340 Versus 350 - Axsius or No Axius - Opinions Please

[sdleo26]

Background:
I am currently looking at moving up to not only a bigger boat, but one that is more conducive to cruising/long weekends. I saw a 2008 340 on Fire Island and it struck me as HUGE for a 340. When I did the research, it was predominantly because the newer 350 is smaller in both beam and LOA. I could not believe it.

I understand 2008 was the last year for the 340. From 2009 forward, the 350 is substantially less of a beam. This is important to me on two fronts. I was entertaining Axius on the newer boats (350-370 DA's) and I wanted the newest boat possible from both an hours/styling perspective.

Unless I can have a separate state room, I would not entertain going much larger than the 370. Obviously Budget plays a big role in that decision. As Ethanstank has noted in another thread; unless you have a separate stateroom, the 350 Sundancer can get small real quick with another couple staying on board overnight. I am not interested in a bridge boat, so until I can afford a newer 400 or larger I will stay in the 340 -370 range.

Questions:

1. Is Axius stable after all of the earlier firmware "white glove" updates were done?

2. Is the 1 foot plus wider beam on the 340 that much more noticeable compared to the 350? Seems like it would be, although I have not seen one side-by-side.

3. Is the 2008 340 that much different than say a 2010 350?

Opinions: If maintenance and overall condition of the boats were on a level playing field, would you choose a 2007 - 2008 340 over say a 2010-11 350? How much would Axius play a role in your decision? I am leaning towards a clean 2008 340DA, but want to hear your opinions.

 

[jason78]

I would not personally recommend Sterndrives on a boat that large where V-Drives are available (especially in salt) and Axius of course means Sterndrives. That may not be as much of a concern for you (I see you are in NY) if it stays blocked up in storage much of the year like other boats up North seem to. The corrosion would not be nearly as much of a concern as if it was slipped 365 days a year.

I have operated a 330DA with Axius a number of times that a friend of mine owns. Although it is a neat feature, I'm not sure it is something most people could not do without. For me is was more of a novelty and I felt more comfortable operating the boat without it, probably just because that is what I am used to. My concern would be the long term wear and maintenance costs of the Sterndrives. When operating in Axius "joystick mode" you can hear the drives constantly shifting. It stands to reason this must wear the internals out sooner. Also you have computer controlled independent steering, something else to worry about if it breaks. I'm not sure how "user serviceable" the Axius systems are, I don't think they really are so if anything goes wrong with the related systems, you will probably have to take it to a dealer.

All said, i would look for a 04-08 340DA with V-Drives. I think over all with price and size you will be better off. If you are worried about maneuverability, find one with a bow thruster. Just my opinion.

 

[dpmulvey]

Beam makes a boat.

Size is a BS marketing ploy and gets worse every model year and it is across all manufacturers.

A dry head is better than a wet head.

Style does not make a boat sea worthy. Solid construction does.

If you must have newer, go for the biggest you can afford. If you can handle an older boat, I jump a 390. There is one in my home town someone is going to steal if the inspection/survey went well.
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1986/Sea-Ray-390-Express-Cruiser-2850282/Warwick/RI/United-States

 

[Windjammer]

A 340 is hard to beat but I am prejudiced!

 

[Vince_nj1]

A word of caution on the new 350. I noticed that is has the same beam as my 320 (11.5) and is available with "Twin Gasoline V-Drives: T-VD-MerCruiser 8.2 Horizon ECT w/DTS (T-375 hp - 280 kW". All I could think of when I saw that was "How the hell are you going to work on those engines". Changing impellers on my boat with small block 6.2L is a royal pain in the ass. I can't imagine what it would be like to have big blocks in the bilge.


http://s388.photobucket.com/user/Vince_nj1/media/Boat/BilgeYoga_zpsi9v4ghwe.jpg.html?sort=2&o=50

If I were in your shoes I would be looking for a clean a 2008 340 (12 ft beam) or even 380 (12'6" beam) with a bow thruster.

 

[Ididntdoit]

The 340 w 8.1 and v-drive is a great boat......But an '09 350 is the same size and has a hard top with newer styling......2010 and up the exact same boat is the 370 - that year the 330 became the 350......so if you are comparing 2010 and up 350s to a '03-08 340, you are right.....they are a lot smaller......but my choice would be an '09 350 (or '10 up 370) with big blocks and v-drive.....

 

[sdleo26]

The 340 w 8.1 and v-drive is a great boat......But an '09 350 is the same size and has a hard top with newer styling......2010 and up the exact same boat is the 370 - that year the 330 became the 350......so if you are comparing 2010 and up 350s to a '03-08 340, you are right.....they are a lot smaller......but my choice would be an '09 350 (or '10 up 370) with big blocks and v-drive.....

That helps, good onfo thanks! Not sure how I missed that one. I thought they started smaller in '09 as well. The hard top is another key WANT for my next boat.

 

[FootballFan]

I can only offer an opinion on question # 2. I believe a foot of beam is very noticeable.

My previous boat was an 07 340 - I think the 340 is an awesome boat.

Mark

 

[dpmulvey]

I can only offer an opinion on question # 2. I believe a foot of beam is very noticeable.

My previous boat was an 07 340 - I think the 340 is an awesome boat.

Mark

i docked next to a mid eighties 340. You could shoe horn my 330 in it.

Years ago ago a boat was measured as length at waterline (LWL). Now it's end to end. In that marinas charge by the actual length, is one of the reasons pulpits disappeared in favor of rollers. Italians did it 25 years ago.

 

[wjglampe]

That helps, good onfo thanks! Not sure how I missed that one. I thought they started smaller in '09 as well. The hard top is another key WANT for my next boat.

Ididntdoit, is spot on! I've owned both and love 08 350/370. Hard top, walk through windshield, wider beam, built in grill, helm seating that swivels around, etc... All options you will not get on the 340.

 

[sdleo26]

Ididntdoit, is spot on! I've owned both and love 08 350/370. Hard top, walk through windshield, wider beam, built in grill, helm seating that swivels around, etc... All options you will not get on the 340.

Do you have Axius? If so what's been your experience?

 

[sdleo26]

The boat's dimensions are identical for the 08-09 350 to the 340's he is looking at. So wider beam? NO. Everything else may be true, but I would take a 340 over a 350 any day of the week...but I am too am prejudiced.

I think he meant wider as compared to the '10 and up.