OFFICIAL 350/370 DA Thread (2008 or newer)

Good Morning
A good friend of mine is looking at a 2016 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer with 2 ECT 8.2 MAG AX BR3X

I sent him this thread but also wanted to ask, from the collective experience, is there anything specific he should be checking?
I know to check servicer history, manifolds, risers, heat exchangers... Anything else specifically?
What about electronics? Hull? etc.

Thank you guys!
Shaps

Hey Shaps,

That is basically nearly exactly our boat. I wish I could give a solid recommendation, but I honestly can't. While we do enjoy our boat and love the aesthetics and features, it is a continual problem.

The autopilot thing seems to have suddenly just stopped, so that isn't an issue now. The electronics, GPS, AIS, and related features are great overall.

We have had many problems with trim sensor issues (which were replaced once and require replacement again), the vessel view 4 system, a runaway engine stuck in gear with an Axius malfunction, etc.

Currently we are dealing with a generator shutdown error on the Kohler generator, which they have been having trouble figuring out for the last few weeks, along with an overheat error (again on the vessel view), which is limiting the engine. The Merc dealer came out and said the engine never overheated and they think it may be a "computer glitch" or harness issue.

I am also told on the 350 SD in order to change the port engine spark plugs, they need to pull the engine (at around 250 hours, which we are unfortunately quickly approaching).

We bought the boat last Fall and had a survey done, during which they allegedly looked things over, changed bellows, etc. From what the merc. dealer is saying we are due for manifolds, risers, plugs, and all the other 250hr maintenance stuff, which we are hoping we can hold off until after the first of the year. He gave a rough estimate of around 25k to overhaul all that is needed. (in addition to the ~20k I have put into it over the last 12 months for problems and repairs).

We have only 1 Sea Ray dealer in the west (right down the street in Newport Beach where we live), but they will not service us at the marina in Long Beach where our boat is.

Brunswick refused to honor our extended warranty and Sea Ray honestly could care less. Sea Ray used to be a great boat, but with the acquisition by Brunswick and discontinuing the bigger boats in the line, I would stay completely away if I had to do it over. I would look at another manufacturer (Tiara, Prestige, Cruisers, etc)

We bought a newer Sea Ray (2017) thinking we would keep away from all of these problems and have had nothing but problems. Once the dust settles, we are definitely out of this one and into something a lot more reliable, probably with inboards, in the 40-45ft range.

In fairness, I would possibly consider it if keeping it in fresh water (like the Great Lakes), but we have learned the hard way in salt water and with Sea Ray having no presence really.

Good Luck and I hope this helps.
 
So sorry to hear about your troubles @RVM
Truly appreciate your candor and will share this with my buddy.
Wishing you best of luck
Shaps
 
Figured I’d stop in with an update on the winter projects. First up was the installation of a raymarine evolution autopilot. My boat had the sea star power steering from the factory so I chose to go with the sea star autopilot pump, which piggybacks on the existing power steering pump and doesn’t require any new lines. Finding a home for everything was a challenge, but once I took the starboard side of the cockpit apart it fell into place nicely. I ended up removing the under helm door, the stud side “pocket” near the helm, and the cockpit fridge and access panels behind and below.

I mounted the acu under the dash and wired to the factory fuse panel. The ev-1 is mounted on the back wall of the void hidden by the “pocket” right of the helm. Ground wire and AP motor wires were fished from the helm down the stbd side and to the bilge.

I removed the stbd side batteries for this project which gave me room to sit in that area comfortably to do the work. Unfortunately some boat gymnastics are required, especially when you get comfortable and forget a tool,lol.

because I had to remove the steering lines and was adding a new pump, I purchased the bubble purge pro from outboard specialty tools for the bleed procedure. I can’t say enough how fantastic this tool is. Once you have the lines full of fluid this makes bleeding the pumps and the cylinder a breeze. Not spilling any fluid anywhere was a huge bonus as well. CE3E7C99-3B44-4021-B56D-9C407267349D.jpegE3283780-34EE-453F-AE9E-99716DA13AAB.jpeg6B9FCEF3-6A2F-4F15-BB02-BD18402CD597.jpeg8620A516-3C7D-4639-842E-D40AA3724E68.jpeg54170D7F-B2FD-4F45-92EF-75FCDEB60C6C.jpeg98C5C950-A4C8-46B5-9807-24BCF18A9718.jpegC663B8C3-7F2C-42F6-81A7-B61A7376FA20.jpeg
 
Hello all,

I'm newbie here. This thread is very helpful for new guys like me. We live in South Florida and are looking to buy a 2010 to 2017 Sundancer 370. Finding a lake boat would be nice and then we can ship it home. We would like a stern drive with Axius. Any suggestions on do's and don'ts and recommendations?
Where can I find cruise data performance charts for a 2014 370 with stern drives?

Thanks, Bob
 
Hello all,

I'm newbie here. This thread is very helpful for new guys like me. We live in South Florida and are looking to buy a 2010 to 2017 Sundancer 370. Finding a lake boat would be nice and then we can ship it home. We would like a stern drive with Axius. Any suggestions on do's and don'ts and recommendations?
Where can I find cruise data performance charts for a 2014 370 with stern drives?

Thanks, Bob
As far as performance data is concerned boattest.com should have that data if you create an account.
Stern drives kept in salt water will require some serious PM and attention.
 
Hello all,

I'm newbie here. This thread is very helpful for new guys like me. We live in South Florida and are looking to buy a 2010 to 2017 Sundancer 370. Finding a lake boat would be nice and then we can ship it home. We would like a stern drive with Axius. Any suggestions on do's and don'ts and recommendations?
Where can I find cruise data performance charts for a 2014 370 with stern drives?

