 in the first year of production, which led to the numbers game, so really the only way to tell now is look at beam and overall length in order to compare apples to apples.

Good luck in your search. I previously owned a 2003 320DA and a 2007 340DA, so if you have specific questions about those models, I can help...really don't know much about the later models as the euro-design Sea Ray went to appalled me and still does. For me at least, Sea Ray died in 2008.

Thanks for the reply. If I'm looking at a 05-08 320 DA what is the ideal engine/options/specs? Not looking for an exhaustive list, but if there are some ideal combos it would be nice to know.

These boats are getting to 20 years old are there any known issues to watch out for?

How's the maintenance schedule on the V-drives? I'm reading that they are far less costly than the stern drives (for SW) and need less yearly?

I'm thinking about keeping it in the bay almost year round as I can get a yearly slip at one of the marinas here. If I can make use of it a couple times a month during the winter to make sure she's getting her rounds and pull it out a few times a year for checks/maintenance is that sufficient? I know it's not ideal, but I've talked to some people who do it and they seems to be OK.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Wanderer 290]

Avoid outdrives in saltwater if at all possible. I have 2 boats, one with od’s in fresh and the other with inboards in saltwater.

 

[Michaelkm8]

Avoid outdrives in saltwater if at all possible. I have 2 boats, one with od’s in fresh and the other with inboards in saltwater.

OK yeah I removed all the boats I was following with Stern drives. Looking only at V and Direct drives now.

 

[sfergson727]

Thanks for the reply. If I'm looking at a 05-08 320 DA what is the ideal engine/options/specs? Not looking for an exhaustive list, but if there are some ideal combos it would be nice to know.

These boats are getting to 20 years old are there any known issues to watch out for?

How's the maintenance schedule on the V-drives? I'm reading that they are far less costly than the stern drives (for SW) and need less yearly?

I'm thinking about keeping it in the bay almost year round as I can get a yearly slip at one of the marinas here. If I can make use of it a couple times a month during the winter to make sure she's getting her rounds and pull it out a few times a year for checks/maintenance is that sufficient? I know it's not ideal, but I've talked to some people who do it and they seems to be OK.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Yes, inboards definitely have less maintenance. Generally on mine, I would change the trans fluid every 2 years or 300 hours, and clean the filters. Every other change, I would put new filters in, but as they are metal, really inspecting and cleaning is probably all you really need to do.

You still will have to change the impellers on the engines, which is also done every 2 years or 300 hours if I remember correctly. I usually do mine every three years and each time the impeller comes out perfect, but has taken a set shape, so it does need to be replaced every 3 years at least for that reason.

With both my 320 and 340, I had some issues with water intrusion around the wiper posts, and trim tabs. Sea Ray was a little weak on applying sealant, so re-bedding of those areas is probably a good idea. That is part of routine upkeep anyway, so I'd plan on re-bedding anything where the hull was cut or screwed into, as the sealant doesn't last forever.

Neither boat I owned really required much more than upkeep though. Overall, both the 320 and 340 are really well built boats. The 340 is the perfect marriage of power plant and hull with the 8.1's, the 320 was a little under powered with the 5.7 inboards, but not horrible.

 

[Michaelkm8]

Yes, inboards definitely have less maintenance. Generally on mine, I would change the trans fluid every 2 years or 300 hours, and clean the filters. Every other change, I would put new filters in, but as they are metal, really inspecting and cleaning is probably all you really need to do.

You still will have to change the impellers on the engines, which is also done every 2 years or 300 hours if I remember correctly. I usually do mine every three years and each time the impeller comes out perfect, but has taken a set shape, so it does need to be replaced every 3 years at least for that reason.

With both my 320 and 340, I had some issues with water intrusion around the wiper posts, and trim tabs. Sea Ray was a little weak on applying sealant, so re-bedding of those areas is probably a good idea. That is part of routine upkeep anyway, so I'd plan on re-bedding anything where the hull was cut or screwed into, as the sealant doesn't last forever.

Neither boat I owned really required much more than upkeep though. Overall, both the 320 and 340 are really well built boats. The 340 is the perfect marriage of power plant and hull with the 8.1's, the 320 was a little under powered with the 5.7 inboards, but not horrible.

Great information. Thanks.

