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Official (1998-2002) 310 Sundancer Thread

715K views 2.4K replies 230 participants last post by  Todd1465  
#1 ·
I'm not sure if I can call this "Official" or not, but there doesn't seem to be a specific general thread about this model boat.

This Saturday I'm trading in my 2000 260DA on a 2000 310DA; here's the specs on the new boat:
350 Mag Bravo 3's, tan camper canvas, GPS, etc etc etc. Everythng seems pretty standard on these boats. No Radar, possibly adding this next season if it's needed (and $ permits).
Will most likely be adding a genny - we plan on using this boat a lot, and sleeping on the hook a lot. It's got the white interior, with light wood accents. I'd prefer the darker cherry wood interior, and dark canvas, but this boat comes from a seriously anal-retentive previous owner who really took great care of her. So i'm trading minor aesthetic issues for a more reliable and mechanically sound boat.

Any advice, opinions, thoughts on these boats?

Thanks in advance,
Keith
 
#2 ·
Present.

I really like this model. I think it was very under-rated. I like the aesthetics, cabin layout, and ride/handling. I have been in countless Sea Ray's, and this model without a doubt is one of the best handling boats in that size range.

Hope you enjoy yours.
 
#4 ·
You will love the boat. However, I would recommend getting a 2" memory foam topper for the for the bed in the v-birth. Cut a queen size down to fit the strange shape. Also, I got a mini fridge and placed it in the storage compartment on the port side. Really helps out having the beer fridge in the cockpit. I think mine is a heiler or some such brand.
 
#7 ·
Keith,

I hope your sale and delivery go smoothly. We have the 1999 310DA with v-drives, a must for year-round use in salt water. We have had it for four years, and put about 370 hrs on the engines. This boat had new engines installed, due to water ingestion, about 50 hrs before we bought it. I tell everyone that it is economical enough for a weekend joyride, and comfortable enough for a 2 week cruise. Hopefully, we will stretch that to a month or so in retirement (starting later this year).

BTW - I'm a native Long Islander. My parents bought a Pacemaker from Boatland in Lindenhurst way back in 1959, but we were north-shore boaters.

See you later.
 
#8 ·
I'll have to get some pics and change my signature now- took delivery on the 2000 310 yesterday. Ran like a champ, great space and utility. Totally beat from being out on the water all weekend (we had GREAT weather all weekend here in NY). Docking was challenging; but it's just going to take some practice...
Dozens of stupid questions to come,
Keith
 
#11 ·
Hi Keith,

We bought our (new to us) 2000 310DA this year and I absolutely love this boat. I know that everyone talks about bigger is better, but I am in love with this boat. I love the stable and comfortable ride, the cabin layout and space, every thing about it has been terrific so far. I do wish I had a walk through windshield, but that is the only thing. We have the Genny on ours I am suprised that you don't, but hopefully it won't be too hard to add. If you even need one, you might find out that you don't need one at all.

Congrats on the new boat, I hope you love it as much as I do mine. The docking thing is way way easier than any single engine boat I have ever driven. Mucho EASY you will get the hang of it. :)
 
#12 ·
Hey 310 guys, I'm considering upgrading my 260 to either a 300 or 310. My wife finds the 260 too cramped and wants to get a hotel room everytime we travel. We have 2 young teenage girls and a yellow lab.

It looks like the 310 is about a foot wider, and roughly the same weight as the 300. Does the extra width make a big difference?

Any other comparison you can provide?

Which Layout do you prefer?

I notice they offered the V-drives on the 310, is this better than outdrives? Seems like it would be a lot less maintenance?

Any significant configurations that I should avoid?

Thanks.
 
#13 ·
We traded in our 2000 260 for the 2000 310, and haven't looked back (well, maybe while fueling up...). It's a world of difference. It's 5 feet longer, almost three feet wider, and weighs twice as much. Overnighting on it is fantastic. Plenty of room for the four of us.
I can't speak for the 300; the ones I've seen seem very nice also. We grabbed this one based on the condition it was in; it's immaculate.
We have the 350 mag I/O's; it drives very well.
Good luck, you won't be sorry upgrading.
 
