Purchase of a 340 vs 360

E

exrescueswimmer

New Member
Jul 17, 2011
32
Pompano Beach, fl
Boat Info
2003 360 Sundancer
Engines
8.1l Mercruisers inboard with v-drives
Hello, all!
First, thanks to all the experienced guys out there willing to take the time to share your thoughts on just about any subject you can think of! :thumbsup:

Looking to get our first boat and had settled on a 2003 340 when we found a 2003 360 for almost the same $$ (looked at it - very clean, very nice!). They have similar performance numbers and the same engines. We balked at it and after a couple of months the 360 is still available. So my question is, it seems the 340's are moving fair enough out there - if the 360 is priced in that range I would expect it to have gone by now. Barring any mechanical or electrical issues, are there any design or other disadvantages to a 360 vs the 340? Is there anything that would make it a less desirable boat than the 340?

I appreciate any and all help in the matter!
 
When the 360 was new it wasn't very popular - not because it wasn't a great boat, but because it was also in between two other great boats the 340 and the 380 - most people looking to buy "more" boat than the 340 opted for the 380 for "A little more $$$" than the 360. It seems most 340 buyers did not want to pay the premium for the little they gained upping to the 360........So it got "stuck in the middle" - that makes the 360 a great value now - well powered, a private stateroom, semi-separate shower, etc - most people don't know to look for a 360 when considering a 340 as there just aren't as many around - go for it!
 
The systems on the 2 boats are identical and the 360 has proven to be a good boat so you are not going to find a mechanical or design reason for avoiding the larger boat.

I think the 360DA was an in between sized boat for the Sundancer line and it never really caught on for one simple reason. You can have a 340DA dry stored in a barn with large forklift capability, but the 360DA is too big to dry stack and in our part of the world, that limits 360 owners to a wet slip, and that creates some added overhead (but not much) for bottom maintenance, insurance, slip lease and some limitations on where you can find a slip for the boat. For a long time in this area, there were no wet slips available and you needed to be on a waiting list for a year or more to get one. So buyers who were inclined to keep a boat in the water usually looked at a 380DA, 40DA 410DA etc. instead of the 360 and that makes the 36 somewhat of a lower demand boat.

I'd say that if you like the 360DA, the money makes sense and you are ready for a boat that is kept in the water, then make a run at the 36.
 
Had a 340 and went to a 370...WOW what a difference! I can't believe I didn't hold out for the 370 in the first place. I know that is not a 360, but the differences between a 370 and the 340 are amazing. My father-in-law and mother-in-law were on our new boat today for the first time and couldn't believe the difference between the two. Definitely a good choice on the upgrade!
 
The cockpit in the 360 is quite a bit larger than the 340. It also has the "Bat Cave" shower which is better than getting the entire head wet while showering...
 
exrescueswimmer said:
Hello, all! are there any design or other disadvantages to a 360 vs the 340? Is there anything that would make it a less desirable boat than the 340?QUOTE]

None that I know of. I think post #2 and 3 are right on. This is our third season with ours, and we are very happy with it.
Good luck
Click to expand...
 
Unless I am mistaken you will have a bit more room in your bilge area, which to some is a blessing.
 
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HUMPH said:
The cockpit in the 360 is quite a bit larger than the 340. It also has the "Bat Cave" shower which is better than getting the entire head wet while showering...
Click to expand...

For me this would be the only reason I need to go for the 360!!! :grin:
 
What's the beam difference?
 
I believe the 340 is around 11' and the 360 is around 12.5 ' I however do not have a specification sheet on either for any years model.
 
Pseudo, I know that the later generation 340 (>2003) is 12'. Looks like the 360 is 12'6". Not sure how that impacts on ER space, but there's a good reason to go with the 360. If you can stand btwn the engines on the 360, BUY IT!

360DA
 
rondds said:
Pseudo, I know that the later generation 340 (>2003) is 12'. Looks like the 360 is 12'6". Not sure how that impacts on ER space, but there's a good reason to go with the 360. If you can stand btwn the engines on the 360, BUY IT!

360DA
Click to expand...

There is better room between the motors in a 360.
IMG_1507.jpg
 
OK, here's an ER shot from one for sale in Maryland. This ER is the deal-maker for me!
2363840_20.jpg
 
I don't even want to think about the fuel burn in a 34/36/38 boat with gas engines. Diesel would be the way to go if the initial cost wasn't so much more.
 
Beam isn't as important as the centerline to centerline distance between shafts, although available beam obviously has some effect on engine placement. More distance between the engines makes service a lot easier and asymmetrical thrust better and, therefore, close quarter handling more responsive.

But, getting to the back side of that generator is still going to be a *****.
 
Frank W, you are correct sir! My boat is 12 1/2' beam and I can't get my forearm btwn the exhaust manifolds. And I think my props are about 7" apart! Takes an awful lot of throttle to spin my boat.
 
I was just going through Sea Ray's web site yesterday and under the customer service tab you can download the archived spec sheets for almost all models of Sea Rays.
 
Can one of you 360 guys explain the head/shower relationship to me?
 
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