SeaRay 340 vs 380

[Sierra Azul]

Hello,
I’m in the market for my first express cruiser and have narrowed it down to a SeaRay 2003+ 340 or SeaRay 2006+ 38. Either boat would have to have the 8.1s and vdrive. I also want the pewter or blue colored hull. I would appreciate any input on the pros/cons of these boats.

I’ll be boating mostly on the California Delta and will take the boat out to the SF Bay a couple times a year. I will use the boat cruising typically with 8-10 people and for infrequent overnights.

I really like to design of both boats but prefer the more modern exterior of the 2006+ 380 with the hardtop, but its approx $50K+ more than a 340. Should I step up to the 380 or do you think the 340 would be just fine? Would there be a big difference in depreciation/resale between these boats? Is there a significant difference in cruising speed and fuel consumption?

Also, if anyone on the West Coast is considering selling one of these boats please let me know.

 

[GrandMaster]

The best advice I have ever read on this board (besides never drive around the dock faster than you want to hit it) is, "always get the biggest boat you can afford to buy and maintain".

 

[hack4alivin]

The best advice I have ever read on this board (besides never drive around the dock faster than you want to hit it) is, "always get the biggest boat you can afford to buy and maintain".

I will agree. If you buy the smaller you are only going to want the bigger one down the line. The only other thing I would add is if you are concerned about the “deprecation and the fuel consumption” then don’t buy a boat.

Oh yea in case no one has told you, the colored hulls are going to require more effort. At least if you are interested in keeping them sharp looking.

 

[Ididntdoit]

The Hardtop is a huge plus - cabin storage is minimal in the 38 but if you are not going on long trips and using it primarily for overnighting you should be fine - when you do, the separate shower and private stateroom are great - probably the biggest/heavyest boat you would want with gas engines

 

[HUMPH]

How about this beauty? http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=delta&&ywo=delta&

 

[Ididntdoit]

How about this beauty? http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=delta&&ywo=delta&

That is the same as the '06 up 40 and does not seem to perform well with gassers (the cummins are the preferred set-up) plus no hardtop makes that boat a hard sell as most of the '04 and up 390/40s have the hardtop

 

[HUMPH]

That is the same as the '06 up 40 and does not seem to perform well with gassers (the cummins are the preferred set-up) plus no hardtop makes that boat a hard sell as most of the '04 and up 390/40s have the hardtop

Don't get me wrong, I love diesels but this is a good value and a beautiful boat.