#14 ·
Looking seriously at a very clean 2003 300 Sundancer. Couple of questions:

1) This boat has twin 5.0 liter motors. Any comment positive or negative on this setup?

2) I noticed a couple of minor stains on the carpet near the v-berth on either side of the little door leading under the v-berth. Broker said that the AC drain had clogged and overflowed the pan. Does this seem like a logical explanation?

3) Lifted the trap door that leads to the shower pump area in the middle of the cabin. The carpet on the back of the trap door was stained brown. There was also traces of mold in there. Broker said that when he got the boat the pump had been clogged and water was holding in this area. He had pretty well cleaned it up, and the carpet damage was not visible from the surface. Wondering if this points to any larger problems?

Thanks.
 
#15 ·
Looking seriously at a very clean 2003 300 Sundancer. Couple of questions:

1) This boat has twin 5.0 liter motors. Any comment positive or negative on this setup?

2) I noticed a couple of minor stains on the carpet near the v-berth on either side of the little door leading under the v-berth. Broker said that the AC drain had clogged and overflowed the pan. Does this seem like a logical explanation?

3) Lifted the trap door that leads to the shower pump area in the middle of the cabin. The carpet on the back of the trap door was stained brown. There was also traces of mold in there. Broker said that when he got the boat the pump had been clogged and water was holding in this area. He had pretty well cleaned it up, and the carpet damage was not visible from the surface. Wondering if this points to any larger problems?

Thanks.
3. It's typical if water were to accumulate in the forward bilge and sit there stagnant that mold or 'funk' could accumulate on the underside of the door. It's always nice to vacuum that area dry if you see any water build up.

Doug
 
#16 ·
I have a 2001 310 Sundancer and i just love this boat great stability and amazing ride even in a chop. I just experienced a problem with the engine alarm and can,t figure it out. After waiting for the 2 long beeps it beeps again while you hold the toggle switch down and the engine is cranking, it then stops when the engine starts, only on starboard side, oil pressure and temperature is normal. Anyone experience this?
 
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#20 · (Edited)
Yes it have a door close bed room in the back and the circular seating I know some seem to not ike it but for me it was a plus feature

here is a quote from another post Im looking at repower it http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16590

Here it is. I have a very good deal 20000$ canadian for 2x mercruiser D4.3L D-tronic 250HP bravo 3 2003 with 150 hour they comme complete with electronique drive b3 X, prop,........
from another repower boat. The guy need to sell them fast

Im wondering before to go further if I could do someting like this and wath should I be aware of any info or tip is very welcom

So Far I found those info

-I now have a Bravo 3 2.0 ratio with 24 pitch and cruise at 3200 RPM wondering wath drive ration should I use

Find my boat was available with the same engine mercruiser D4.3L but 225 HP so 25 HP less

I call searay dealer they give me the ratio pitch for my boat, 1998 they where using 2.0:1 and 26 pitch for the D4.3L D-tronic 225 HP. Wondering if it will be the same for the D4.3L D-tronic 250 HP. RPM difference between both engine are 200

Also found on sea ray 310 manual from 1999 to 2002 they use ration for 1.81:1 and 22 pitch for the D4.3L D-tronic 225 HP

My gauge panel seem to be the exact same even tach have same model number
only missing some LED to indicate, preheat, coolant temp, batery, preheat, engine check

Also from the manual I dont see any fuel return on the gas tank anyone could confirm me this as searay seem to only have one model of tank


PS sorry im french native so my english is a bit limited
Stephan
 
#21 ·
Official (1998-2002) 310 Sundancer Thread- Odd Starboard Locker

I have wondered what this locker is intended for as it is only accessable when removing the cushion to be able to open it.

currious what other late 90's era 310 owners do with this? Seems like a very awkward place to put a locker.
PO had a small cushion that covered my locker.

Attached pic, although this is not my boat.
 

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#22 ·
Re: Official (1998-2002) 310 Sundancer Thread- Odd Starboard Locker

I have wondered what this locker is intended for as it is only accessable when removing the cushion to be able to open it.

currious what other late 90's era 310 owners do with this? Seems like a very awkward place to put a locker.
PO had a small cushion that covered my locker.

