Model Decision Dilema

Aerobaticflyer

Aerobaticflyer

New Member
Mar 24, 2009
263
Bradenton, FL.
Boat Info
390 Sundancer 2005
Engines
Cummins 380's
I'm hoping some of you here can give me some prs / cons I haven't considered in my next boat. As soon as I can get my 300 DA sold (no small feat in this market) I want to move to a 320 or 340. The big dilema is that I live 2 1/4 hrs from my boat. If I go with the 320 my marina can continue to rack store it which I like being so far from the boat here in hurricane country. However, I really prefer the 340 but that means keeping it in a wet slip. I know the advantages of being able to enjoy the boat at your slip any time but am I being overly worried about the distance away from a boat in the water? Also the hull upkeep in FL can be pricy. Haul outs, painting, diving / cleaning monthly in the summer.....adds up to big $$$$. Moving from a 300 to a 320 seems silly too but it really does offer a better cockpit layout in my view and does have a good bit more space.

Comments and suggestions welcomed especially from anyone who has this same dilema.

Thanks everyone.
 
I went from a 25' Doral to my 320, which I thought was a big step up at that time-and all I could afford, and I really enjoy it; but if I had it to do over, I'd go for the 340..easier to get into the engine compartment, bigger engines and slightly wider beam.. I used to keep my Doral on a trailer, and found that I didn't use it as much as when I finally put it in the water. With the 320, weather permitting, I'm out on it as often as I can. And there are nights I just like to hang out on the boat on the dock, or just fire up the genny and engines to get some run time on them.

With your boat in a wet slip, even if you don't want to go out, you can go hang on your boat and chill there on the dock without any hassle. It's a lot of fun.

I don't know if making a 2' jump makes sense, only you can answer that for yourself, but what everyone says it true, get the biggest boat you can..

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.
 
Be sure to check the slip rental costs vs. drystack storage costs where you are. In NW Fla the dry stack storage carries an insurance component and storing a 320DA costs as much as renting a covered slip for a 50' boat just due to the insurance component in drystacking prices for larger boats.

Also, more and more marinas are using low profile counterweighted lift trucks and are able to store large boats. Our marina is a Sea Ray dealer and they can lift and store up to 36DA's, but no one with 34's or 36's has chosen to give up the advantages of wet slips storage since the cost is essentially the same as dry stacking.
 
I slip next to a 300. While the 320 offers more space. If I was making a move from a 300 - I would jump to a 340. Unless the slip fee's were prohibitive. If the dollars were similar for a 300 to a 320 - well then maybe I would go for it. But that rarely is the case.
 
I'm surprized, you have pretty fresh 300DA, what is it not providing for you that makes you think upgrading to a boat that's only slightly bigger? Granted, 320DA offers much better layout, as well as 340, but isn't this too much of a price to pay for such a small change?

I'm also surprized that being in FL you're not taking a full advantage of the warmer climate and not keeping your boat in the water allowing for more time on water. However, every situation is different, so it comes down to the question how are you using your boat now and how're you planning to use it in the future (regardless if it's 300, 320 or 340). I personally wouldn't upgrade to a boat thats only 2-4' larger, well unless I was happy with a boat I owned and just needed a fresher model. Your situation is different, so there are only few major differences (this is very general statement without going in to too much details and technical items) between 300 and 320 or 340:
1. v-drives vs I/Os.
2. Port seating.
3. Larger v-berth that can be used comfortably.

I'm sure that 2' or 4' extra will not make a huge difference for you. If you're still thinking of pissibly keeping your next boat in the dry storage, this means that you're not focusing on switching to the boat that will be in the water all the time, thus #1 is not the main reason. Is it #2 and #3?
 
Alex F said:
I'm surprized, you have pretty fresh 300DA, what is it not providing for you that makes you think upgrading to a boat that's only slightly bigger? Granted, 320DA offers much better layout, as well as 340, but isn't this too much of a price to pay for such a small change?

