Official 370 Express Cruiser Thread (1997-2000)

[techmitch]

Merry Christmas Eve.
I need to replace the screens in my side portal windows. The ones in the bathroom and above the settee. What is the trick to getting those screens out?View attachment 138019

You have to remove the gasket and screen from the inside. Unless the gaskets have been replaced before they will probably be ruined during removal and if original they should be replaced anyhow at 23 years old. For the new ones, get the type that the screen is in a plastic frame that inserts into the gasket and is removable instead of being glued in behind it.

 

[West32]

Does anyone know which kit I need to buy to replace the screens and seals?
https://www.mmimarine.com//mmi/index.php?pid=prod&prod_id=389778&item=view&prod_id=389525
BOMP100-04-RETRO or BOMP100-03-RETRO?

 

[West32]

Well, after some research, it was all here already.

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/porthole-screens.43043/

If you have your Sea Ray parts manual it's part # 959288 Portlight , Screen & Gasket (Bomar) that cross references to P100-04-RETRO.

Our Manual shows 959288 on page 3 and 4

Now I just need to find 2 for a reasonable price

 

[SEAWOLF]

Yesterday I changed the Gutless bearing.The key is to have the right tool.

 

[GnrlPatton]

Yesterday I changed the Gutless bearing.The key is to have the right tool.


View attachment 138441

Have the right tool, AND remove both set screws. I found one of them, the other was pretty encrusted over so I didn't notice it. I wondered why the bearing wasn't just sliding right out like they showed in the video! Oops.

 

[Zooomin]

Does anyone have any experience making the original firm bed more comfortable? I’ve been reading about adding a 2” to 3” thick natural latex topper as opposed to something else like a memory foam or gel topper. The latex topper seems to be what is recommended over foam by a couple high end marine bed manufacturers.

 

[West32]

Does anyone have any experience making the original firm bed more comfortable? I’ve been reading about adding a 2” to 3” thick natural latex topper as opposed to something else like a memory foam or gel topper. The latex topper seems to be what is recommended over foam by a couple high end marine bed manufacturers.

3" Foam from the Foam Factory - Poly Foam - King - 76x80 x3. Use an electric knife to cut it to match the existing and put it on top. https://www.thefoamfactory.com/
It was $87 shipped in 2021

 

[mrsrobinson]

Used 3 or 4" on the 330DA. Agree to electric knife but cut it larger as it compresses.

 

[SEAWOLF]

Have the right tool, AND remove both set screws. I found one of them, the other was pretty encrusted over so I didn't notice it. I wondered why the bearing wasn't just sliding right out like they showed in the video! Oops.

My screws were bad had to be drilled and new ones made.

 

[Lhs3422]

Good afternoon guys: I've been on a hunt for the right 370 and I looked at a nice clean one this week that I'll probably take a shot at. It's a lightly used (just over 700 hours) freshwater '99 w/ Mag 380 MPI's. Has the 2.5-1 velvet drives and 21-24 4 blade Hy Torqs. Based on what I've read here, the boat should cruise 21-22 knots at around 3400 rpm or so with this combo. I will not be loading the boat up that much, except for the occasional long haul when cruising. Anything I'm missing here? Always though about owning a diesel boat and I still might someday, but I'm not sure it's going to be necessary with this boat the way I'll be using it. Thanks, Leigh

 

[mrsrobinson]

I can't help you with your diesel comment, now that I have them I would never go back though for that size boat. I looked at some 370s over the years, I think it's a great boat. Everyone will tell you get mechanical inspections including fluid sample analysis and surveys. Make sure the exhaust has been upgraded as well.

 

[SEAWOLF]

Good afternoon guys: I've been on a hunt for the right 370 and I looked at a nice clean one this week that I'll probably take a shot at. It's a lightly used (just over 700 hours) freshwater '99 w/ Mag 380 MPI's. Has the 2.5-1 velvet drives and 21-24 4 blade Hy Torqs. Based on what I've read here, the boat should cruise 21-22 knots at around 3400 rpm or so with this combo. I will not be loading the boat up that much, except for the occasional long haul when cruising. Anything I'm missing here? Always though about owning a diesel boat and I still might someday, but I'm not sure it's going to be necessary with this boat the way I'll be using it. Thanks, Leigh

I owned a 330 EC with 340 Hp Mercruiser and it was underpowered for me, 370 EC is a heavy 40 feet boat, spend more money get a diesel, It's like day and night, my personal advice.

