Official 2003.5-2008 340 Sundancer Thread

[Bill Watson]

Salty, our 360 had also been well-maintained, and I have only replaced one water pump.

Like you, I had not owned a twin engine vessel, though I drove a couple in Sea Trials. My learnings came primarily from youtube videos (slow is pro, don't go faster than you are willing to hit something, your thumbs point the direction in which a single transmission will maneuver you) and we practiced docking 6-8 times in our Marina before venturing out.
Another...just before making your docking plan, bring the boat to a stop, to pause and watch what the current and wind are doing that will define your approach.
Bon Voyage!

 

[SaltonmyMind]

This is a fairly easy boat to maintain and the cost will generally be based on how much you will take on yourself and how much you contract out.

Depending on hours of use basically you are looking at oil changes for both engines and generator. Fluid changes for transmissions and replacing anodes. Of course you will also have bottom paint and cleanings to worry about. That will depend on how long it sits in the water (wet slip vs lift). Down in FL you will also probably want to flush/clean the A/C cooling lines and maintain them with dropping some bromine tabs in the strainers.

Things like manifolds are probably good for 5-6 years if flushed but once you get a few years in you probably want to inspect at least annually. The elbow are stainless and since they were recently replace will probably give you 10+ years. You will also probably be changing the water pump impellers and changing out spark plugs every couple of years.

I am sure I am missing something but outside of repairs for things that go like starters, alternators, pumps etc it's not all that bad.

Sounds like there was a lot of maintenance taken care of by the PO so you should be in good shape for a little while.

Also, run those generators - 356 hours it quite low for that age unit. They like to be run as often as possible - I like to run mine every time I go on trip more than just a couple of minutes.

-Kevin

Thanks Kevin this is exactly what I was looking for!

 

[SaltonmyMind]

Salty, our 360 had also been well-maintained, and I have only replaced one water pump.

Like you, I had not owned a twin engine vessel, though I drove a couple in Sea Trials. My learnings came primarily from youtube videos (slow is pro, don't go faster than you are willing to hit something, your thumbs point the direction in which a single transmission will maneuver you) and we practiced docking 6-8 times in our Marina before venturing out.
Another...just before making your docking plan, bring the boat to a stop, to pause and watch what the current and wind are doing that will define your approach.
Bon Voyage!

Much appreciated Bill I will that advice for sure!

 

[SaltonmyMind]

One more for ya guys. Has anyone had prop speed applied to their running gear and have an opinion on it? Was it worth the $? I got a look at the bottom today. New trim tabs which is great but the running gear could use some love.

 

[juggernaut1]

I use prop speed on my shafts, props, rudders, exhausts and tabs. I’m a fan of it because any growth wipes off with a microfibre cloth or your hand. Worth it…..depends on your perspective of value.

In response to your earlier post, my experience is you will also see 5 years from your exhaust manifolds in salt water unflushed. Plug wires could be changed if not done for a while or at least keep a spare set on board.

 

[KevinC]

One more for ya guys. Has anyone had prop speed applied to their running gear and have an opinion on it? Was it worth the $? I got a look at the bottom today. New trim tabs which is great but the running gear could use some love.

I had it on when I purchased my boat. PropSpeed works best on boats that are on the move. The concept is that it make the surfaces "slippery" and growth will not adhere. After running for a few seasons I considered my options as PS was very expensive and a very precise application.

After reading several posts here I decided to try something different. For the past several years I have been spraying my running gear with Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Paint. It is is high in zinc content and comparable to the Petite Spray at a fraction of the cost. My results have been good and have not had any hard growth on my running gear. Like anything else on a boat the more you use it the less will grow on the bottom as the ablative paint will do its job.

-Kevin

 

[SaltonmyMind]

I had it on when I purchased my boat. PropSpeed works best on boats that are on the move. The concept is that it make the surfaces "slippery" and growth will not adhere. After running for a few seasons I considered my options as PS was very expensive and a very precise application.

After reading several posts here I decided to try something different. For the past several years I have been spraying my running gear with Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Paint. It is is high in zinc content and comparable to the Petite Spray at a fraction of the cost. My results have been good and have not had any hard growth on my running gear. Like anything else on a boat the more you use it the less will grow on the bottom as the ablative paint will do its job.

