Official 2003.5-2008 340 Sundancer Thread

Questions from my sea trail and survey: I am looking at a 2007 340 with 8.1s and today's trial for the most part went very well. Two questions:

Handling: I've had my 290 with twin stern drives for more than a decade; On a plane the 290 responds to inputs from the wheel like a sports car. At 27 mph, I can easily avoid the logs that pepper the Sound. The 340 handles around the docks great and popped out of the water so fast (what a beast!). But on a plane, the steering wheel inputs to the 340 took a while. For anyone who has moved from smaller boats, did you notice that and do you just get used it?

Heat Pump Air Conditioner: The heat pump compressor ran and the fan ran, the pump was moving water. But there was almost no heating being done. Any idea of service or replacement costs?

Thanks,
Michael
 
There’s def a slight learning curve. I wouldn’t say so much at crusiing speed, maybe a little less responsive but the boat tracks well in the water. The biggest difference is when idling around docks or busy canals where your in 5-8mph and u need to make turns and u need to now decide whether to turn with the wheel or with the transmissions. Give yourself more room to make these moves than your previous boat and also learn to be very patient in regards to letting other smaller boats go before u and get outta the way. People in smaller boats will crowd u due mostly to lack of knowledge about the room u need. Take your time don’t rush it.
As far as the heat is concerned it’s getting a little late in the season and to get beat it has to run for a pretty decent amount of time. Not really instant heat. I wouldn’t be surprised if it had to run for a good ten min before some kind of heat. Also if the water temp you are in is less than 50 degrees u may not get heat at all or very little. The units are serviceable but u could opt to replace the whole thing for somewhere under 1500$ maybe closer to 1200$. Defender will run deals throughout the winter
 
Door number 3 if you want full smartcraft compatibility. I did a vv502 with Axiom 9 and nmea 2000.

View attachment 74240
I think this pic is almost exactly what I want to do - just bought a "new to me" 2003 320 with Merc 350 and VDrive - need to replace all the tech - and need some help figuring out what is best option - I like the Garmin stuff but the VV502 you have is very cool tech - what is the Raymarine Depth to the left of the steering wheel? I am leaning towards Garmin cause I really like the Fusion Marine tech. Thoughts?
 
I think this pic is almost exactly what I want to do - just bought a "new to me" 2003 320 with Merc 350 and VDrive - need to replace all the tech - and need some help figuring out what is best option - I like the Garmin stuff but the VV502 you have is very cool tech - what is the Raymarine Depth to the left of the steering wheel? I am leaning towards Garmin cause I really like the Fusion Marine tech. Thoughts?

That is a I70s instrument display. Reads out all the nmea 2k stuff just a additional display. I went with RM because I have a m232 flir camera and you get the most out of it with a axiom display. Had Garmin on my last boat, Solid stuff. never liked the old RM stuff but the new generation stuff is very nice. You really can't go wrong with any of the big 3 for pleasure boating. Fusion has some really cool stuff. Pair the new Apollo unit with the JL amps and speakers and you'll rock the sand bar. Keep us posted on what you get. You may need a main harness for your vintage engines to get smartcraft to the helm.
 
That is a I70s instrument display. Reads out all the nmea 2k stuff just a additional display. I went with RM because I have a m232 flir camera and you get the most out of it with a axiom display. Had Garmin on my last boat, Solid stuff. never liked the old RM stuff but the new generation stuff is very nice. You really can't go wrong with any of the big 3 for pleasure boating. Fusion has some really cool stuff. Pair the new Apollo unit with the JL amps and speakers and you'll rock the sand bar. Keep us posted on what you get. You may need a main harness for your vintage engines to get smartcraft to the helm.
any advice on the main harness for my "vintage" engines - where and what are you specifically talking about - how do I do it and what do I get
Pic of my current dash
welcome ANY AND ALL ADVICE - I really am stuck on the Apollo from Fusion and I am thinking the LED Fusion Speakers not sure on Amp or Sub
on the dash - i want and need upgraded MFD/ChartPlotter - would really like Engine view
Point me in the right direction.

upload_2019-10-24_22-15-43.png
 
Your engines are SC capable but have no guages at the dash. You will need to run a harness to the dash from the SC plug on the back of the engine. If you call Merc tech support they will tell you what part numbers you need. If it were me I would just use a Simrad plotter with the needed hardware. The SC app is already built in. Vesselview displays are just rebranded Simrads. For a 9 inch screen your probably looking at 2-2500k if you install it yourself. You may be able to use VV mobile if you don't want spend that much. I would also recommend JL over fusion speakers and amps. I think they sound fuller from the ones I've head. Sound is very subjective though. Search the forum. There are several threads on Vesselview and smartcraft. Good luck!
 
2003 340SDA - my AC compressor has apparently gone south. After a valve replacement to fix a leak and recharged the system to spec (yes a certified Air man did it), the system continues to fault to a LO PS mode. I was told that the compressor has internal valves that are possibly bad and replacing the unit is best (spend half as much on a repair but the unit is 16yrs old).....so the question.....what is the best 16K self contained unit that you would recommend?
 