I'm also surprized that being in FL you're not taking a full advantage of the warmer climate and not keeping your boat in the water allowing for more time on water. However, every situation is different, so it comes down to the question how are you using your boat now and how're you planning to use it in the future (regardless if it's 300, 320 or 340). I personally wouldn't upgrade to a boat thats only 2-4' larger, well unless I was happy with a boat I owned and just needed a fresher model. Your situation is different, so there are only few major differences (this is very general statement without going in to too much details and technical items) between 300 and 320 or 340:
1. v-drives vs I/Os.
2. Port seating.
3. Larger v-berth that can be used comfortably.

I'm sure that 2' or 4' extra will not make a huge difference for you. If you're still thinking of pissibly keeping your next boat in the dry storage, this means that you're not focusing on switching to the boat that will be in the water all the time, thus #1 is not the main reason. Is it #2 and #3?
Click to expand...

Alex F

You make excellent points and I am leary about the possibility of only going up one size to a 320. The only reason for considering it is because the 320 is the largest boat my marina (or any in my area) can rack store. The decision is really less of a boat size / model decision and more of a storing decision.....in the water or on a rack. Being a couple hours away from my boat and worrying about lines, security, storm preparedness, hull and running gear maintenance, etc. are my big concerns. If I decide to commit to rack storing it makes sense to me to go witht he largest boat I can do that with...the 320.

The biggest advantages to us of the 320 over my 300 is the better cockpit layout and the availabilty of V-drives that allows me to one day keep it in the water if I decide to go that way.....I/O's kept in salt water would be a PITA.

Thanks for your input and suggestions....help to hear other's points of view.
 
Flyer,

I would heartily recommend against the 2' upgrade. In the grand scheme of things, that's just not very much. I remember having a 250 and being envious of my friend's 270. In hind sight, that was silly.

I visit my boat several times a week in the wet slip. Lately, we have only gone out once every two weeks or so. There is no comparison to the time spent and total enjoyment for a boat on a rack or trailer compared to a wet slip. There are upkeep issues, but when you think about it, the money/maintenance to time-on-the-boat ratio drops way down when you keep it in the water.

I calculated that my 340 cost $235/hour (max) to own and operate (counting on zero equity in 10 years...). I also calculated that it costs $20/hour to enjoy (time spent on the boat, engines off included).

I know your travel time is different, but if I were you, I would do one of two things:
1) Nothing different
2) Move up to a wet-slipped 340, or even more - You can't beat the deals out there right now.

I, personally, after having a 250 for 10 years, will likely keep my 340 for 5 or more years. It would be longer if it were diesel.
 
Hampton said:
Flyer,

I would heartily recommend against the 2' upgrade. In the grand scheme of things, that's just not very much. I remember having a 250 and being envious of my friend's 270. In hind sight, that was silly.

I visit my boat several times a week in the wet slip. Lately, we have only gone out once every two weeks or so. There is no comparison to the time spent and total enjoyment for a boat on a rack or trailer compared to a wet slip. There are upkeep issues, but when you think about it, the money/maintenance to time-on-the-boat ratio drops way down when you keep it in the water.

I calculated that my 340 cost $235/hour (max) to own and operate (counting on zero equity in 10 years...). I also calculated that it costs $20/hour to enjoy (time spent on the boat, engines off included).

I know your travel time is different, but if I were you, I would do one of two things:
1) Nothing different
2) Move up to a wet-slipped 340, or even more - You can't beat the deals out there right now.

I, personally, after having a 250 for 10 years, will likely keep my 340 for 5 or more years. It would be longer if it were diesel.
Click to expand...

John......I think you nailed it. In a year or so after getting a 320 I'd probably feel like I do now with my 300 after moving up from my 260 two years ago. "Why didn't I go bigger?":smt021

Now for the matter of selling my 300 in this market!:smt101

You mention you'd keep your 340 longer if it were diesel...is that due to their inherit longevity or is it due to any regrets you have from going with gasoline to begin with?

