New 330 Sundancer. Replacement for the 320DA?

[Bridog]

In a current copy of Boating Magazine they talk of a new 330DA to compete with the new Four Winns 338 and the new Cruisers 33 footer. I wonder if this is a replacement for the 320DA? The article mentions it will be available mid Summer. Anyone hear anything? I hope they don't change the 320DA too much. It sure is a beauty.

 

[Dave S]

If you look at the Sport Cruiser line up today, there are three different hull styling "themes" presently........the 240/260/340, the 280/300, and the 290/310. The 320 sort of fits in with the first grouping except for the bolt on swim platform so I would think it could likely be replaced with the newer styling of the 290/310. And once the 300 goes away you have to wonder if the 280 isn't that far behind because as we all know the 290 was the intended replacement for that boat all along.

 

[280 SeaRay]

I would be surprised if the 280 was ever replaced by the current 290 design. I believe it will take a significant overhaul of the 290 design to dethrone the most popular Sport Cruiser (280). If you remember 2006 was supposed to be the 280's last year.... I have yet to see the 310 in person so I will have to reserve final judgement..... until I do. From the website photos it looks like SR did a better job aligning the 310 with the evolution path from the 300.

Lets hope with the 330 they nail it like they did with the 260 --> 260 evolution that occurred not long ago.

Dave I would add the 320 to the 280/300 grouping indeed.

 

[jg300da]

I'm a big fan of the 280DA, but I have to disagree with Jeremy. As time passes, what was once considered a somewhat radical design now looks more mainstream and contemporary. I'm a huge fan of the 300DA design as well but when put in a lineup along with the 290 and 310 it looks somewhat dated. I hope I'm wrong but I have to agree with Dave, it's just a matter of time before this transitional period ends and the newer designs are all you will find.

 

[Alex D]

I'm a big fan of the 280DA, but I have to disagree with Jeremy. As time passes, what was once considered a somewhat radical design now looks more mainstream and contemporary. I'm a huge fan of the 300DA design as well but when put in a lineup along with the 290 and 310 it looks somewhat dated. I hope I'm wrong but I have to agree with Dave, it's just a matter of time before this transitional period ends and the newer designs are all you will find.

True ... and the 340DA is and has been actually Sea Ray's most popular Sport Cruiser since introduction in 1999.

 

[280 SeaRay]

I was told by Knoxville factory SR folks that they build more 280's than any other boat out of the Knoxville factory (where most, not all, of the Sport cruisers are made 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, etc.) that could have changed since last August..... they could have been telling me a fish story or fibbing to me :lol: By popular I meant by #'s.... :wink:

Talking with the local MM folks in early 2006 after I purchased my boat they were under the impression that they could no longer order 280's after 2006. I asked the Knoxville factory guys about this... and was told that they reduced the # of starts on 280's earlier in 2006 and ramped 290 starts.... but later in the year went back to a higher # of starts of the 280 and slowed the 290 starts.

The fact that early 290's were badged as 280's (Richard has or had pictures) and 2006 280 owners manuals are labeled 280 but are actually 100% 290 content (working with MM and SR I eventually got a call from SR that they do not have an owners manual for 2006 with 280 content). The evidence points to 2006 being the last year for the 280...... but 2007's 280's are being sold now.... everything does come to an end but I would guess that the 290 will go more makeovers before the 280 disappears from the showroom floor. 2006 to 2007 the 290 seems to have lost the little couch in favor of the 280 style dinette. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.....

I like the look of the new boats very much.... in fact if the 290 had a better (read: more usable) cockpit layout, the dinette that the website shows for 2007 and did not have the squared windshiled I would have likely bought that instead of the 280.

Sorry Bridog I got off topic. I like the 320 design as well and I would hope that we continue to have a model that supports the same qualities that the 320 brings to the table if the 320 life is brought to an end. While I love the look of the built in 340 platform (or all SR built in platforms for that matter) I think the bolt on platforms that you see on the 320 and similar are more usable as they seem to sit right on the water. Did they happen to have any pictures of the 330 at all... maybe cool "spy" photos :grin:

 

[skolbe]

Any pics or links?

We compared the 310 to the 320 very closely - for hours. While I like some things on the 310. The 320 was so much roomier for the same money. Due to incentives.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

I agree with Dave that there will eventually come a day when the last mold for the 280 will be made and 290's continue on in it's place because there will be people that favor the 290 over the 280. Just because we might consider them to be completely off their rockers is not Germaine to the issue. :smt101

The 330 looks a little better than the 310 and 290 versions but it is to me a clone of a European boat out there. I was always told everyone followed Sea Ray, not the other way around. :smt017

 

[marqbloq]

My wife and I looked long and hard at the 310. She liked the rumble seat, umbrella, bbq, portlights and larger mid cabin lounge. I liked the overall classier look and feel, especially in the cabin; felt like a fine home. I did not care for the lack of a port side cockpit settee, side-angled forward berth, small cabin sink, and smaller swim platform. For more money than I paid for my 320 I could have purchased the 310 but felt the larger format, solid 5 years of development, timeless design, and potential better resale value made me a 320 owner. If Sea Ray ever puts together an owners group to help with design ideas for the 320, I would love to participate but I also was told it is too late, the 330 is baked. As for the 290, some of you know my opinions though I admit softening up a bit on the platform from a couple years ago. The 280 is a clear winner and with only a few enhancements could be the sport cruiser of choice for another seven years. My passion for the 280 still burns hot, I love that boat and I miss it greatly. My old 280 is on the same finger as my new boat and I have to walk by it every time I head out. I would love to do some custom work on my 320 and very likely will over time; “pimp my 320!†The 330 has the potential to be exceptional and the crown jewel of Sport Cruisers and the 340 could be replaced by a 370 which makes more sense than a 350 and be the entry Sport Yacht for express cruisers. My 2 cents