Want to learn how to buy a 340 Sundancer

[stirus]

My wife and I have owned a boat in the past, (19 ft Bayliner) and have rented boats in FL (24-26 ft). We know we want more boat--specifically separate forward-facing passenger seat, cabin we can comfortably overnight in, spacious and padded deck area. Good handling, safety, quality build, and extras are all important to us.

The 340 Sundancer looks like it fills the bill. Looks like we get the separate forward seat beginning in 2003. In terms of money I'd like to spend the least amount but am concerned about how to know if an older boat is sound or not. Should I look for a boat that has only been in fresh water? How many hours is okay on the engines? What am I likely to have to fix/replace? Should I buy local or look anywhere in the US? How do I find a good expert to help me asses the condition of the boat?

Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated.

Stephen Wood

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Spend some time on "yachtworld" and "boattrader" looking at the models you like.
Zero in on a year range and then, look close to home so the boat can be driven home on its own bottom.

Northern boats tend to be in good shape because, they are only used a few months a year. This will vary depending on proper upkeep.

A freshwater boat is great but, usually not worth trucking it to the sea.

When you find a boat you like and have looked at it in person...get a marine surveyor to check out the boat.
Then, you need a mechanical survey of the engines by a qualified tech.
Around 100 hours or less per year is normal engines hours and over 1000 is going to drop the value considerably....look at lower being better.

Whatever you buy, plan on changing many of the wear items now, so you start from zero.
All battery's.
Exhaust manifolds/risers.
Cap,rotor,wires,plugs.
Raw water pumps.
Zincs.
Waste system duckbills.
That will get you started...

Best of luck,

Mark.

 

[hottoddie]

Stephan

Where around Boston do you plan on keeping the boat? I have known several people that own and have owned SeaRay 340's. They are nice boats but like most boats they have their quirks. Some of them had poorly designed exhaust in the earlier years and SeaRay did a lot of engine exhaust and engine replacements under warranty. Make sure whatever boat you look at has the newer exhaust system updates. Second, like you I run in salt water and my advise is (a few will disagree) don't even look at any boat that has raw water cooled motors as they are just a major problem waiting to happen. Third,like most production boats the 340 they comes from the factory with inadequate trim tabs. I have done and seen done several that have had the factory trim planes removed and wider and longer trim planes installed. It changes the whole personality of the boat. Fourth, make any deal contingent on satisfactory survey and sea trial. Good luck and watch out for Sandy damaged boats.

Ray

 

[Ididntdoit]

Stephan

Where around Boston do you plan on keeping the boat? I have known several people that own and have owned SeaRay 340's. They are nice boats but like most boats they have their quirks. Some of them had poorly designed exhaust in the earlier years and SeaRay did a lot of engine exhaust and engine replacements under warranty. Make sure whatever boat you look at has the newer exhaust system updates. Second, like you I run in salt water and my advise is (a few will disagree) don't even look at any boat that has raw water cooled motors as they are just a major problem waiting to happen. Third,like most production boats the 340 they comes from the factory with inadequate trim tabs. I have done and seen done several that have had the factory trim planes removed and wider and longer trim planes installed. It changes the whole personality of the boat. Fourth, make any deal contingent on satisfactory survey and sea trial. Good luck and watch out for Sandy damaged boats.

Ray

He's looking at 2003.5-2008 models most of what you state above does not apply 99% of them are equipped with 8.1 horizons (fresh water cooled) and vdrives and are one of sea rays best ever cruisers no need for larger tabs and its a real rocketship....the one thing I remember frank advising to check on was whether or not the boat in question has the aluminum manifolds - if it does price the cast iron replacements into the equasion otherwise the exhaust system is fine

 

[FootballFan]

Stephan,

First - welcome aboard. The 340 is a great boat - at least for us.

There is a great 340 Thread on this site. When I was shopping I read the entire thread - was exetremly helpful. Quite a few people on this site who have a lot of knowledge that I have learned alot from.

Mark

 

[MonacoMike]

If you have not already done so, download the standards and options sheet from the Sea Ray archive and determine what you must have and what years it was available.

MM

 

[FootballFan]

If you have not already done so, download the standards and options sheet from the Sea Ray archive and determine what you must have and what years it was available.

MM

Great tip.

When I was shopping I used the Sea Ray site extensively. Under past models, you can view the specs for any year model - really see what the difference is between an 02 vs 03, - or other combinations.

 

[stirus]

Lots of great advice. Thanks! - stephen

 

[dpmulvey]

The 340 is a beautiful boat.

Make sure you fit in the centerline queen berth. That is the biggest complaint I hear from the >6' tall owners. The 330 starboard berth is much bigger.

The 496 is a great engine. Stay away from the desire to to let her run unless you have deep pockets. She'll run through some fuel!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but are't the plug wires a bit pricey for the 8.1? If so, make sure the surveyor checks them closely.

Good luck and welcome.

 

[Kreole Kid]

I absolutely love my 340, imho I really think that you really don't see/feel a real change in space and size till you get to the 45' and up sizes. Again just MY opinon.

 

[nowakezone]

I absolutely love my 340, imho I really think that you really don't see/feel a real change in space and size till you get to the 45' and up sizes. Again just MY opinon.

Absolutely X2 on this one, Bruce and I could have written that very statement...but as you said...it's just my opinion. Certainly not trying to start a debate, but I've noticed even on this board when guys move up from a 34-38 it's generally to a 44-45 or better.

 

[BritLady]

The 340 is a really great boat, we just love ours, great choice! However, like somone else said she does like the "juice" We like "cocktail speed" apart from if we're offshore or just blowing her out now and again. Can't say the Captain has any issues with our queen berth and he's 6' 1". With regard to manifolds, when we did research before buying, we were informed by SeaRay that engines prior to S/N OW393388 were aluminium which is VERY useful info to know. Good luck!

 

[FootballFan]

Absolutely X2 on this one, Bruce and I could have written that very statement...but as you said...it's just my opinion. Certainly not trying to start a debate, but I've noticed even on this board when guys move up from a 34-38 it's generally to a 44-45 or better.

Totally agree with this. Love my 340 - excellent boat. 6'4, I do fine in the forward berth.

Next boat will be in the mid 40's range with a flybridge - thats just me.