Welcome and good luck. Start with the thread dedicated to the 330 http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/12648-Official-330-Sundancer-Thread

 

Great boat! Probably one of the best Sea Ray built for a mid size cruiser. Feel free to ask away!

 

I have read other posts about water ingestion on certain model years and engine sizes. Did the 1997 330 Sundancer have any of these issues? Was there a difference between the carb engine and the fuel injected engine? Any other maintenance issues that were common to this year? What are the positives and negatives of this year and model? I am also looking at a 1995 330 Sundancer? Any big difference between these years?

 

I had two 1996 330's (the first was wrecked when I was hit by a BUI) and loved both of 'em. Mine were both powered by carbed 5.7L's and I was happy with those. They cruised about 1 mph slower than the carbed 7.4"'s but got better mileage. You can figure about 1mpg at hull speed and also throughout most of the rpm range when you're running on plane (3200-4000rpm's). It'll be a great boat for the Great Lakes.

 

The 95-97 330's have the same radar arch height. It was raised in 98-99. As a rule of thumb, a person 5'10" or more standing at the helm will hit their head on the front bimini canvas in the 95-97 models. I hope you're not 6'5"! We had a 97 330 and loved it. My head touched the front bimini, but it was not real noticeable. I sat a lot of the time.

 

It's a great model. The age of the boat dictates some diligence on the mechanicals. The 97 has a bigger forward berth due to the trim being raised off the pad. We have a dinette model and if you need the the berth the dinette converts guick and makes a comfortable double.

The carbs on the engines are no big deal. Staring is a bit more time. But once they are running they turn right over. Easier to work on. The only down side to the 7.4L engines is that the engine room is tight to get at most any system.

We are a family of five and love ours. Post up any questions you have we are all here to help.

Take care!

 

No water ingestion issues with the 97 year that I'm aware of. FI will give you easier starts from cold. Expect around 28 to 32 gph burn rate for the 7.4L engines based on sea conditions fuel and people load. Should get you around 23-25 knots cruise.

I usually stand in the center beside the helm and have no height issues at all while on cruise.