Future Sea Ray owner needs advise

H

Havaray

New Member
Dec 12, 2008
5
Lake Havasu City Arirzona
Boat Info
3200 SCR
Engines
Twin 454 w/ bravo II
Can anyone give my any advise on the 30ft sundancer of the 1992 vintage? I am looking at purchasing an older sea ray in the 29-30ft range. I like the 1992-1995 model years. I just went to riverside ca and looked at a 29 da with single 7.4/genset, but the cabin layout felt small. Is the 30 any better. Any feed back about these two sizes will be much appreciated. I have been boating all my life, and have more experience with the gofast boats as of recent. I have owned a scarab and a carrera jet. I grew up on larger cruisers in N Idaho, and now live and boat in Lake Havasu. We want something to stay on all weekend and AC is a must have here.:grin::grin: Thanks for any advise....jesse
 
Stick with the larger boats and select one with v-drives or inboard power.

The 310-330EC and DA were excellent boats, as is the 300WE and all were offered with inboards or v-drives which are much lower maintenance and much easier to handle around the dock than I/O's.
 
fwebster said:
Stick with the larger boats and select one with v-drives or inboard power.

The 310-330EC and DA were excellent boats, as is the 300WE and all were offered with inboards or v-drives which are much lower maintenance and much easier to handle around the dock than I/O's.
Click to expand...

Will agree with Frank that V drives are easier to handle around the dock.

I have also read many places that I/O's are faster and more fuel efficient than comparable engines with Vdrives. (Here we go!)


I have I/O's, but I have small 31 foot boat that seems to be happy with the sterndrives. I also find it easy to go to shore knowing the props are out of the mud.
 
I should also add that the future sea ray will be used on a lake only and we have very limited marina use or docks. Thanks for the imput already....jesse
 
Thanks, the 30'da that I'm looking at has only been in fresh water. I think 30' is almost pushing it size wise, its just me and the misses with our dog. Pretty rare do we even see this type of boat out on our lake. Havasu is very much the party lake with eliminators, fountains and skater type of vessels. That along with our "marina" does not have any real services for cruiser types of boats.....jesse
 
I have 86 30FT. weekender,it has inboards no out drive.It has a lot open room in the cabin.Also I have a full camper back.Boat has a great ride.
 
Havaray,

I have a 95' 300 Sundancer with v-drives and think it is a great lake boat. Great boat period. I have also owned a 91' 270 with a single 7.4 bravo II and the difference is huge.

-The first thing you will notice is in 94' they changed the portholes to an oval looking shape from a triangular look that, to me, dated the look of the boat.
-The stability of a wider beam and twin engines also makes a huge difference in the way the boat handles. You don't feel like a cork bobbing around when you encounter a large wake.
-The dash and cockpit are also much more contemporary on a 94' or newer model.

If you want a nice freshwater 95', let's make a deal, I want to move up!!! Best of luck with your search, I'd be happy to help if you have any more questions.

~Dan
 
I believe 1994 was the beginning of the all fiberglass cockpit liner on some models, another words, the end of vinyl glued and stapled to plywood all over the cockpit. If the pre 94 Dancers were ever exposed to rain and water expect those upholstered panels to me rotting away and falling apart. These are boats by the way so water is always around so not sure who ever thought that was a good long term building technique.

I owned a 94 270 DA for 11 years and one of my buying criteria back in 96 was the fiberglass cockpit. Sea Ray often phases in major upgrades so not sure when the 300 went to all glass cockpit but it would be high on my list of must haves.

I have to agree on outdrive vs. inboard with V-drives, much more maintenance on the outdrives. If Bravo III expect serious electrolysis and corrosion issues, my first drive only lasted 3 seasons being slipped 6 months a season. I got 8 years out of my replacement drive but it took lots of work each winter cleaning up the corrosion, filling in and painting to keep the aluminum from dissolving away. I added the Mercathode Buttons to the transom in addition to the gimbal housing unit and changed my sacrificial anodes mid season which helped. If buying a Bravo III make sure you have the props removed as that’s where the most damaging corrosion occurs, to the point that the rear seal will literally fall out of the lower housing. Not good.

One more thought, before buying my 340 I ran a couple 310 Dancers with the 350 inboards, a very capable and good running boat, better than the 300 Dancer I believe with the same power. I think the 310 got a re-do on the hull design which improved performance. If you could swing a 340 with 8.1s you’ll be in heaven, at least I am. More boat with comparable speed and fuel burn as a 310 with 350s.

Good luck.
 
Havaray,

I too have the 95 300 DA and think this boat is great. Great layout and cockpit area with plenty of room. I have the inboard v-drives and the boat handles very well and is stable in some rough water. I came from the go-fast background also and was very concerned when moving to the cruiser that I would not be happy. After two weeks with the 300 I never looked back. Right decision for me and you know what....your buddies will only be at the destination 5 minutes before you get there which by then they should have lines and anchors out for you to easily raft next too and grab a cold one..... :) Good luck with your decision....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,241
Messages
1,429,113
Members
61,122
Latest member
DddAae
Back
Top