Official (1998-2002) 310 Sundancer Thread

[cazimmy]

Im sure its the port gauge only.....the starboard gauge is very steady with no bouncing....

No white SMOKE.....Thats vapor..in my case anyway......i thought the same when i first got this boat, mechanic says its common vapor mist....

I guess I'll be replacing the port gauge. I'm going to talk to the mechanic about the RPM's. If the starboard gauge is right then I'm still doing 4400 RPM to get to 28 MPH. I should just make sure that is okay.

 

[billnpat]

I guess I'll be replacing the port gauge. I'm going to talk to the mechanic about the RPM's. If the starboard gauge is right then I'm still doing 4400 RPM to get to 28 MPH. I should just make sure that is okay.

44 @ 28? sounds right to me

 

[cazimmy]

44 @ 28? sounds right to me

Oh. Great. What is the red line point that I don't want to run at for a long period of time?

 

[billnpat]

Oh. Great. What is the red line point that I don't want to run at for a long period of time?

Wide open for me is for about 30 seconds at 4600-4800
i stay at AVG 33-35-cruising AVG 24-26 MPH....Maybe a little less....

 

[cazimmy]

Wide open for me is for about 30 seconds at 4600-4800
i stay at AVG 33-35-cruising AVG 24-26 MPH....Maybe a little less....

That's my concern, 33-34 gets me about 18-20 mph which seems low.

 

[billnpat]

That's my concern, 33-34 gets me about 18-20 mph which seems low.

If your in rough water your figures may be right on are ok...Im speaking of ideal waters with less then 1 foot crest.

 

[billnpat]

