Need advice on buying a 1999 310 Sundancer

E

exitstrategy

New Member
May 22, 2010
25
Traverse City, MI
Boat Info
310 Sundancer 1999
Engines
350 Mercruiser w/Twin Bravo III Drives
I am comparing two different 310's.
Facts all being equal:
one is 1999, one is 2001
both are i/o bravo 3 outdrives, gas engines
both are 310da models
both have almost 260 hours
1999 has all raytheon electronics including auto pilot!
1999 is $45,000
2001 is $52,000
both are freshwater boats
neither have a generator

Question:
is there that much difference between the 99 and 01?
Any real concerns with either boat?

Your advice is appreciated!
 
Since you asked...I wouldn't buy this model boat without a generator. If they both had generators, I'd buy the 2001. The 310DA is a good boat, but was also offered with V-Drives. If you want a 310DA, I would suggest one with a generator and V-Drives.

Don
 
Thanks. I was told that vdrives are really loud on this boat, and most boats under 35'. Also, they are not as efficient as I/O's...Again, I am asking...thanks for the advice!
 
There are lots of discussions here about I/O vs. VDrive boats. They both have their pros and cons. If you mean mpg when you say "efficiency", you may be right. The I/O boats have less drag and move easier through the water. If you say total cost, the story may be different, depending on the type of boating you do, and the amount of maintenance you do. I don't know if this model has the underwater exhaust or not.....if you are that concerned about noise, you should drive both types and judge for yourself. The only discussions I've read and recall are the guys that want the Corsa exhaust on the ski boats to make them louder. Yhe only thing i can say for sure is that the more shopping and research you do for yourself, the better buyer and owner you will be.


Don
 
Can I pose another question? A 2003 Regal 3260 Commodore, freshwater boat, essentially the same as the Sea Ray 310 except for this. This was a REPO boat, and it was left outside to the elements for 6-8 months. The dealer that bought it redid the upholstery, and it is in nice shape now. Here is my question. When he bought it, it had both engines replaced and the generator replaced. Brand new engines and a brand new kohler generator, nice condition. It is an inboard boat. The price is around 50k, in my budget. Can you offer advice on the brand Regal vs Sea Ray, AND, should I run away from the new engine thing????
Thank you!
 
we have the 2000 310 with I B O.

we wouldn't use anything else. you need to study your use pattern and see for your self. the inboard out board extra maintenance cost, isn't really as big a factor as made out by inboard guys. the mpg gal and speed advantage pulse being able to idle into shallow water and haul out with ease, more than off set any thing the direct drive can offer.
the IBO also offer ease of prop changes and increase of engine compartment room.
personally would shy form a repo. that doesn't seem like a screaming deal to me. if it had that much damage, how much is there that you cant see.

lot of boats out there, keep looking

would agree, don't get a boat this size with out a gen set.
 
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garryowen said:
we have the 2000 310 with I B O.

we wouldn't anything else. you need to study your use pattern and see for your self. the inboard out board extra maintenance cost, isn't really as big a factor as made out by inboard guys. the mpg gal and speed advantage pulse being able to idle into shallow water and haul out with ease, more than off set any thing the direct drive can offer.
the IBO also offer ease of prop changes and increase of engine compartment room.
personally would shy form a repo. that doesn't seem like a screaming deal to me. if it had that much damage, how much is there that you cant see.

lot of boats out there, keep looking

would agree, don't get a boat this size with out a gen set.
Click to expand...

I/O's for me for all the reasons stated here. No generator for me was not a deal breaker but I sure do miss having one.
 
Thank you for the input. I am a fan of I/O's, especially in my area of Northern Michigan where we have shallower water and beach options. Also, I agree with the trailering part. I have found a GREAT deal on a 1998 Sea Ray 310 for $40k, freshwater but it doesn't have a generator. I have found a lot that do not either, strange. Maybe I can get one installed. I also have power at my dock so not that big of a deal but still would like one. I think the price is great, since most I have found have been $55k and up.
Do you find your 310 a good option for weekend trips and such and user friendly use?
 
Cool, yeah I may be sorry about the Generator, but for the price of $40k I cannot seem to go wrong here.
 
exitstrategy said:
Thank you for the input. I am a fan of I/O's, especially in my area of Northern Michigan where we have shallower water and beach options. Also, I agree with the trailering part. I have found a GREAT deal on a 1998 Sea Ray 310 for $40k, freshwater but it doesn't have a generator. I have found a lot that do not either, strange. Maybe I can get one installed. I also have power at my dock so not that big of a deal but still would like one. I think the price is great, since most I have found have been $55k and up.
Do you find your 310 a good option for weekend trips and such and user friendly use?
Click to expand...

if you spend a lot of time at the dock not such a big deal

we live on out 310 in the winter, sort of a snow bird deal. in the winter we spend 90% nor better of our time in a slip.
 
if it dos't have the gen set does it have AC/heat. no ac would be a deal breaker
 
40k is a great deal, you can always add in a generator. My guess in that a genny will cost between $5,000 and $7,000
 
It has A/C and heat; looks like it has all the options including multiple Raytheon electronices INCLUDING autopilot! Which was a deal maker to me.
 
to answer your other question. yes it's great week ender. we have never had over 4 persons at a time, or kids out with us. just the way it has worked out. i can single hand it even in poor weather my self as well as gerry takes the helm from time to time. she like the way the 310 handles more than our 230.
best luck. hope you get as much use and enjoyment from this as we get from ours. that sound like a good price also.
 
The '98 has a totally different cabin layout than the '99-02's. It was not popular and was changed for that reason. Make sure you know and like the layout. Also, what engines? $40K is a touch high to have no gen. Is it in sensational condition?

