Upgrading Questions 1996 330 to a 2018 350

[catcrane]

Hello All, I am new to the site but figured where better to get info than from those who own them!

I currently have a 1997 330 and took it to the dealer yesterday because the starboard engine was cutting out under power. While I was there I boarded a 2018 350 Sundancer hardtop. Cant really find any info from any owners to see how it is. It has the 8.2L Mercruiser engines with the Axium system. Would really like to upgrade but its a big jump in price! Anyone out there have any thoughts or experience with this boat or the Axium system?


Thanks in advance

 

[JimG]

Was it that much bigger than your 330?

Welcome to CSR!

 

[catcrane]

No not really, different seating and the cabin seems a little bigger. Was trying to stay in the ballpark of what this boat listed for. The family has grown and need a little more seating for the kids.

 

[Stee6043]

That's a heck of a jump in cost! I went through a brand new 350 at a boat show two years ago. It was a beauty. They seem to do a "lot more" with the interiors on newer boats when compared to our vintage. The hull size may be similar but they should feel quite a bit roomier.

If you're looking for space I'd personally suggest you look at mid 2000's 400's. I believe the hardtop became standard in 2004 +/-. For the money they're going to get for that 350 you should be able to easily get into a very nice 400 which is a lot, lot more boat. My opinion only....

 

[catcrane]

I was looking online at the slx and it looks more like what we need for seating. Not many around the southwest Michigan area. Closest one is a couple hours away, would love to look at them.

 

[Stee6043]

There is one in Grand Haven at Skipper Buds. That is a slick day boat. If I had the coin and didn't need overnight capability I'd be all over that 350SLX....

 

[yv1]

Depreciation on your 330 = 0. Depreciation on the 350 SD = several hundred thousands on the first 5 years.
Preventive maintenance (oil change, impellers, etc) on the 350 is about 3 times more expensive than the 330.
The 350 is a much better boat by far. New is better than 21 years old for sure.
Something that you also consider is that Sea Ray is for sale. That could bring some changes. Different dealer network, new models, etc.

 

[Stee6043]

Depreciation on your 330 = 0. Depreciation on the 350 SD = several hundred thousands on the first 5 years.
Preventive maintenance (oil change, impellers, etc) on the 350 is about 3 times more expensive than the 330.
The 350 is a much better boat by far. New is better than 21 years old for sure.
Something that you also consider is that Sea Ray is for sale. That could bring some changes. Different dealer network, new models, etc.

3X on PM? How do you figure?

 

[Todd320]

2018 350 base price is 382k msrp, not sure what a fully loaded 350 would sell for, compared to MSRP, never purchased a new boat. However, if in that ballpark, say 350k+, you can get a 10, or 11 year old 44 Sundancer for somewhere around 300, and probably less, just looking a yacht world. Regardless, that pretty 2018 350 is really similar in layout, overall length, beam, etc, as my 07 320, looks to be the same exact hull and configuration of deck space, so I would probably get the 350!

 

[yv1]

For example 8.2 manifolds $540, 7.4 manifolds $230. 8.2s + Axius requires synthetic oil, 7.4s mineral oil is ok. There are several aftermarket parts for 7.4s. For 8.2s only Mercruiser brand parts from the dealer. Try to find a mechanic willing to work on a 2018 out of the dealers. Any mechanic will be happy to work on 7.4s. Very limited electronics, no special expensive tools.
If you use any aftermarket part you might void your warranty.
The 2018 boat has twice as many systems that require some maintenance. Like the big sunroof, you need to clean and lub the tracks, etc. On the 330 only a canvas top.

 

[Stee6043]

For example 8.2 manifolds $540, 7.4 manifolds $230. 8.2s + Axius requires synthetic oil, 7.4s mineral oil is ok. There are several aftermarket parts for 7.4s. For 8.2s only Mercruiser brand parts from the dealer. Try to find a mechanic willing to work on a 2018 out of the dealers. Any mechanic will be happy to work on 7.4s. Very limited electronics, no special expensive tools.
If you use any aftermarket part you might void your warranty.
The 2018 boat has twice as many systems that require some maintenance. Like the big sunroof, you need to clean and lub the tracks, etc. On the 330 only a canvas top.

Three times the PM cost and twice as many systems? I must not be getting out to see enough new boats these days

 

[SmilingMonkey]

3x the cost to maintain is is a load of you know what. I went from a 2010 330 to a 2016 350 and my maintenance expenses didn't change a bit. (Just slip and fuel costs)

They are a beautiful boat.