HELP! 1998 Sundancer 330 with 5.7 EFI V-Drives? First timer!!

[Alegria]

Great list of items to check!!! If she passes that list then yep she has been maintained to a very good level.

As for the Wellcraft it is a great boat and looks to be immaculate too, some things to consider. The boat overall is about 1' shorter and 6" narrower then the 330/340 Sea Ray. I would go look at it after you look at the Sea Ray and compare. Make sure there is enough room for the family.

The dinette looks really small to be used as a double berth given the beam of the boat. It looks to only have above water line exhaust and not underwater. If so then it will be louder on cruise then the Sea Ray. The generator is going eat up space in the engine room where it is, in the Sea Ray it is on the starboard side away from the engines. Granted the 330/340 engine room is tight too don't get me wrong!!!

The camper canvas is a nice addition, we just added it to our boat last year and I really like it, as others have said it makes the cockpit into an additional room on the boat.

Bottom line is up to you, just my thoughts on your journey to ownership!!!

Enjoy and have fun...

 

[SkiPharmer]

Great list of items to check!!! If she passes that list then yep she has been maintained to a very good level.

As for the Wellcraft it is a great boat and looks to be immaculate too, some things to consider. The boat overall is about 1' shorter and 6" narrower then the 330/340 Sea Ray. I would go look at it after you look at the Sea Ray and compare. Make sure there is enough room for the family.

The dinette looks really small to be used as a double berth given the beam of the boat. It looks to only have above water line exhaust and not underwater. If so then it will be louder on cruise then the Sea Ray. The generator is going eat up space in the engine room where it is, in the Sea Ray it is on the starboard side away from the engines. Granted the 330/340 engine room is tight too don't get me wrong!!!

The camper canvas is a nice addition, we just added it to our boat last year and I really like it, as others have said it makes the cockpit into an additional room on the boat.

Bottom line is up to you, just my thoughts on your journey to ownership!!!

Enjoy and have fun...

I looked at a 1996 Maxum 320 SCR with 5.7L Bravo II for $30k. The few things that scare me about the Maxum is that it will be underpowered and harder to steer (5.7 carbs vs 5.7 EFI), the handling Bravo II vs V-Drives (I have a Bravo III and know NOTHING about Bravo II), there is no generator on the Maxum, that doesn't bother me a ton. Both are VERY clean and I like the cabin layout of the Maxum better. I am also concerned about the quality of Sea Ray vs Maxum…..I know Maxum uses a lot of plastic and stuff can fade. Any advice? I like the layout of the Maxum better….thoughts?

 

[magstang1]

The handful of horsepower difference between EFI and carb is negligible. I doubt you'll be able to tell a difference. The drives will make a big difference.

There's a world of difference between V drive and out drive. Do you want to be able to trim the drives up? Do you want the increased speed and fuel mileage of out drive? Do you want to deal with bellows and galvanic corrosion?

The difference in quality is reflected in the price. At this age range, maintenance trumps everything. Pick the one you like that has solid maintenance history and make a deal.

I do use my generator more than I expected though.

 

[SkiPharmer]

I backed out of the Maxum...I wasn't excited about it and it didn't have the things I wanted (big blocks, V drives, genny) and as stupid as it sounds I like the way the Sundancer LOOKS. The 1998 for $54k just sold but a 1995 330 with big blocks and V Drives just came available...I offered $40k (asking was $45k)....this is a boat I wanna hangout on...never got stoked about the Maxum...thanks for the advice!

 

[rondds]

Nothing stupid about that! You MUST buy what you love and don't settle for anything you're lukewarm on. Best of luck with the '95!

 

[Hifirush]

Congrats on the ’95! I’m with you, I LOVE Sundancers and nothing else really delights me quite like them.

Matt

 

[SkiPharmer]

About to close on a 1995 Sundancer 330, big block V-Drives...I'm getting stoked...any advice on this boat?

 

[boomerpilot]

I've got a 1995 330 Express with 454's. Love the boat, engine access, straight drives...don't miss the aft cabin/storage locker. Planes quick and is reliable.