Looking for Advice

[trooper10]

I am currently looking at purchasing a Sea Ray and have come across two that I like. One being a 1999 310 with 5.7 L engines and V-drives with 260 hrs on the engines, no genny. The other being a 1999 340 with 7.4 L engines and V-dives with 900 hrs on the engines, no genny. I currently have a 26' boat so this will be a big step up for me. My questions are:

Are the 5.7L engines enough power (I believe 260 hp ea) for 310?
Does anybody know the approx. GPH burn for these engines?
Are the V-drives better than I/O's?
Have there been any major issues with this particular year?
At what engine hrs is it time for a rebuild?

My wife likes the 340, however I am leaning more towards the 310. Any info or comments would be much appricated.

 

[douglee25]

Personally with a boat that size, I think you're going to regret not getting something with a genny. I would avoid both boats and keep looking unless you're stuck on one of them and add the genny later. Typical usable lifetime for a big block may be in the 1200 - 1500+ hour range although I have seen some still going strong at 2000+ hours. If you're looking at either the 31 or 34, I would just go for the bigger boat (just maybe not this 34).

Doug

 

[Groucho]

You don't say where you are from....but we have big temp swings here, which means heat and ac are very desirable. Genny is a must for me. A boat that size should have one. Plan on 10K to add it later on.

 

[fwebster]

Boats this size are cold, cold items..........literally and figuratively. There just is no market for then since almost all Sea Ray buyers insist on air conditioning, heat, microwave, refrigerator/icemakers etc. all systems that require a generator. If you buy a boat with no generator, you are going to take a licking when its time to sell or trade it.

I'm with the other guys......keep on looking.

 

[Alex F]

My questions are:
Are the 5.7L engines enough power (I believe 260 hp ea) for 310?
Does anybody know the approx. GPH burn for these engines?
Are the V-drives better than I/O's?
Have there been any major issues with this particular year?
At what engine hrs is it time for a rebuild?

My wife likes the 340, however I am leaning more towards the 310. Any info or comments would be much appricated.

I moved up from 240DA to 320DA with 5.7s (300HP each). Not sure if those engones are any different on 310DA, but I'd say it plenty of power if you're not planning to overload the boat. I pretty much don't feel difference when cruising just with my wife or have 8 people on board. There's like 2-3 seconds delay to get on plane.

If you're not in the fresh water, V-Drives is your answer.

As Frank said, I wouldn't even consider any of these boats without a genset. When I was choosing a boat there were couple that cost as much as $20K less, just b/c they didn't have genny.

As for 310 vs. 340, I'd say get the biggest you can, you'll know later why. But, it also depends on which you like better in terms of layout and features. For us 310 layout wasn't working, but 320 was perfect. 340 was a good choice, but we didn't like the port seating (admiral's spot, so it has to be what she likes). So, between these two I would choose 340.

Take your time and make sure it has all that you'll need for a long time and will hold the value on resale.

Good luck,
Alex.

 

[RonF]

Trooper10,

I can't imagine not having a generator, unless you are never ever going to stay overnight at anchor. You will find 110v 30amp service at most marinas.

Our 310 with V-drives & 5.7 MAG MPI engines (rated 300 HP) cruises at around 20 kts at about 20 GPH, and tops out at about 25 kts at perhaps 35 GPH (never checked). That might be slower than you are used to in a 26' boat, we don't know what you have. 20 kts feels like a comfortable ride, but can seem pretty slow if you need to make a 100 miles in a single run.

 

[Tyerby]

i previously had several other boats but the most recent was a Monterey 276 with twin 4.3L. Great boat for one kid even without a genny, but i did have air. I recently bought a 02 340 with 6.2 VD's and we love it. We shopped for about 6 months between several 310's and 340's - but always came back to a 340. Plenty of room and storage. With 2 small kids and several weekends spent on the boat, it is the perfect fit for us. I burn about 28-30GPH at a 23MPH cruise. The 340's with big blocks run a bit faster @ cruise and i have heard they burn 32GPH.

Good luck with the shopping. I would opt to get one with a genny regardless of climate.

 

[tobnpr]

I agree that the boat (either one) should have a genset.
However...
I don't necessarily agree that the boats you're looking at should be dismissed out-of-hand. As was already stated, I'd go with the V-drives in salt water, stay away from I/O's (straight drives are easier to service, but that's a different boat).

If the boat is very clean and well maintained, a generator can always be added- if you can get into it for $15K less to allow for this it would still be worth considering IMO.

 

[fc3]

IF the boats have A/C and heat, the better galley stoves, etc, then they could be a good deal if you beat the price down because there is no generator and add one. V drives are far superior to sterndrives from a longevity and maintenance stand point. Sterndrive boats are faster. Depending on the care the engines received on the 340 the engines could be OK or worn out. If the boats are in excellent condition, see how low the price will go.

Best regards,
Frank