Official 2003.5-2008 340 Sundancer Thread

Hello all, Does anyone know where to purchase a cover for the Raymarine 215 VHF? Mine is beat and looks like cr..!
Thanks, Mark
 
Everything under the cockpit sink is dry, both drain and supply, before it enters into the space between the hull and the cockpit liner, that has virtually no access. The supply runs down into the bilge into the supply manifold, all dry. Hot water heater is lower than my leak, it's coming from deck level. Going back down tonight to investigate more and try turning off select supply feeds on the manifold to see if I can isolate it that way, maybe I have a split hose where I can't see it, will post it up once I have it figured out.
 
The hot water heater relief valve has a drain hose attached to it. it runs up into the bulkhead to drain, undo the hose on the relief valve with water pump on and you will see it leaking. I pulled my hair out trying to find this myself.
 
Ahh, you know been back home after not finding anything tonight and was just thinking you had mentioned that earlier but I was only thinking about the valve at the hot water heater, but I noticed tonight the vent hose going up and forward to an overboard vent, what you just said didn't click until just now. Also when I was down tonight I noticed I had left the hot water heater on from my last weekend away, which is when this started and I don't usually leave it on except when using hot water. Almost has to be that, all the hoses from the manifold are dry and they are straight runs to the outlets so unlikely they would have a leak other than at the termination fitting.

Wow, thanks a ton Rick V, hoping that's the culprit, I'll find out tomorrow night! Thanks again, love this forum, so much good information and help from fellow owners.
 
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It was indeed the hot water heater relief valve, apparently the connection to the over board vent was leaking and water was running all the way back into the bilge. Sort of good as didn't damage anything only leaking into the bilge but sure did have me stumped for a few days. New relief valve and water leak resolved, at some point will investigate access to where the hose connects to the vent, for now happy got the leak stopped and enjoyed a three day weekend down Baltimore at the Fells Point Festival.
 
Prop Scan/Tune question for you guys. Generating my winter maintenance list and thought of this. Anyone have any experience with scanning, and potentially, tuning their props. The boat is now 10 yrs old. I have had it for one summer, and don't have any reason to believe there is anything wrong, but if there is a possibility of smoother cruising and a little performance I would consider it. Any thoughts? Thank you.
 
Did you check your WOT this season? If you are getting 4400 - 4600, with a clean bottom, that would indicate your engines are in good tune and your props are pitched properly. I did not have to scan Reward's props during my ownership as she always ran at that spec and was smooth. If you have some vibrations at cruise, prop work may improve that.

On another related topic - many of us have found that our 8.1s "ate" AC plugs - a couple of guys have switched brands, but I have not seen any results from that switch yet.
 
carterchapman said:
Did you check your WOT this season? If you are getting 4400 - 4600, with a clean bottom, that would indicate your engines are in good tune and your props are pitched properly. I did not have to scan Reward's props during my ownership as she always ran at that spec and was smooth. If you have some vibrations at cruise, prop work may improve that.

On another related topic - many of us have found that our 8.1s "ate" AC plugs - a couple of guys have switched brands, but I have not seen any results from that switch yet.
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Hey Carter, My Champion 13's are holding up strong so far. I was at the marina last night, water was a little rough to go out so I sat at the slip and watched the Red Sox beat the Tigers. While there I decided to crank up the engines, and they cranked RIGHT up.

The full number to the plug is 13 then under that is RS14YC6. Going strong for over a year now. The A/C's had to be changed twice a season.
 
Alex, I really don't remember what I paid for them, I just went to Auto Zone and purchased them on the recommendation from a mechanic friend of mine. I do remember they were wayyyy cheaper than the A/C Delco plugs.
 
For those that winterize what do you do with the engine hoses that go to the water heater when you winterize? Is there any reason to disconnect them from water heater or engine prior to running pink thru engine?
 
No, the engine coolant circulates through the heat exchanger in the water heater. You just need to drain the heater itself.
 
For those that like and don't like your 340s please respond. My wife and I are considering trading up again. Currently we are in an 06' 280 and we are looking at an 04' 340. I like the layout and was shocked when I was in the cabin and was able to standup in much of it (I'm 6'7"). Guess I'm just asking for what you like and don't like about the 340. And more importantly is there anything I should be looking for that is specific to the 340. Thanks in advance

steve
 
Sguignet said:
For those that like and don't like your 340s please respond. My wife and I are considering trading up again. Currently we are in an 06' 280 and we are looking at an 04' 340. I like the layout and was shocked when I was in the cabin and was able to standup in much of it (I'm 6'7"). Guess I'm just asking for what you like and don't like about the 340. And more importantly is there anything I should be looking for that is specific to the 340. Thanks in advance

steve
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You're not going to find many folks that have any issues with the 340 of this vintage. It's well thought out, and as you have seen is much larger than the length suggests. At 6'7" you're feet will be hanging off the end of the bed but I'm sure you've dealt with that plenty at your height. Engine room access is tight and I have trouble getting to everything at 6'2" but it's manageable. The 8.1's are perfect power plants for this boat, and virtually bulletproof. Plenty of storage for gear and supplies throughout.

There is plenty More to talk about but that would take days. Any specific questions?

I genuinely have nothing bad to say about her.
 
Okay, I suppose I should elaborate a little.

First the ugly: I have had a few issues with my boat. They are, in no particular order:
Radar Arch cracking due to stresses from the soft top option...if you get one with conventional bimini, it should not be a problem.
Both shaft tubes were not glassed into the hull properly and required repair
Sea Ray's sealing leaves a lot to be desired, had to reseal the windshield wiper posts, hatch, radar, pretty much anything that penetrated the hull was not sealed properly.

The good:

Everything else.
The boat performs like a sport boat, is very easy to single handedly operate. The berths are comfortable and the cockpit seating, helm seating is well thought out.

I can't imagine you would not be happy. My path in boats was similar to yours, I had a 280 DA, bought a 320 DA, then after a few years moved up to the 340 DA. Had I not been afraid of the price tag, I would have went directly to the 340, skipping the 320.

Given the absolute crash of the used boat market, which has yet to fully recover, the 340 is probably the best value on the used boat market. My 340 sold new in 2007 @ $279K.....
 
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