Newbie, need all the help I can get

[2ccrane]

Looking at a 86 SR 340 sundancer with v-drives. What are comman problems. Ive been a mechanic for over 25 years on just about everything except boats. Any pointers and tips will be greatly appreciated.

Quite a learning curve. Boat will be in water fulltime around Alaska. Occasional extended stays.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[tbirdvet]

I also have a mechanical background but found lots to learn with a larger boat. This was my first year with my 330 and I was surprised how complex the boat is. Learning the electrical system is a task by itself. I just winterized the boats myself and that was a big job (purging the water system, oil changes, prop removals, etc.). Took me several days. I should be faster next year having learned what worked and what did not. A 340 should be similar to understand. Good luck on your quest.

 

[Quint4]

Here is a response I posted to someone else on another boat. Much of it will apply to the boat you are looking at:

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1 - Drain the outdrive oil and check for water in the oil and excessive metal particulate (a pressure test is also in order)
2 - Props okay?
3 - Compression check the engine while warm. All cylinders should be above 100 and within 10% of each other
4 - Canvas in good shape? You will get serious sticker shock if it needs replaced (3 to 4K)
5 - Maintenance records available?
6 - Freshwater boat ? this would be a good thing.
7 - Have someone hold the steering wheel firmly, now try to move each outdrive side to side...does it move more than a half inch or so? gimble ring possible worn out.
8 - Refrigerator work? I put a new one in last year...$750...no kidding.
9 - Is it in the water? does the bilge have water in it? if it does, you may have a leak.
10 - Check that all gauges work. My fuel gauge did not work. I changed the sending unit in the top of the fuel tank. It was very tough to get at....very tough.
11 - When was the last time the exhaust was serviced, as in manifolds and riser inspected and gaskets changed? this is the biggest killer of marine engines and is often neglected
12 - Is the transom solid ? remove a few screws from the trim tabs.....wet wood revealed? (of course reseal with 3m 5200 when you put them back). take lots of time at the transom...any sign of moisture penetration near through hulls... inside or out?
13 - Sea trial the boat with five or six adults on board.....should reach 4600-4800 rpm at wide open throttle.
14 - When were u joints / gimble bearing / all bellows last serviced or replaced?
15 - When was impeller last changed?
16 - Confirm A/C works...run it while checking generator (must be in water of course to run AC or generator)
17 - Trailer? what is your tow vehicle? you are looking at well over 12k lbs of boat and trailer....not your run of the mill bowrider....and a beam over 8' 6" means technically you need a permit to haul it.
18 - Check that both trim tabs work....you need them.
19 - Check that the outdrives trim up fully and back down.
20 - Toilet work?
21 - All freshwater spigots work? no leaks in freshwater system?....pump should turn off a few seconds after a faucet is shut off.
22- Look under EVERY cushion and hatch for standing water, if you find it investigate further.
23 - Anchor windlass?...does it work? they are not cheap to replace.
24 - Watch temp gauge during sea trial ....boat should not overheat at any time....also keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge, My 454 stays between 40 - 60 psi.

.......................this is a good start for you...good luck with it.[/FONT]

 

[D-Sill-D]

Here is a response I posted to someone else on another boat. Much of it will apply to the boat you are looking at:

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1 - Drain the outdrive oil and check for water in the oil and excessive metal particulate (a pressure test is also in order)
2 - Props okay?
3 - Compression check the engine while warm. All cylinders should be above 100 and within 10% of each other
4 - Canvas in good shape? You will get serious sticker shock if it needs replaced (3 to 4K)
5 - Maintenance records available?
6 - Freshwater boat ? this would be a good thing.
7 - Have someone hold the steering wheel firmly, now try to move each outdrive side to side...does it move more than a half inch or so? gimble ring possible worn out.
8 - Refrigerator work? I put a new one in last year...$750...no kidding.
9 - Is it in the water? does the bilge have water in it? if it does, you may have a leak.
10 - Check that all gauges work. My fuel gauge did not work. I changed the sending unit in the top of the fuel tank. It was very tough to get at....very tough.
11 - When was the last time the exhaust was serviced, as in manifolds and riser inspected and gaskets changed? this is the biggest killer of marine engines and is often neglected
12 - Is the transom solid ? remove a few screws from the trim tabs.....wet wood revealed? (of course reseal with 3m 5200 when you put them back). take lots of time at the transom...any sign of moisture penetration near through hulls... inside or out?
13 - Sea trial the boat with five or six adults on board.....should reach 4600-4800 rpm at wide open throttle.
14 - When were u joints / gimble bearing / all bellows last serviced or replaced?
15 - When was impeller last changed?
16 - Confirm A/C works...run it while checking generator (must be in water of course to run AC or generator)
17 - Trailer? what is your tow vehicle? you are looking at well over 12k lbs of boat and trailer....not your run of the mill bowrider....and a beam over 8' 6" means technically you need a permit to haul it.
18 - Check that both trim tabs work....you need them.
19 - Check that the outdrives trim up fully and back down.
20 - Toilet work?
21 - All freshwater spigots work? no leaks in freshwater system?....pump should turn off a few seconds after a faucet is shut off.
22- Look under EVERY cushion and hatch for standing water, if you find it investigate further.
23 - Anchor windlass?...does it work? they are not cheap to replace.
24 - Watch temp gauge during sea trial ....boat should not overheat at any time....also keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge, My 454 stays between 40 - 60 psi.

.......................this is a good start for you...good luck with it.[/FONT]

Quint...that is a great list, very helpful, a bit of reality, while you are imagining yourself in your "new" boat. :thumbsup: