Looking to upgrade....280 vs 340

[kkalsch]

We are looking into upgrading -my biggest reason for upgrading is a better ride through higher seas
2 weeks ago we went on a 3 hour each way trip and on the way back we ran into some 4'-5' waves and where bumped around pretty good. So here are a few questions -(kept in mind I can only go up to a titled 34' boat at my dock space )-
Is a 340 a titled 34' boat
Would a 340 make that much of a difference in those conditions -
Are the 8.2 the way to go with v drives

Thanks
KK

 

[Kiwi Graham]

My move up will be to a 340 (one day). You get bigger volume, more weight but I wouldnt expect a smooth ride in the type of conditions you describe, granted the ride would be softer. Its not always the case that the bigger the boat the better it handles the conditions, its how the boat is trimmed to handle the conditions, speed and finally wether you should be out in them in the first place.

Not sure what you mean by a "titled boat"

For me and my family and type of boating I do the 340 with twin Yanmar's (375 over here) is the perfect boat for us.

 

[Ididntdoit]

We are looking into upgrading -my biggest reason for upgrading is a better ride through higher seas
2 weeks ago we went on a 3 hour each way trip and on the way back we ran into some 4'-5' waves and where bumped around pretty good. So here are a few questions -(kept in mind I can only go up to a titled 34' boat at my dock space )-
Is a 340 a titled 34' boat
Would a 340 make that much of a difference in those conditions -
Are the 8.2 the way to go with v drives

Thanks
KK

The 03 up 340 is one of searays best ever - 8.1 v drive is the only way to go - you will notice a huge difference as it is 6' longer, 2.5' more beam, and about twice the weight!

 

[jason78]

The couple people I know personally that own 340s call it a 34 when discussing it around the dockmaster and a 37 when discussing with everyone else. (Our marina charges by the foot). At least at the docks I have dealt with, they don't check titles. A 280, is a 28, a 310 it a 31, 340 is a 34, etc. Do you actually have to show a title for your dock?

At that point, assuming you finance it, there is a good chance it will be (or end up being) Coast Guard Documented. If the boat in question was already documented it will likely depend on what was entered previously.

 

[kkalsch]

Not sure what you mean by a "tilted boat"

I am sorry let me clarify ...on the title to the boat :it must state its 34' long not 37'
I have to give the home owners association a copy of the title along with prof of insurance before they we let me bring to the dock

 

[rcknecht]

My boat is Registered as a 34' boat, and that is the measurement I use when staying in Transient slips. I believe stem to stern it is around 37'. the 2003s and up are 7" wider than my boat, which is better, but they cost a lot more. So if you can afford a '03 or new, go for it... I am very happy with our '01... But be prepared to pay through the nose for fuel... I get around .8 MPG at best, and the '03 and up burn more. If you are going to spend the money for an '03 34, consider a 410 with Cummings Diesels. They are great boats and get around 1 MPG.

forgot you mentioned that 34 was your maximum... There are few 340s with yahmars if you can find one...

 

[Woody]

I am sorry let me clarify ...on the title to the boat :it must state its 34' long not 37'
I have to give the home owners association a copy of the title along with prof of insurance before they we let me bring to the dock

What does the title for your 280 show for length? I just checked my WI title and it's shown as 31'. If that's how they do it in your area the only move you have left is the 300DA and you'll see little difference in rough water. 320DA and up would be over the 34'.

 

[Vince_nj1]

You will be happier in a 340, but you will still be un comfortable in 4-5 foot seas. Those seas will make any boat under 50 ft shutter. If that is your only reason for upgrading, then consider a boat other than a sea ray. I would look for a semi displacement type hull that would be comfortable slicing through waves at 16 knots.

 

[Ididntdoit]

If that's how they do it in your area the only move you have left is the 300DA and you'll see little difference in rough water

not true - I made that move and see a very big difference - the 300 weighs 4-5,000 pounds more and carries an extra foot of beam much more comfortable in short 3-5 footers than my 280 ever was

 

[ardeprint]

The 340 will give you a BETTER ride than your 280. A smooth ride with 4' to 5' seas your still asking a bit much out of any boat.

 

[dpmulvey]

Check the specs and compare them to older Sea Rays. The interiors have changed to make the living space more comfortable and appear larger. It's not. I give SR two big thumbs up for max use of space here.

The new 370 is the old 350.

The new 350 is the old 330.

The new 330 is the old 310.

The new 310 is the old 290.

No biggie. All the builders do it because they think all the buyers are idiots.

As a point of reference, Saint Max is a 330 that actually measures 35'10" from pulpit tip to platform edge.

All the specs are available on the Sea Ray Website.

Good Luck.

 

[kaz911]

We are looking into upgrading -my biggest reason for upgrading is a better ride through higher seas
2 weeks ago we went on a 3 hour each way trip and on the way back we ran into some 4'-5' waves and where bumped around pretty good. So here are a few questions -(kept in mind I can only go up to a titled 34' boat at my dock space )-
Is a 340 a titled 34' boat
Would a 340 make that much of a difference in those conditions -
Are the 8.2 the way to go with v drives

Thanks
KK

My "new to me" 2008 310 Sundancer - is listed on the title as 33'4 (Now known as the 330 post 2009)

I had same issue. My dock is 30' and with a little conviction the harbour allowed me to shoot over by 10% (and an inch or two)

So the two boats I looked at was 310 Sundancers and Chaparral 310 Signature. They are more or less the same size.

Alternatively you can go "older" from where the Extended Swim platform was really an "attachment" - they might show up as lower LOA on a title - or find one that does NOT have an extended attached swim platform. That would give you more waterline length

 

[kkalsch]

Thanks for reply's - Great information -I did not know the 03 340 and up where wider..... that explains the price difference between 2002 and older vs 2003 and up -other than being newer. I checked my title and sure enough its titled at 31' -I am going to talk to the habour master- my dock space can easily handle a 40'x 14' wide boat and besides that theirs bigger boats docked there -but I am not in the "click" I am just a weekender.....LOL Its funny how the rules change