Thanks!
 
Aerobat wrote to Hampton... "You mention you'd keep your 340 longer if it were diesel...is that due to their inherit longevity or is it due to any regrets you have from going with gasoline to begin with?"

As with most 340 owners, Hampton wants to be in the secret CSR Diesel Society with passwords, handshakes, codewords, white robes, sacraficial rituals & smokey ceremonies. I've heard rumors there is a hidden CSR forum for the blue smokers where they bad mouth us who burn inferior fuels in less than manly boats.
 
Last edited:
Aerobaticflyer said:
The biggest advantages to us of the 320 over my 300 is the better cockpit layout and the availabilty of V-drives that allows me to one day keep it in the water if I decide to go that way.....I/O's kept in salt water would be a PITA.
Click to expand...

Aerobaticflyer,
Lets break it down to 3 reasons why you would consider 320:
1. 320 is the biggest boat your marina can rack store.
2. 320 has better cockpit layout.
3. the availabilty of V-drives that allows me to one day keep it in the water if I decide to go that way.....I/O's kept in salt water would be a PITA.

As you can imagine the upgrade to 320 or 340 will run you around $20K-$30K, this is very rough estimate, but I think I'm not way off. So, none of the reasons above would be sufficient for me to do the upgrade. As for #3, are you telling me that you're concerned keeping your 300 in water over night or two? I don't think this a problem. I don't know how you use your boat when you on it, but I would think that there's no reason not to have it in water all weekend long, as long as you able to enjoy being on water (let say the weekend). So, as long as you flush the drives and engines you'll be just fine. This should not make your drives go bad much sooner than if you keep your boat for only day riding trips.

Thus, in conclusion, as John had mentioned, I would keep your 300 until you decide to keep boat in water full time and take advantage of what this change will provide as well as going to a bigger boat. The jump from 260 to 300 was a nice jump and you felt that you got much bigger boat, however, jumping from 300 to 320/340 is very different. You already learned some mistakes you've made. So, we're here to help avoid very expesive mistake.
 
I have to go with John here. Wet-slip is the way to go.

We "almost" bought a 320, but decided to spend a few more dollars and go with the 340. When you go from a 320 to a 340 (if you are lucky enough to have them side by side) that little bit of extra beam seems huge (cockpit and cabin). I think it's all relative though. When I walk into a 40, 44, or 48 my boat seems tiny by comparison. However, I feel quite fortunate to have the boat we do; and, the number of compliments we get at the fuel dock, or marina never ceases to amaze me. Personally, I think it's because the 340 is so attractive with a black hull, but that's just my opinion.
 
Aerobaticflyer said:
I'm hoping some of you here can give me some prs / cons I haven't considered in my next boat. As soon as I can get my 300 DA sold (no small feat in this market) I want to move to a 320 or 340. The big dilema is that I live 2 1/4 hrs from my boat. If I go with the 320 my marina can continue to rack store it which I like being so far from the boat here in hurricane country. However, I really prefer the 340 but that means keeping it in a wet slip. I know the advantages of being able to enjoy the boat at your slip any time but am I being overly worried about the distance away from a boat in the water? Also the hull upkeep in FL can be pricy. Haul outs, painting, diving / cleaning monthly in the summer.....adds up to big $$$$. Moving from a 300 to a 320 seems silly too but it really does offer a better cockpit layout in my view and does have a good bit more space.

Comments and suggestions welcomed especially from anyone who has this same dilema.

Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

I also live in Orlando. Where do you keep your boat at? If you go larger, where are planning to put it? Do you have the ability to trailer your boat now?

Good Luck! :thumbsup:
 
I certainly have no issues with my 300 being in the water for days at a time. I have taken it to Key West and often been in the water for over a week at a time. No, the issue for me is the salt water effects in the I/O's when stored in the water long term.
 
pete5016 said:
I also live in Orlando. Where do you keep your boat at? If you go larger, where are planning to put it? Do you have the ability to trailer your boat now?