For the money check out Marinaire. Had several years of trouble free service from one in my last boat. Other wise the Dometic turbo is probably the number 1 go to replacement.
 
Questions from my sea trail and survey: I am looking at a 2007 340 with 8.1s and today's trial for the most part went very well. Two questions:

Handling: I've had my 290 with twin stern drives for more than a decade; On a plane the 290 responds to inputs from the wheel like a sports car. At 27 mph, I can easily avoid the logs that pepper the Sound. The 340 handles around the docks great and popped out of the water so fast (what a beast!). But on a plane, the steering wheel inputs to the 340 took a while. For anyone who has moved from smaller boats, did you notice that and do you just get used it?

Heat Pump Air Conditioner: The heat pump compressor ran and the fan ran, the pump was moving water. But there was almost no heating being done. Any idea of service or replacement costs?

Thanks,
Michael

V-Drives? Rudders on inboards are not nearly as responsive as I'O's. Rudders on these boats are a little undersized truth be told. It is however the only draw back with V-Drives IMO. You get used to it though and learn to keep a sharp eye out well in front of you.

For the heater it takes awhile to get warmed up as mentioned.
 
V-Drives? Rudders on inboards are not nearly as responsive as I'O's. Rudders on these boats are a little undersized truth be told. It is however the only draw back with V-Drives IMO. You get used to it though and learn to keep a sharp eye out well in front of you.

For the heater it takes awhile to get warmed up as mentioned.
Thanks for the response. Your feedback was timely. Just pulled the trigger and will hopefully get delivery next week. Apparently there is a big difference between the power steering on a bravo stern drive 290 and the hydraulic steering on a v-drive 340, and as you say you get used to it.

Now if I can just sell the 290.... It was pointed that until it is sold, I need to keep 4 GM engines in running order, lol.
 
Thanks for the response. Your feedback was timely. Just pulled the trigger and will hopefully get delivery next week. Apparently there is a big difference between the power steering on a bravo stern drive 290 and the hydraulic steering on a v-drive 340, and as you say you get used to it.

Now if I can just sell the 290.... It was pointed that until it is sold, I need to keep 4 GM engines in running order, lol.

Awesome! Congrats! I see you’re down in Washington. Being from Vancouver I totally get the whole avoiding logs concern! Good luck with delivery. You’re going to love the boat!
 
Interested in opinions on what batteries people would recommend. I need to replace all 4 of mine. 2003 340SDA.
 
I have been using Duracell AGM Group 31s. Getting from Batteries and Bulbs. They are the same battery - different label - sold by West Marine (made in same factory in USA) only $100 less each when on sale. The SAMs Club one is the same. I just do not have a SAMs near me.
 
I have been using Duracell AGM Group 31s. Getting from Batteries and Bulbs. They are the same battery - different label - sold by West Marine (made in same factory in USA) only $100 less each when on sale. The SAMs Club one is the same. I just do not have a SAMs near me.
Thanks for the speedy replies. I'll check all the options. ONE more thing....what amp hour rating are your batteries and does it really matter? I know the size spec (Type 31) matters for space and Sea Ray recommends 800 CCA for my engines but I cannot find any specs for the amp hour rating. Thanks!
 
Thanks for the speedy replies. I'll check all the options. ONE more thing....what amp hour rating are your batteries and does it really matter? I know the size spec (Type 31) matters for space and Sea Ray recommends 800 CCA for my engines but I cannot find any specs for the amp hour rating. Thanks!
  • 1 amp hour rate:68.2
  • 100 amp hour rate:110
  • 20 amp hour rate:105
  • 3 amp hour rate:85
  • 5 amp hour rate:86
  • 6 amp hour rate:87.4
  • 8 amp hour rate:90
  • Battery Electrolyte Composition:Glass Mat
  • Battery End Type:Top Post
  • Battery Purpose:Starting Lighting Instrumentation
  • BCI Group Size:31
  • CCA at 0 degrees F:800
  • Freight Class:65
  • MCA at 32 degrees F:1000
  • Minutes at 15 amps:348
  • Minutes at 25 amps:210
  • Minutes at 5 amps:1265
  • Minutes at 50 amps:87.4
  • Minutes at 75 amps:53
  • Minutes at 8 amps:706
  • Polarity:Left Positive
  • Reserve Capacity:200
  • Terminal Type:STUD/SAE
  • Volts:12
*For 18-month free replacement: Retail differences, disposal fees and taxes may apply

Posted core charge may apply - amount varies by state

Warranty
18 Month Free Replacement Warranty

Manufacturer Info
For additional questions or concerns regarding this product, please contact the Manufacturer's Customer Service Department at 1.888 - 844 - 7704
Assembled Country
USA
Component Country
USA
 
Steering question

have any of you noticed steering issues? My new to me 2006 340 with 800 hours turns to port effortlessly turns to starboard require some effort and the wheel feels notchy as it’s turning.

I’ve never had hydraulic steering before. Where do I start?
 
Look in your owner's portfolio and there should be a sea star manual. It will guide you on how to top off and purge the air out of the system. I also would check the rudder packing and lube all the linkages in the bilge. I use a dab of lithium grease.
 

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