Found this article,

Sea Ray 310 Sundancer (June 2002)
Words - David Lockwood
One thing that's not negotiable is a driver-friendly helmposition. While many boats fall short in this area, the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer is peerless,
reports David Lockwood
I have just returned from driving 37 Australian-made boats, ranging from a pint-sized dinghy to a glorious gin-palace, in sunshine and showers,
calm seas and calamitous conditions, over four days in Sydney and on the Gold Coast. And I am going to have my two dollars' worth. Hushed
silence, drum-roll, here goes...
First and foremost, more work needs to be put into the driving position on powerboats. The hub of pleasure or displeasure, the helm is everything
to the owner. It is the first place you plonk your posterior, the position from which your destiny is determined and, ultimately, where good boats fail
and others shine.
Over the four days of intensive boating, I found myself craning my neck to look over or under windscreens, staring at the frame of windscreens,
lunging for the throttle, or missing out on back support due to poorly designed helmseats.
Good boats became ordinary ones, and in the worst case, it was as enjoyable as driving a car with a foggy windscreen in driving rain.
Which brings me to the all-American Sea Ray 310 Sundancer. An imported 30-footer, competing against a lot of better-priced local sportscruisers,
the Sea Ray has what may well be the perfect helm. The ergonomics, comfort and vision come not by chance, mind you, but via years of production
boat building.
In the 310 Sundancer, vision is perfect whether seated or standing. Not only do you get a clear view through clear (not tinted) safety glass, but there
are wipers and an electric centre-opening windscreen vent, plus keyless ignition and a modern automotive -like dash in a matt beige colour, so
there is no reflection in the windscreen. And a tilt sports wheel, too.
Teamed with an adjustable swivelling helmseat, with flip-up bolster and ergonomically positioned controls, the Sea Ray 310 Sundancer was a joy
to drive. In fact, it was just what the captain ordered for traversing Port Hacking south of Sydney, where sandspits and shallow channels demand
skilful navigating and a good helmposition.
Unusually for an American sportscruiser, this 310 Sundancer was fitted with twin petrol inboards with shaftdrives. To maintain internal volume, the
freshwater-cooled MerCruiser Horizon 350 Mag MPI motors were fitted with V-drives. Patented underwater exhausts worked a treat, reducing noise
and fumes, while hydraulic steering made for fingertip turns.
COCKPIT COMFORTS
The Sea Ray 310 Sundancer reflects the current trend to bigger and bigger boarding platforms. Handy for carrying a tender, the big-footed
duckboard also provides somewhere to kick back and dangle your toes or a line.
The platform is part of the deck moulding, with a concealed central swim ladder, handrail to help you back aboard and an aft fender locker with
shore-power connection, phone/TV input, hot/cold handheld shower and dockside water filler.
A small transom door leads aboard. The first thing you notice is the smooth mouldings - no hard edges anywhere.
Rather than having a two-tiered cockpit or deck like many sportscruisers, the 310 Sundancer has a single-level layout.
Seating exists for at least six people in the cockpit, with standing room for as many under the canopy trailing off the targa arch. The wide decks
feature a subtle but effective non-skid tread pattern and carry fuel and water fillers, and horn cleats.
For entertaining and day cruising, there are plenty of amenities and seating. The big U -shaped cockpit lounge, half in the shade, will accommodate
six people around a table.
The aft return of the lounge is removable for extra floor space should you want it. Add the infill and the lounge converts to a daybed. Add the full
camper covers and it might be possible to sleep out in summer.
Vinyl upholstery is nice and dense, the floor topped with clip-in carpet, and most cockpit lockers feature stainless piano hinges and full carpet
liners.
Battery isolators, engine shut-offs and circuit breakers can be found in a hatch not too far from the helm. Deck gear is through-bolted and I noted
Sikaflex wipes on the nuts to stop them coming loose. Indirect cockpit lighting will set the mood when cruising after sunset.
The self-draining cockpit floor lifts via a button to grant access to the engines, Kohler generator, water heater and so on. There isn't a surfeit of
room around the motors and a large fibreglass panel needs to be lifted clear to get to the V-drives. There is a slot to stow the cockpit table inside
the engineroom.
Cockpit steps, toerails, handrails and a nice high bowrail provide safe passage to the foredeck. Like the big boarding platform, the foredeck can
serve as a lounging area. The 310 had the optional sunpad up front, along with chrome nav lights, a remote dash-operated Guest spotlight,
windlass with dash control, deep chain locker and anchor in the bowsprit.
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
An unobtrusive moulded amenities centre to port has a stainless grabrail trailing around the sink, with pull -out sprayer or cold shower, icebox with
overboard drain, and two drinkholders where you want them.
Piece it all together and you have a boat that mollycoddles the crew. A two-person benchseat for the co-pilot(s) is fixed beside the adjustable,
pedestal-mounted helmseat. Both feel firm and offer back support, plus armrests, when driving.
The lift-up bolster on the helmseat creates legroom when standing at the helm. Nice touches include a dash dimmer, emergency engine-start
system and a full spread of custom Sea Ray instruments with low-glare blue back-lighting, plus illuminated weatherproof rocker switches.

 

[billnpat]

The inside of my boat today is 100 degrees plus,with ventalation, the sun blasting through my $1500.00 front Eisenglass panels......Does anyone have or seen front sunshields for this boat??? there has to be......:huh:

 

[psubill78]

They can be custom made by your canvas guy...

 

[amajamar]

Has anyone removed and replaced a genset on this boat? I may need to if I move forward with the one I was looking at. Seems hard to do, but not ridiculous. Looks like you remove most of the engines exhaust system and the cockpit floor panel over the genset. I'm kind of wanting to know what it's worth...

Any thoughts on this??

 

[amajamar]

On another note, what would you guys say the monetary value between 350 hours and 700 hours on FWC 5.7 Horizons? Let's assume each is in excellent condition currently. If I go to resell in five years and I have a boat with 650 hours vs 1000 hours.

BTW, do FWC Horizons actually last for more than 1000? I don't think you usually get more than 1000 hours of block life on raw water cooled motors, right?

Thanks.

 

[amajamar]

As I am getting closer to commiting to purchase a 2001 310 with 640 hours (5.7 MPI Horizons), I am still concerned that I should be looking for one with less hours. There is another which I found with 400 hours, but it is about 3-5K more. I do understand that it's more about care and maintenance than just engine hours, but what is the real value/hour?

I should add that my plan is to keep the boat for five years, and the 250 less hours would be nice when going to sell.

I really need some advice here, so please chime in.

Thanks in advance!

