My first boat

[TerryDes]

I trust you have all been asked these same questions many time but here we go again.
I am very close to buying my first boat and I am most interested in the Sea Ray Line of product. I am looking at two boats in particular.
1) a 2001 Sea Ray 310, the boat has quite a few option Generator and such has 500 hrs on 350 cu engines ( don't think that is a lot of hrs particularly for fresh water ). Price is $79,500.00.) not sure of H.P. of these engines.
2) a 2004 300 Sundancer with same equipment but 5 LT 250 H.P.engines with 263 hrs price $85,000.00
Question is there a big or noticeable difference between the 310 and the 300, I believe there was some product changes after 01 but not sure. Does the 300 have enough H.P. what does this educated group think is the better deal. My wife and I are looking for fun weekends spent cruising on the Great Lakes.
Thanks in advance

 

[skolbe]

The 310 has a wider beam - this makes a big difference. The thing to inspect with the 310 is what type of exhaust does the boat have. There was a problem with the early 310s with exhaust designs. Post a picture of the bilge and you will know if you have any issues. The 300 has outdrives, the 310 could have outdrives or could have V-Drives. There are pros and cons to each. Which boat is in better shape, which has been maintained and which is most willing to negotiate? The 5.0 is okay in the 300 - bigger engines would of course be better for speed and such but most Sea Ray's are okay with standard power, while the upgraded power is always nice. If you are going to stay on the boat try both for sleeping arrangements. Which is most comfortable? Have fun with your search and don't rush.

 

[TerryDes]

Was just reading on the 310 and it is v drive, We are going to see it on Saturday. That is why I posted now, wanted to get some good info like you gave on the exhaust. Not quite sure what to take a picture of ( excuse my ignorance ) but I will take some pictures and post next week. the 300 we will not be able to look at for a few weeks. I thought the beam was the same on both at 10.6 but as I said I am not boat friendly ( Yet ). Does this look like a fair $ on the 310 if the boat checks out? I trust that is not considered high engine hrs?
Thanks again.

 

[Alex F]

I think that these are very different boats designwise. The cabin layout and finish, 300 will have cherry wood cabinets while majority of 310s had white cabinets. 300 comes with kidny shape launge on the starboard side, while 310 has dinette booth seats. So, this is all a matter of taste and preference. On the exterior side, IMO 300 looks more slick and modern while 310 looks more of 90s boat, but some people like it more.

As noted in another post, 310 is wider. Cockpit seating is also different. 310 has u-shape seating and captain chair is separate, but 300 has seats facing each other with the step separating them. I assume you'll be boating in fresh water, so outdrives should be fine. 2004 is worth 10K extra. As skolbe said, make sure to try the berths. We're not big people and forward berth in 300 didn't feel comfortable for us, this was a big negative point. I don't recall, but I think 310 has a bit larger forward berth with storage below.

You haven't mentioned about generator, do both have them, how many hours on genny? Which one has better electronics package? Bow truster?

Obviosly, both boats are negotiable, so take your time and get the best deal.

Hope this helps.

 

[rcknecht]

There is a 2000 340 low hour repo in NJ for $35,000 on boats.com... It needs one new engine, but from what I can see from the pics it looks like a steal... Even has a $3K Taylormade Fastback... I think the prices for both boats are too high, and 300 only comes with I/Os... There are so many 340s out there you probably can get a much better price and more boat if you expand your search... I like the northern and lake boats much more than Fl boat because their use, and if you ship it, it will cost less...

 

[Southpaw II]

I would go for the 310, but everything depends on the condition of the boats and the layout that serves you best. The 1998 - 2001 310 DAs were a great model. Beam on these boats is about 11' -2" I believe, and the V-Drives are the way to go with this boat. The 5.7 litre engines were available in 3 configurations, all EFI. A 260hp, a 300hp MAg, and the 300hp Horizons, which were really sweet, and top technology for their time. Check 'em out....don't buy a bad boat cause it has the best package, cause it's still a buyers market out there.

 

[offduty]

I'm assuming you're shoppng the Canadian market. If you look at U.S. boats take into consideration transportation, exchange rate, and does Canada require any special certification as other countries do. Don't forget to have a survey done when you do get serious on a particular boat.

 

[TerryDes]

Thanks to all for the advice.
We went and looked at the 310 on the weekend, nice boat. I believe this is the min size we want I like the 11'2" beam. The generator has 160hrs so that should be fine everything on the boat works except the spot light motor, the owner claims that is normal as the gears are plastic. One of the cushions in the Stern is faded but other than a real good clean all would be good ( dirt from sitting in storage ). The GPS needs a card and he suggested for $800.00 one can get a new color map GPS that fits right in. Not sure if it is plug and play or would need to be wired.
I believe it would be a lot easier to get a boat in Canada rather than the hassle of bringing one across the boarder. I am fine with the design and layout of the 01 310. The bottom was painted 2 years ago and the boat was only used around 10 hrs last year so it still looks good. Will see if he comes back with a more reasonable number.
But to the group thanks so much, we look forward to being Sea Ray owners at some point in time..