Need help w your valued opinions mates

[El Capitan]

Admiral gave go ahead on a georgous 1988 300 express w twin 350 merc direct drives.

Priced at $6500.

Planning trip to see her and if all good considering putting contract sub to sea trial, survey, comp/leak down test.

Any opinions on this model, power setup and storage considerations are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[SCORPIO]

They are nice boats, similar to the Sundancer except direct drives (easy maint.) and no aft cabin. That year has the 11 foot beam, that makes the boat feel even larger than it is. The twin 350's will give good performance with respectable fuel economy. Good luck with the survey.
Watch for soft decks, transoms and stringers but those are standard to check on any boat this vintage.

 

[Ten Years Gone]

edit

 

[moparlvr4406]

great boats

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

If you're ok with not having a mid-ship cabin, there are benefits to the mid-engine design. Lower planning speeds, better balanced for having more passengers on the aft deck, easier to do any mechanical work due to space and configuration of the engine compartment. That era Sea Ray's were big, comfortable, and solidly built. I'd pay $6500 for a 30' weekender like the one described.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Issues with wet transoms were more for the 30' sundancer model's which were powered by outdrives. I guess you could have some issues of water intrusion from the trim tab screws but I can't see that as being a huge deal. Inboard engines for the 30' Weekender models don't exert force on the transom plus there aren't large holes for outdrives and the leaks associated either. On the other hand, all the propulsion force is transmitted through the transmission/engines which are attached to the stringers, so you definitely want to ensure that the stringers are solid. If not, they can be replaced but it's a major job involving pulling the engines.