We still love our 2004 320DA. Bought it last spring. Have spent the last few months getting everything just the way I like it. Upgraded the stereo system, installed a bigger TV with an HDTV tuner, cockpit TV, swim platform lights, newer GPS, genset soundshield, etc.
There are very few things we dislike, and all of them are nitpicking, so here goes:
- The front berth is a bit too short and firm. A mattress topper helped a lot though.
- I'd like a better rear canvas. When its closed up, the aft seating is cramped. Does anyone have either an extended camper style canvas, or the Taylor Fastback canvas? If so, how do you like it?
- I wish the head sink was bigger. Its hard to lean over it in order to keep water in the sink when you're brushing your teeth or washing your face.
- I wish the sliding door had a screen. Come to think of it, the port window screens are pretty useless as you have to take them out to close.
- Engine room is cramped, although all the regular maintenance is easy to get to. And I can crawl around to get to the strainers and seacocks fine enough. My shop replaced all the impellers recently and didn't complain. They've seen much worse. So its not a big deal to me.
Thats about it.
I did not compare it to the new 310, but did look at used 340s. The 340 seems very similar except for the port lounge seat is replaced by another captains seat. The wife liked the lounger better, and I couldn't see the spending another $40K for the extra space (at the time). But to me the differences are very slim. The 320 is like a 7/8ths scale 340. I did like the slightly bigger v-berth, but don't like the split level galley counter.
The 310 I saw last week at the boat show. Spent quite a bit of time on it. I like the cockpit grill. The rest...well, not so much. The shape is ok, but I *really* disliked the two tone gold/white vinyl seating. Reminded me of the gold vinyl in my folks 69 Caprice wagon with the woodgrain sides. Ugh. Its got this metallic sheen to it? WTF were they thinking? Also do not like the jump seat as it eliminates most of the transom storage, and shortens the cockpit seating a LOT. Fine if you sit at the dock all day, but we spend a lot more time out on the water where its useless for cruising. The interior was ok, but definitely smaller than my 320s.
So, to sum up, I'd choose the 320 again over either of them, regardless of price.
-Dave
'04 320DA T-350Mag V-drives