The new 330 Sundancer is here!

[marqbloq]

I have heard that a 370 may replace the 340, not a 350. No idea if that is true.

My resource said they did not know the LOA or Beam. I am visiting MM in Oakland next week to view their's, and I'll ask them. If it is in the water which most of their bigger boats are, I'll try to negotiate a test ride.

This boat has TVD 8.1 Horizons with the new Mercury DTS system (drive by wire). It works just like a stern drive but in fact is a V drive with ZF transmissions. I have come to like my split throttle and shifters but I might like this too. It has all the controls on the handles including the troll switches and an electronic synchronizer.

 

[Bottom Line]

One of the CSR members, HokiesFan (I think), has a new 38DA...and I think he has indicated his new boat has these new shifters.

Any pics of the head or bilge?

 

[Hampton]

The lines inside this boat are very - linear. Things seem to be designed with a lot of sharp angles and straight lines (from pictures). The previous generation was much more flowing in design - just an observation.

It wouldn't suprise me if the 340 became a 370. 340 is misleading in my opinion. According to my safety guide under the helm, it's called a 375 internationally.

 

[Scappare]

Thank you for all the pictures. The new 330 looks very similar to our '07 310 that we have had for a few months. Just a quick comment on some of the posts: We use the electric grill constantly, burgers, steaks, etc. some pretty greasy stuff - so far nothing has splattered on to the boat. As an aside, under the grate is a disposable foil tray. The wife loves the full legth mirror that turns outward against the steps, which means the glass is facing inward when she is getting ready. We like the rumble seat especially when swimming, fishing or more than 4 people on board but it does absolutely cut into storage/bumper space. Something that is nice that maybe is not obvious - because of the size of radar arch there are no metal posts and stuff in the cockpit so it's a nice clean view from the helm.

Other stuff - Our sink is too small but it looks like it is bigger on the 330. Although the 2 triangle shaped windows on the bow itself let in light they do not open.

Good and Bad - we have a straight shot (walking) from the stern to the cabin which means no toes and knees to hit, but it also means no port side seating. Thanks again for all the pictures!

 

[teekster]

The lines inside this boat are very - linear. Things seem to be designed with a lot of sharp angles and straight lines (from pictures). The previous generation was much more flowing in design - just an observation.

It wouldn't suprise me if the 340 became a 370. 340 is misleading in my opinion. According to my safety guide under the helm, it's called a 375 internationally.

I agree with your comments about the design. I really prefer the old curves. IMHO, the pictures make it seem somewhat cramped for a boat of this size. Maybe it is because of all the straight lines. :huh:

 

[Bridog]

Does the forward berth pull out or does the back part fold down flat?

 

[jg300da]

IMHO, the pictures make it seem somewhat cramped for a boat of this size. Maybe it is because of all the straight lines. :huh:

I agree, looks much narrower than the current 340. Anyone know the beam?

 

[marqbloq]

The forward berth is stationary but the back part of it is mechanically actuated and goes up so you can watch TV or read better.

 

[marqbloq]

More interior.

 

[thunderbird1]

Marq: How odd that the searay.com site doesn't feature the boat yet? Do you have a shot of the entire cockpit area (so I can see the seating layout)? I'll visit Trudeau's next week to take a look. I think I may have found my next boat, but I'll need to print some money first.

 

[marqbloq]

Tbird:

Here are some cockpit photos.

 

[wredman]

interesting, thats basically the current, soon to be old, 300da with one extra swivel seat.

 

[jrirvine1]

Look’s like SR is fully committed to this new design for the sport cruisers, first unveiled via the new 310.

I have two comments regarding the integral molded swim platform. This design takes up valuable cockpit space by moving the transom forward and may make it somewhat difficult for someone that needs to mount a sizeable dinghy. Also, do not like the look of the sides as they extend out over the platform – ok, thats three things.

 

[jg300da]

Actually it started with the introduction of the 290 2 years ago, and those "fins" on the platform caught my eye as well. I've since been on a couple and they don't really get in the way. Funny how the look grows on you as time passes. Including the platform in the LOA though, is not something that grows on me. This boat looks much smaller than the old 330, and I think that forward transom has a lot to do with it.

 

[Dave S]

When these new designs come out it is inevitable that those who have owned the current or older designs of Sundancers of similar size will make comparisons. I have done it myself in the sport boat arena which i am more familiar with. I like some things on the newer sport boat designs but there are also things on older designs I like better. The same is true here for you owners of bigger Sundancers who can make comparisons based on your knowledge of your current boats.

But speaking from the perspective of a person who has never owned a cruiser bigger than the 260DA I have, if I wanted a newer bigger cruiser, the 330DA is a boat I would choose without reservation. I was really impressed with the roominess and well thought out layout. The performance of the boat on the water when I got my test ride then totally convinced me that this is going to be a top seller in the Sea Ray line. I won't be buying one because it is out of my price range but it sure looks to be a winner to me.

 

[jrcinnh]

The whole style thing is so subjective and transitory. Remember when the Ford introduce the Taurus in the mid 80's? It was considered such a radical design, now it looks very dated.

Five or six years from now when the new for 2014 320 DA comes out, this 330 will be the good old days.

 

[marqbloq]

One of the interesting things about this boat is it has redundant (dual) power inputs, both 30amp. Does anyone know the benefit of this and why SR may have gone this route?

 

[jg300da]

Are you sure they're both inputs? I doubt a boat this size would require two inputs unless it had multiple AC units.

 

[marqbloq]

Yes, they are both inputs, each 30amp, labled Shore1 and Shore2 (see photo; sorry for poor quality).

 

[teekster]

I doubt a boat this size would require two inputs unless it had multiple AC units.

My 340 has 2. It hasn't been a problem at the marina, but we are moving to a lake house which only has 20amp shore power.