 

[Zooomin]

I have a question about running time per hour with the stock fridge. I am sizing a new house battery bank and was curious if any of you with the same fridge (1997 370 Express Cruiser) knows how many total minutes per hour it runs. Would be nice to know if my fridge run time is similar with others. I timed my fridge yesterday and got roughly 9:30 minutes on, then 7:30 minutes off, and so on for a rough total of 37 minutes run time per hour. It seems high to me but maybe normal. Thanks in advance!

 

[West32]

Has anyone replaced their Refrigerator? What did you get? Looking for Options

 

[Lhs3422]

Has anyone replaced their Refrigerator? What did you get? Looking for Options

I looked at one of our boats which had an Isotherm side by side with stainless front that looked like a nice unit. Seemed to be a direct replacement for the OEM.

 

[Lhs3422]

Good afternoon guys: I've been on a hunt for the right 370 and I looked at a nice clean one this week that I'll probably take a shot at. It's a lightly used (just over 700 hours) freshwater '99 w/ Mag 380 MPI's. Has the 2.5-1 velvet drives and 21-24 4 blade Hy Torqs. Based on what I've read here, the boat should cruise 21-22 knots at around 3400 rpm or so with this combo. I will not be loading the boat up that much, except for the occasional long haul when cruising. Anything I'm missing here? Always though about owning a diesel boat and I still might someday, but I'm not sure it's going to be necessary with this boat the way I'll be using it. Thanks, Leigh

Well, I bought the boat. First of many questions. I want to upgrade/change the original Danforth to a heavier plow style anchor. First choice is a Rocna Vulcan. I serve as a Principal Race Officer a few times a year on Lake St Clair and need to be able hold in open water with a weedy mud bottom. Danforths have a tough time setting in our weeds and can break loose when the waves get big. I have seen pictures of these boats with plow anchors and it looks like they fit okay. Anything in particular to look for to get a good fit? Also will be replacing canvas, new floor in the cabin and the other usual OCD things you just can't resist doing with a new to me boat! Thanks! Leigh

 

[West32]

Another question for you guys, What battery charger have you upgraded to on your 370? Mine is original and I'd like to replace it. Let me know! 28 more days to 2023 Splash!!!!

 

[Boca_Vincent]

Well, I bought the boat. First of many questions. I want to upgrade/change the original Danforth to a heavier plow style anchor. First choice is a Rocna Vulcan. I serve as a Principal Race Officer a few times a year on Lake St Clair and need to be able hold in open water with a weedy mud bottom. Danforths have a tough time setting in our weeds and can break loose when the waves get big. I have seen pictures of these boats with plow anchors and it looks like they fit okay. Anything in particular to look for to get a good fit? Also will be replacing canvas, new floor in the cabin and the other usual OCD things you just can't resist doing with a new to me boat! Thanks! Leigh

I have a 35# delta plow which fits just fine. There was a 22# on there when I got the boat but I lost it one time while retrieving it the swivel broke. Make sure you have enough chain. I only had like 25 or 30 ft originally before rode, I have since added 150'.
Congrats and Good luck with your other projects.

 

[Lhs3422]

I have a 35# delta plow which fits just fine. There was a 22# on there when I got the boat but I lost it one time while retrieving it the swivel broke. Make sure you have enough chain. I only had like 25 or 30 ft originally before rode, I have since added 150'.
Congrats and Good luck with your other projects.

Thank you! Great to have a confirmation that something works!

 

[aquaholic]

IM LOOKIG TO REPLACE MY RUDDER TIE BAR IT RUSTY AND NOT SURE IF I CAN REFINISH IT OR CAN I BUY ONE, ANYONE HAVE ANY INPUT, THANK YOU NICK 2000 37 EXPRESS