Attached pic, although this is not my boat.
View attachment 5527



Although the 310 is new to me, I have quickly found out that this locker is difficult to get to. My plan is to out some of my tools / fluids (oil) and other things I need occasionally. I do not have the verticle cushion, but to access I have to remove the seat cushion and the plate in the seat. My thoughts are that there was an available space... why not make it somewhat useful..

Mike
 
#24 ·
I wonder how I missed this thread... Like the others, that locker holds the post for my table and the oil for the motor. Yes, the best Searay we have ever owned, stable, lots of room and with the stern drives not that thirsty on gas. Just looked at the new 310, lots of new gadgets, but much less room inside and smaller cockpit. The only move we would consider would be a 360 or 380... Love our boat, its a keeper.

R.Blatter
310 Sundancer 2001
5.7L EFIs, Bravo IIIs
 
#25 ·
I can actually fit my round grille in there and the propane cans. I also put oil and fishing stuff in there too.
 
#26 ·
Official (1998-2002) 310 Sundancer Thread - Operating Temperature?

I am the proud new owner of a 2002 310 Sundancer. 350 Mag's with V-drives. We picked up the boat last week and we absolutely love it. Upgraded from a 2005 260 Sundancer. Feels like a 40' boat compared to our 260.

My question is, what is the standard operating temperature for this boat with the 350 Mag's and V-drives? And at what temperature should I start to think something might be wrong?

Thanks in advance for the info.

Bob
 
#29 · (Edited)
Re: Official (1998-2002) 310 Sundancer Thread - Operating Temperature?

I am the proud new owner of a 2002 310 Sundancer. 350 Mag's with V-drives. We picked up the boat last week and we absolutely love it. Upgraded from a 2005 260 Sundancer. Feels like a 40' boat compared to our 260.

My question is, what is the standard operating temperature for this boat with the 350 Mag's and V-drives? And at what temperature should I start to think something might be wrong?

Thanks in advance for the info.

Bob
Recently had a stuck thermostat replaced on one engine. The Marine Max technician said that it opens at 160 and the engine should run at around 170. My gauges usually read a tad over 170. That's for raw water cooling, might be different for FWC. (Note to self - replace periodically before failure)
 
#27 ·
Bob, I have the exact boat with the same engines and drives. I've owned it for 5 years. The operating temp on mine has always been 170. I cruise at about 23 knots at 3400 RPMs and burn a total of 20 gallons an hour on long trips religiously. You will notice a big difference in your new ride. Good luck with it.
 
#30 ·
Bob, I have the exact boat with the same engines and drives. I've owned it for 5 years. The operating temp on mine has always been 170. I cruise at about 23 knots at 3400 RPMs and burn a total of 20 gallons an hour on long trips religiously. You will notice a big difference in your new ride. Good luck with it.
Thanks for the info Jackson. I have been cruising about the same 3400-3500 RPMs. At what temperature should I start to get concerned, 175, 180, 185+?
 
#28 ·
Regarding the side locker, I am with the rest of the group, extra qts of oil, couple of fuel filters, some compound & wax, hose and brushes. I like that idea of putting the grille and tanks in there. I might try that.

BTW - we never use the cockpit ice compartment on the port side, so that also has some cleaners, waxes and brushes.
 
#32 ·
Regarding the side locker, I am with the rest of the group, extra qts of oil, couple of fuel filters, some compound & wax, hose and brushes. I like that idea of putting the grille and tanks in there. I might try that.

BTW - we never use the cockpit ice compartment on the port side, so that also has some cleaners, waxes and brushes.
You putting a Grill in there? Must be a Slimline as that locker is not so deep...

Mike
 
#36 ·
Question about air conditioning

We've had our 2002 310 (v-drives) for a couple months now and absolutely love it.

One question I have is regarding the air conditioning. Does the fan continuously run for everyone else? When the compressor shuts off the fan continues to blow air. I have read the manual and played with the settings (fan on manual or auto) but nothing changes. Just wondering if this is normal.