-Kevin

If you don’t mind me asking what did the prep and application of prop speed cost?

 

[KevinC]

If you don’t mind me asking what did the prep and application of prop speed cost?

From the records provided to me (this was about 9 years ago when it was done) the total process was about $900. This included stripping all running gears, prepping and applying the PropPpeed and the PropSpeed itself. DIY would be a lot less if you are allowed In NYS all bottom paint must be applied by an approved/trained (yeah right) applicator unless the vessel is on your own property.

-Kevin

 

[Randy Coleman]

Hi All.
We have a 2005 340DA.
We want to replace our stock Clarion receiver with a Fusion unit, replace cockpit speakers and add a sub.

Has anyone with a similar year 340DA completed this install and be willing to share some details/pics with me?
What size sub did you install and where?
Would you do anything different?
What size amp?
I want to replace the 4 cockpit speakers with better sounding speakers also.

A much smaller boat pulled up behind us yesterday and we turned our stereo down because his sounded so much better.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Sea to See]

Thank you to those that replied about my inverter question. I tried to get on the boat this week to pull some things apart and explore, but my dad came along and we ended up having lunch and talking more than working. Lol
Work can wait for another day.
We did add a bbq this weekend and then went out last evening to try it out. I got the stand that goes in the rod holder and put it in the port rear corner. It worked really well.

 

[Bill Watson]

Nice photo, be glad for those times to speak with Dad.

 

[Sea to See]

Nice photo, be glad for those times to speak with Dad.

Absolutely. The to-do list can wait when we get time to talk.

 

[Korkie]

Kevin - what bromine tabs do you use and how often do you put them in. Looking on line seems like you have to buy a 5 gallon bucket of them. $$$ Just flushed my ac lines and unit last spring, would like to start the bromine pm .
Thanks. K

 

[Shaps]

Kevin - what bromine tabs do you use and how often do you put them in. Looking on line seems like you have to buy a 5 gallon bucket of them. $$$ Just flushed my ac lines and unit last spring, would like to start the bromine pm .
Thanks. K

https://lesliespool.com/leslies-brominating-tabs-1.5-lbs./48103.html

 

[Korkie]

Thanks Kevin - one more ?. How often do you replace them ? Can you give a number in hours / days of running system ?

 

[Fly4Kix]

I can't speak for Kevin, I generally drop one into the a/c system strainer when it starts to look a little murky but before it gets really nasty. We leave the system on all year, either cooling in summer or heat in winter so there is regular water flow. Probably 2-3 times a year but I'm in fresh water. Generally drop one in the gen and main engine strainers early spring and probably again mid summer.

Pretty controversial, I've read some pretty heated discussions on the merits of using bromine tabs.

 

[Korkie]

I kinda wonder if it does any damage to the internal components. We have a hot tub and used to use bromine, was a delicate balance, but then again that was for human use. It makes sense to use it, but will certainly read up some more before hand. Thanks, K

 

[KevinC]

Thanks Kevin - one more ?. How often do you replace them ? Can you give a number in hours / days of running system ?

I just pickup some while I am at Walmart and keep the container onboard. I put maybe 2 or 3 in at a time - depends on how dirty the system is. They will dissolve over time so you need to replenish when they are gone based on you use.

I try to use them based on need - up north in NY the later summer seems to be the worst.

-Kevin

 

[Korkie]

Great Thanks. I have been reading up on the subject and seems like not a good idea to leave them just sitting on the strainer as they can tend to breakdown the basket. I will do my best to remove them if not using the system for more than a day or so.

 

[VR1200GSA]

Hi all, sorry if this is a wrong place, but I did not want to create a new topic for a few questions...
I am going to look at 2006 340 Sundancer Sportsman Edition that seems to be in a great shape and, if so, ill try to get it, but it looks like all it has is the "Bimini" top. I would like to spend as much time as I can on this boat, so id like to add the full camper (if I call it right) canvas for it. So...
Do you guys know where is the best place to get it, and what is the ballpark price for it? I am in DC area.
Thanks!!