 

[billnpat]

As I am getting closer to commiting to purchase a 2001 310 with 640 hours (5.7 MPI Horizons), I am still concerned that I should be looking for one with less hours. There is another which I found with 400 hours, but it is about 3-5K more. I do understand that it's more about care and maintenance than just engine hours, but what is the real value/hour?

I should add that my plan is to keep the boat for five years, and the 250 less hours would be nice when going to sell.

I really need some advice here, so please chime in.

Thanks in advance!

When we were looking for our 2002 310 we saw boats with less hours than the one we purchased.

They were in rough shape with previous owners, our boat was a one owner, had 259 more hours then the boats we saw,
but it was immaculate condition with all the service and records of up to date.

So far we feel we made the right decision on our purchase, Yes we had a few [problems as most boat owners do but in the long run
the boat is serving us well and we do maintain it as well as can be......

 

[amajamar]

When we were looking for our 2002 310 we saw boats with less hours than the one we purchased.

They were in rough shape with previous owners, our boat was a one owner, had 259 more hours then the boats we saw,
but it was immaculate condition with all the service and records of up to date.

So far we feel we made the right decision on our purchase, Yes we had a few [problems as most boat owners do but in the long run
the boat is serving us well and we do maintain it as well as can be......

Thanks for the reply. The dilemma is that the boat with fewer hours is in really good condition as well. We would need to have a camper top built on it, though, as the boat with the higher hours has one.

If I make an apples to apples comparison (accounting for canvas and electronics upgrades) of the two, the one with lower hours would cost about 9K more but would have the woodgrain interior.

That's quite a bit of money so I'm trying to be realistic, but I don't want to be short sighted and have it cost me down the road.

 

[billnpat]

Thanks for the reply. The dilemma is that the boat with fewer hours is in really good condition as well. We would need to have a camper top built on it, though, as the boat with the higher hours has one.

If I make an apples to apples comparison (accounting for canvas and electronics upgrades) of the two, the one with lower hours would cost about 9K more but would have the woodgrain interior.

That's quite a bit of money so I'm trying to be realistic, but I don't want to be short sighted and have it cost me down the road.

Not seeing the boat and if it were me? first i would get a survey of the boat with the higher numbers...if it passes then i would consider that boat.since it already has a camper and especially if its clean, the upgraded electronics is what you would most likely get either boat...

 

[Fly'n Family]

Thought I better mark this thread so I can come back to it. We just purchased a new to us 98' 310 with 5.7's Bravo III's and gen. When I have time, I'm sure this thread will be invaluable.

 

[cazimmy]

Thanks for the reply. The dilemma is that the boat with fewer hours is in really good condition as well. We would need to have a camper top built on it, though, as the boat with the higher hours has one.

If I make an apples to apples comparison (accounting for canvas and electronics upgrades) of the two, the one with lower hours would cost about 9K more but would have the woodgrain interior.

That's quite a bit of money so I'm trying to be realistic, but I don't want to be short sighted and have it cost me down the road.

Not seeing the boat and if it were me? first i would get a survey of the boat with the higher numbers...if it passes then i would consider that boat.since it already has a camper and especially if its clean, the upgraded electronics is what you would most likely get either boat...

I agree with Bill. Plus, I'm partial to the cherry interior, it makes the boat look much "richer". Plus, you can always offer less than the asking price.

 

[cabrale]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, if not I will repost it. I have a brand new never used canvas top in tan from my 2001 310 sundancer this is the 3 pieces behind the arch. I guess it's the slant back style. Ordered it by mistake. If anyone's interested let me know $1200. By the way I have my 310 for 7 years now and by far it's the best boat I have ever owned. Absolutely love it

 

[jaywoodz]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, if not I will repost it. I have a brand new never used canvas top in tan from my 2001 310 sundancer this is the 3 pieces behind the arch. I guess it's the slant back style. Ordered it by mistake. If anyone's interested let me know $1200. By the way I have my 319 for 7 years now and by far it's the best boat I have ever owned. Absolutely love it

Do you have pictures? I have a slant back too, just wondering if it's the same as mine.

 

[Fly'n Family]

Looking to replace cabin carpet and get deck carpet over the winter. Anyone know of a good source where it's all pre-cut and I just drop it in and go?

Thanks