What to look for in a used 320 or 340 Sandancer

[merkdog]

Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a 320 or 340 Sundancer. This is the first cruiser I've bought and looking for a little help on what to look for to avoid major issues down the road. I'm leaning toward the 340 and found a few (2004-2006) with 200-300 hours and believe this is pretty low hours but had some questions.
1) what is low hours?
2) How many hours are these motors (gas) good for?
3) Besides motors, what should I keep a look out for?
any help would be appreciated.
thanks

 

[JimG]

200-300 hours for a 2004-2006 boat is considered low hours. With proper maintenance, gasoline engines can survive up to and over 2,000 hours. On my previous boat (the 270), I would put about 100 hours on per season... it had over 900 hours on it when I traded after 10 years of service with no problems. I just finished my 8th season with my 310 and it only has ~350 hours on it... so I'm running it much less.


Go for the 340 and welcome to CSR!

 

[skolbe]

My 320 has 385 hours on it, it is a 2007. I find that reasonable hours for being in a market that has to winterize.

 

[DjDaoust]

I just traded my 2006 320 for a 1998 450. She has 600 hours on the 6.2 Merc's and ran flawless. You should be able to find a nice 320/340 in the $90-95k range. Great boats.

 

[merkdog]

What else besides engine hours should I be looking out for? Obviously I'll get a marine survey but don't want to find a boat and have inspection come back with a laundry list of issues.

All my experience is in mid 20's ski boats. How is the learning curve for getting used to a boat this size?

thanks for the help.

 

[MasterFab]

Not to hijack this thread, but I am likely selling my 340 over the winter or in the spring, so take a look at my blog (link below), and let me know if you are interested. Getting used to a boat this size does take a bit of time, but it's not a long learning curve if you are already a boater. Twin inboards are actually easier to handle than single engine or sterndrive vessels, so you'll love it once you get used to it.

Dale

 

[JimG]

What else besides engine hours should I be looking out for? Obviously I'll get a marine survey but don't want to find a boat and have inspection come back with a laundry list of issues.

thanks for the help.

Maintenance records
How clean is the boat
Is it fresh water or salt water used

 

[carterchapman]

I may be OCD about it, but I had oil sample results for my years of ownership of my gas 340...The new owner said that made a difference to him - as well as the condition...

 

[merkdog]

Thanks for all the replies. All good information and will help with my search.

 

[SkiPharmer]

I just finished my first season with my 1995 330 (pretty much identical boat). I live in MN. I wouldn't pay attention to hours too much, my boat has 1,200 hours. Engines are made to run, if they are properly maintained and not abused they will last forever. After having this boat I will never own a boat with outdrives. I have the 454s with V-drives and a genny. You can see how well something is taken care of by how clean it is. Whatever boat you buy, get a compression test and have a mechanic go thru it with you. Driving a boat like this with V-drives is so easy, watch 15 min of youtube videos and practice on a calm day. Also, genny's are made to run....don't let hours scare you off. I would rather buy an older well maintained boat then a newer one that has been neglected. Personally, I like the cabin and cockpit layout better of my model than the new 340 and newer 330's.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Not to hijack this thread, but I am likely selling my 340 over the winter or in the spring, so take a look at my blog (link below), and let me know if you are interested. Getting used to a boat this size does take a bit of time, but it's not a long learning curve if you are already a boater. Twin inboards are actually easier to handle than single engine or sterndrive vessels, so you'll love it once you get used to it.

Dale

Buy this one..........Seriously.

 

[merkdog]

Buy this one..........Seriously.

Nice boat but I live in Chicago and would prefer to have a boat that hasn't touch salt water. There are a few nice 340's on the market up here now and guessing with boat show in January more will come for sale after that. I'm not in a hurry since the season is over and would prefer to walk into a dealership end of February when we still have snow on the ground and salesmen will be itching to make a sale. Plus I have 2 new snowmobiles to keep me occupied till then

 

[MasterFab]

My 340 IS a freshwater boat - I am up the Hudson river. I'd deliver too - that would be a great ride.

Dale

 

[HUMPH]

My 340 IS a freshwater boat - I am up the Hudson river. I'd deliver too - that would be a great ride.

Dale

Jeez Dale,

You'll do anything for a good boat ride! Find that 410DA you wanted yet!

 

[MasterFab]

450 or 460 Ken - my knees need the room.

Dale

 

[HUMPH]

450 or 460 Ken - my knees need the room.

Dale

Hmmm, how things change! I have my eye on a 510DA right now but need to get the Admiral on board. It has 3406E's so it would be a fun one!

 

[DjDaoust]

A good, quality marine surveyor should be able to find any potential issues with mechanics, sounding, etc. Do some research on ones in your area. Ask a lot of questions before hiring them. Don't skimp on price. I just had one done for the 450 DA I just bought and paid $700. He provided me with a 20 page summary and noted all issues he came across. I was fortunate that the boat came back to be a great vessel at a good price. And now I own her!