Good Luck! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Boat's at Marinemax in Sarasota. No trailer. If I get a 340 I'd keep it either at Marina Jacks, Twin Dolphin or a private dock.
 
I am curious about the hurricane question that was mentioned.

If you get a decent sized hurricane, is mere drystacking sufficient protection? That is not a question to the marina. . .that is a question to your insurance company. Putting a boat on land at sea level on blocks provides no real protection if the water rises eight feet. Drystack does no good if the structure collapses at 90mph wind speeds. Insurance may require physical removal of the boat from the area for large storms.

Your marina may require the boat out of the dry stack for large storms, as dictated by their insurance. You should look for any wierd clauses in your contract with the marina.

If you were in the water. . .I suppose you need a hurricane plan. It's not like you have ZERO notice of storms. Of course. . I have no idea what such a plan would look like. Do you move the boat by water to somewhere safe? Do you have a contract with a hauler to move the boat inland?

Or is the plan simply to use a good hurricane as an upgrade opportunity, courtesy of the insurance company?

- - - - - -

For my part, I also live a good distance from the boat. It is *always* secured like a major storm (something less than tropical storm) is going to show up. That way I simply don't worry. If a named storm is rolling around (doesn't happen often). . .I usually have a few days notice, and make a strong effort to be on hand for the event.
 
We're making the transition from a trailer-stored 250 DA, that we sold last spring, to a larger DA that will come when my paycuts are restored.....when that will be only God knows.

But, we've made a mental voyage in 10 months through several boats. I initially liked the 310, but the Admiral fell in love with at 340. Then I found that the 370 has much more room around the engines, a separate shower, a door on the forward berth area, larger fridge, and dual-zone A/C. So mentally I own a 370. Now I just have to manifest that mental image.

So, instead of obsessing over a 320 vs a 340, why not go bigger?
 
comsnark said:
I am curious about the hurricane question that was mentioned.

If you get a decent sized hurricane, is mere drystacking sufficient protection? That is not a question to the marina. . .that is a question to your insurance company. Putting a boat on land at sea level on blocks provides no real protection if the water rises eight feet. Drystack does no good if the structure collapses at 90mph wind speeds. Insurance may require physical removal of the boat from the area for large storms.

Your marina may require the boat out of the dry stack for large storms, as dictated by their insurance. You should look for any wierd clauses in your contract with the marina.

If you were in the water. . .I suppose you need a hurricane plan. It's not like you have ZERO notice of storms. Of course. . I have no idea what such a plan would look like. Do you move the boat by water to somewhere safe? Do you have a contract with a hauler to move the boat inland?

Or is the plan simply to use a good hurricane as an upgrade opportunity, courtesy of the insurance company?

- - - - - -

For my part, I also live a good distance from the boat. It is *always* secured like a major storm (something less than tropical storm) is going to show up. That way I simply don't worry. If a named storm is rolling around (doesn't happen often). . .I usually have a few days notice, and make a strong effort to be on hand for the event.
Click to expand...

All good questions and the answers will vary based on marina, insurance carrier, location of boat, etc. In my case my insurance is a little cheaper by being on an outdoor rack verses in the water. That said I am only about 10' above sea level and boats are stored without drain plugs and unstrapped to the rack as per marina policy. So a good tidal surge and my boat will be pushed off the rack then sunk with so many others. Why I feel that is more secure than well secured in a wet slip...I can't answer...silly huh? :huh:

My biggest problem is that in my business my first obligation will be with family and my business / employees that are 2 hours from my boat so just getting to the boat to secure it could be a challenge whether it's on a rack or in a slip. In which case the plan becomes your last reference.....replacement value insurance kicks in.:smt038
 
Yes but. . . will the insurance cover named storms if you don't move your boat. I remember last year when Gary (Four Suns)in VA was paid/reimbursed something like $1500 for haulout by his insurance company in advance of a storm moving up the coast.
 
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