The 310 of that vintage is an exceptionally nice handling and good riding boat.
 
exitstrategy said:
...looks like it has all the options including multiple Raytheon electronices INCLUDING autopilot! Which was a deal maker to me.
Click to expand...

This doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If an autopilot is a big deal to you, then I assume that you're cruising a lot. If you do, then not having a generator would be a deal breaker to me. When I was shopping for 320DA there were few must have items on my list. A/C heat, generator and radar were on top of the list. It's hard to give good advice not knowing how you use the boat. But, we can share our experience and advise that if you anchoring often and like to stay on the hook over night, chances are you'll be sorry if you choose a boat with no generator.

To put it simple terms, when you move up to 30+ footer you're sort of buying an upgraded version of summer house (comparing to smaller cruisers starting from 240/260DA). So, when you're out with your family and friends for the weekend or on a longer trip don't you want to have all the luxury features that should be in your summer house? If you didn't do overnights on the hook before it doesn't mean you not going to do it ever. Once you do you may love it and do it every weekend (I'm speaking with first hand experience here). So, the main idea is to look further down the road and think what kind of cruising you'll be doing and what are the new opportunities will the "upgraded summer house" offer. After having a generator I really don't see how we can do without it. I didn't use it all the time I left the dock, I used it when I needed it (e.g. hot nights to run A/C, run microwave or oven to cook a meal, etc...).

Everyone wishes to pay minimum and get most for their buck, but you have to look at the bigger picture. Is it really worth saving few grand to swet during hot nights for years to come, or limit yourself not having ability to use "the house" components that run on 110v?

Keep in mind that it's a lot easier to add some electronics than add a generator (and cheaper too). Also, in some cases you may wish to add something with more modern technology vs. having old units that might go bad soon enough.

My 320DA had everything I needed. We cruised a lot and without an autopilot I never felt that this is something that should be a deal maker/breaker, not on 30' boat at least. If you want it so much you can always add it, which could be one of your interesting upgrade projects. Many people do it and we have good knowledge on this boat to guide you.

Good luck.
 
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with I/O there shouldn't any major problems... Depending how you use your boat, a generator may not be of value to you... It can be a maintenance nightmare... I would drop in a couple of extra batteries and an inverter. As far as which boat is a better deal, all things equal the newer the better, usually. The boat is essential the same... I know on 340 in same years, my cleats are larges and my navigation lights are chrome vice plastic (I have the '01). The '98 310 is has a vastly different interior which some people love and most don't...
 
Alex F said:
This doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If an autopilot is a big deal to you, then I assume that you're cruising a lot. If you do, then not having a generator would be a deal breaker to me. When I was shopping for 320DA there were few must have items on my list. A/C heat, generator and radar were on top of the list. It's hard to give good advice not knowing how you use the boat. But, we can share our experience and advise that if you anchoring often and like to stay on the hook over night, changes are you'll be sorry if you choose a boat with no generator.

To put it simple terms, when you move up to 30+ footer you're sort of buying an upgraded version of summer house (coparing to smaller cruisers starting from 240/260DA). So, when you're out with your family and friends for the weekend or on a longer trip don't you want to have all the luxury features that should be in your summer house? If you didn't do overnights on the hook before it doesn't mean you not going to do it ever. Once you do you may love it and do it every weekend (I'm speaking with first hand experience here). So, the main idea is to look further down the road and kind of cruising you'll be doing and what are the new opportunities will the "upgraded summer house" offer. After having a generator I really don't see how we can do without it. I didn't use it all the time I left the dock, I used it when I needed it (e.g. hot nights to run A/C, run microwave or oven to coock a meal, etc...).

Everyone wishes to pay minimum and get most for their buck, but you have to look at the bigger picture. Is it really worth saving few grand to swet during hot nights for years to come, or limit yourself not having ability to use "the house" components that run on 110v?

Keep in mind that it's a lot easier to add some electronics than add a generator (and cheaper too). Also, in some cases you may wish to add something with more modern technology vs. having old units that might go bad soon enough.

My 320DA had everything I needed. We cruised a lot and without an autopilot I never felt that this is something that should be a deal maker/breaker, not on 30' boat at least. If you want it so much you can always add it, which could be one of your interesting upgrade projects. Many people do it and we have good knowledge on this boat to guide you.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Not having a gen isnt the end of the world. You should rarely need one being up north in TC. You could always buy a Honda portable to get you by. FWIW, I have a generator and use it about once or twice a year only to top off my batteries if on the hook for 10 hours jamming the tunes and running both refridgerators or just to exercise it. If you have the big blocks that boat should fly!
 
Great lakes pirate said:
Not having a gen isnt the end of the world. You should rarely need one being up north in TC. You could always buy a Honda portable to get you by. FWIW, I have a generator and use it about once or twice a year only to top off my batteries if on the hook for 10 hours jamming the tunes and running both refridgerators or just to exercise it. If you have the big blocks that boat should fly!
Click to expand...

I never said or even implied that it's the end of the world to have one. And I'm not even going to start a discussion about portable generator on the platform.

I've had two boats without a generator for many years (before 320DA), so believe me I know the drill.

Location - is only one of the variable that plays the role when making a decision on your purchase. However, despite the fact that up north A/C is not so much of a necessity, but the heat could be. This is something that can extend your season greatly by having luxury to run central heater overnight to keep everyone comfortable. you can have good 1.5-2months in spring and the same in fall where you'd need to run the heater, depending how far north you're. If I know that I could extent my VERY short season for couple of months, just right there it's no brainer.

My only point was that with a larger cruiser it's wise to think outside the box and saving few grand is not always the best answer.
 
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