Looking at 1986 Sea Ray 340

[Wayne Robinson]

I have looked at a lot of boats and decided to pursue a 1986 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer with 340 Mercruisers. The boat was only used in freshwater and then stored in a barn for some time. 512 hours on engines. A few questions: Should I be worried about engines from sitting for long period? The engines seem to run great and owner says oil has been changed every year.
I plan to use the boat in Salt Water- did Sea Ray use a different paint on hull for fresh vs salt water? Are anodes different for fresh vs salt water? What should I be worried about in this model of Sea Ray of this age? I have a survey scheduled. Should I get a complete engine survey and compression check?

 

[Pirate Lady]

No.
Nobody changes oil every year on a boat sitting in a barn.
Do you mean gelcoat or bottom paint? Gelcoat No, Bottom paint Yes.
Yes.
Worried? No, But plan on replacing things.
Abso positively most assuredly hell YES.
In my area we have a hella lot Sea Rays from the 80s. A hella lot.

 

[Wayne Robinson]

Thank you for the quick response. I was questioning the bottom paint and whether Sea Ray would have used a different paint for the boat when produced and I am assuming that now, since I will be using the boat down here in Naples FL I will need to have the bottom painted with a different type of paint/coating?

 

[Pirate Lady]

Bottom paint. Boats don’t typically come painted by SR. That is a after delivery dealer service and they will use what is normal for their area. You will need to paint it for you local area. Ask around, you will get a lot of opinions.

 

[dwna1a]

Bottom paint…it will need a fresh coat. If the boat stays out and dry it will dry out.

Zinc will do the same. Old zinc will get brittle and it’s worth starting fresh.

Engines, changed every year and stored in a barn. Get them checked. Are they FWC or Raw? Manifolds and Risers? I/O’s or inboards? Bellows and all other rubber dries out. Shafts, check the struts, rudders, rudder packing. Props were last tuned when?

When I got mine it had just over 1000hrs I’m creeping up on 1900 now. I’m FWC in brackish water. My girls are tiered but running like new.

Maintaining the systems is a big key!

 

[Nater Potater]

Like @dwna1a noted, Mercruiser bellows go bad after so long, based on environment/sun exposure. If you found the boat with the outdrives in the "trailer" position, rest assured the bellows will need to be replaced before first splash. Ask me how I know...
As for the engines, a compression test should tell you what you need to know about the internals. Again, things dry out, so you may be chasing engine oil leaks for a time. A slight touchdown on oil pan bolts might be enough, but be prepared to replace crank seals. Maybe, maybe not.
Pictures! We like pictures.

 

[mrsrobinson]

I'm switching to aluminum zincs for freshwater

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Pictures! We like pictures.

And your basic location in your info helps with certain advice given. Many topics in terms of how boats age has to do with regional climate. Hope all goes well but expect a few grand in getting her seaworthy and reliable. Problem is with any equipment that sits idle, things work great at first and then the effects of time slowly work their way to the surface.