I just found an 05 320 DA with new inboards which is nice

• Brand New Twin MerCruiser 6.2 L V8 320 HP Inboard Engines V Drives only 30 hours

Are all the V-drives closed loop cooled (FWC)?

 

[sfergson727]

My experience has been that the engines have half closed systems. They still take in raw water to run through the heat exchanger and exhaust manifold. If you boat in salt water, you can either install a flushing system, or convert the boat over to closed loop, but I don't know specifically what that would involve.

 

[Michaelkm8]

My experience has been that the engines have half closed systems. They still take in raw water to run through the heat exchanger and exhaust manifold. If you boat in salt water, you can either install a flushing system, or convert the boat over to closed loop, but I don't know specifically what that would involve.

Great. Thanks!

I'm still eyeing this 2005 DA 320. It has new engines (<30 hours), new generator, and vacuflush head. I'm going to head down to the dealer and check it out. Other than the risers and manifolds, AC/heat system, and v-drives... are there any other critical components to check out or ask about?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KevinC]

Great. Thanks!

I'm still eyeing this 2005 DA 320. It has new engines (<30 hours), new generator, and vacuflush head. I'm going to head down to the dealer and check it out. Other than the risers and manifolds, AC/heat system, and v-drives... are there any other critical components to check out or ask about?

Thanks in advance.

If you are a DIY maintenance person then look at the 340sda engine compartment vs the 320da. Even with the bigger engines you will probably have better access.

In 2005 merc changed over to the cool fuel 3 system. Research the early issues with that and make sure that it was fully addressed.

While similar boats the larger 340sda offer several benefits over the 320 so take a good look at both and see which works better for you. Better to go a little larger now than wanting to upgrade.

If you have questions specific to the 340sda I am very familiar with it. I also had a friend with a 2005 320da and fairly familiar with that model also. Feel free to ask.

-Kevin

 

[BillK2632]

Speaking in somewhat general terms - I personally think the 340DA (1999-2006) is one of the best cruisers SeaRay built. When I bought my 290DA, although it was a good boat, I always regretted not pushing it and getting a 340. If it were me, I would even step back a few years if I needed to get into my price range. The 310's, 320's are also nice boats of the era, but the 340 is just a step up. What ever you do, based on the way you intend to use the boat, Chesapeake bay area, mostly in the water - make v-drives your top item. You will regret outdrives in salt/brackish water. Outdrive boats run great, a little more efficient than v-drives/inboards, but when stored in the water the maintenance just skyrockets, especially as they age. I learned my lesson with the 290 (Bravo III outdrives) stored in the water year around (freshwater), it was a constant worry. My more current boats are dry stored, so no outdrive issues.

 

[dtfeld]

The Sea Ray website has brochures and manuals on most of the boats they built back to the 80's on their owners website. They removed a bunch of redundant models if they didnt make significant changes in a give set of years, but you can get a pretty good idea of what options were on a given boat/year.

You can find length, width, beam standard/upgraded engine packages. You'll have to make your own comparison sheet though.

 

[Michaelkm8]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I actually didn't think the 320 and 340 had the same seating layout on deck which is why I was looking at the 320. I like the wrap around seating and it looks like there are two configurations; one sportsman's package and the standard package. I found a few 340's around here that have the standard seating package and yeah it's always nice to have a bit more room for sure. Not sure if I'll move towards the 340's, but good to know they have the layout I like if one comes into price range.

The 320 I looked at was pretty nice with all the new gear in it.

Thanks!

 

[mrsrobinson]

I know it's exciting to find a boat with new engines and a new generator, I would do your due diligence and find out what happened though. I agree if the comments on the 340, I looked hard at those boats before I bought my 380. I wanted a little more beam though.

 

[Michaelkm8]

I know it's exciting to find a boat with new engines and a new generator, I would do your due diligence and find out what happened though. I agree if the comments on the 340, I looked hard at those boats before I bought my 380. I wanted a little more beam though.

I will for sure. Not quite ready to make a move as I want to look around a bit for the 340's. Thanks for the advise!

 

[dvx216]

We had a 2000 310Da. for 6 yrs. great boat but here on Lake Erie the 2001 340 has a more comfortable ride and is more stable when docking. The 340 feels like it's moving slow compared to the 310 at the same cruising speed. Biggest plus for the cabin design is the island bed.