Thanks, Bob

First, I will note that this is a fantastic platform for comfortable cruising, weekending, etc. We moved up from a 280 sundancer and love the boat. To jump on the above, if you're looking for a joystick/sterndrive boat for salt, I'd highly recommend trying to find a boat with the mercruiser SeaCore option, which includes hard coated components to better defend in salt environments (I'm not sure what year this became an option). Personally, if you're comfortable with an inboard I'd be looking in that direction as opposed to sterndrive if you're wet slipping in salt. We went the inboard route and have been extremely happy with it, even though we're in fresh water. While you lose the joystick, this boat is incredibly easy to handle around the dock with the inboard configuration.
 
First, I will note that this is a fantastic platform for comfortable cruising, weekending, etc. We moved up from a 280 sundancer and love the boat. To jump on the above, if you're looking for a joystick/sterndrive boat for salt, I'd highly recommend trying to find a boat with the mercruiser SeaCore option, which includes hard coated components to better defend in salt environments (I'm not sure what year this became an option). Personally, if you're comfortable with an inboard I'd be looking in that direction as opposed to sterndrive if you're wet slipping in salt. We went the inboard route and have been extremely happy with it, even though we're in fresh water. While you lose the joystick, this boat is incredibly easy to handle around the dock with the inboard configuration.

stg099, thanks for the reply. Good advise. We plan to keep the boat in in-door dry storage.
I totally agree, if we were planning to keep it wet slipped we would then be looking for V-drive.
Also, I agree about the SeaCore drives. Not sure when they came out. Very few of the boats we called on had seaCore drive.

Keep it coming!

Thanks again for the great advise,
Bob
 
stg099, thanks for the reply. Good advise. We plan to keep the boat in in-door dry storage.
I totally agree, if we were planning to keep it wet slipped we would then be looking for V-drive.
Also, I agree about the SeaCore drives. Not sure when they came out. Very few of the boats we called on had seaCore drive.

Keep it coming!

Thanks again for the great advise,
Bob


Understood, and considering that you have the option to keep it dry stored, then I'm not even sure the seacore drives would be important. I would assume they'd be flushed out after every use, so might be able to skip that entirely. I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have on the boat, we've gotten to know it well over the last year and really love it.
 
Hi all!

Curious if your opinion - my wife and I live in chicago (hi stg!) and are relocating at end of summer to Boston (Marblehead, more specifically).

I can’t decide if our ‘08 350 DA (150hrs, sterndrive) should come along or be sold as a “freshwater only” boat, buying something with straight shafts. Any opinions on this?

curt
 
If it were me it would depend on the type of boating you plan to do in Boston. As you know the boat market is still red hot, your current boat would likely sell quickly, frankly I have a friend that might be interested if you sell. If you plan to do the same kind of boating in Boston it’s worth considering keeping. If your habits and boating style would change then maybe it’s worth selling your current boat locally and getting a feel for Boston’s boating scene first. Then you can make a decision and hopefully have a more favorable buyers market at that point. Just my .02

John
 
Hey everyone, I’m having an issue with my engine hatch lift. I have it narrowed down to a relay near the switch that works when I bypass it. Replaced the relay and same issue.

Apparently the SLX has a safety switch in the transom door so it doesn’t bust off when raising. I’m pretty sure there isn’t a safety switch in my DA (2016 350). I took apart the door and didn’t see any wires going to it.

Here’s full thread. Sorry for cross post, but just wanted to confirm if anyone here knew anything about a safety switch.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/hatch-lift-relay-gone-bad.108768/
 
Hi all!

Curious if your opinion - my wife and I live in chicago (hi stg!) and are relocating at end of summer to Boston (Marblehead, more specifically).

I can’t decide if our ‘08 350 DA (150hrs, sterndrive) should come along or be sold as a “freshwater only” boat, buying something with straight shafts. Any opinions on this?

curt

Living and boating in the Boston area I can tell you that I/O's are absolutely frowned upon for a large boat like yours.... Only because it isn't easy to haul and service the drives should something go wrong. The salt water will wreak havoc on them. I think your mindset is correct with selling it as a freshwater only boat, reaping the benefits of the price premium that comes along with that title. Move this way and find yourself a great v-drive DA, I will never again put myself into an I/O boat after several horrible experiences. Available mechanics are few and far between here during the season, couple that with a boat that needs travel lift to haul it out and you're going to have headaches and/or long periods of no boat during an issue. When the boating season is only 5 months long, that isn't acceptable to me given how much money I dump into it.

I was a little worried making the switch to a v-drive boat, not knowing much about them was slightly intimidating to me... but WOW am I glad I made the switch. Ease of maintenance and control/maneuverability cant even be touched by I/O's, sure the I/O boat with have better fuel economy and higher speed... but who cares. Even better if you can pony up for a diesel boat.

And welcome to Mass, there are TONS of great spots to go via boat... Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Provincetown, up and down the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, all of the Boston Harbor islands, and up by you there are great boating/sand bar areas... Even block island and Long Island if you get the right boat! You will love the reliability and long run capability of a diesel boat when running to the islands.
 
Hey everyone, I’m having an issue with my engine hatch lift. I have it narrowed down to a relay near the switch that works when I bypass it. Replaced the relay and same issue.

Apparently the SLX has a safety switch in the transom door so it doesn’t bust off when raising. I’m pretty sure there isn’t a safety switch in my DA (2016 350). I took apart the door and didn’t see any wires going to it.

Here’s full thread. Sorry for cross post, but just wanted to confirm if anyone here knew anything about a safety switch.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/hatch-lift-relay-gone-bad.108768/

I can confirm that there are in fact 2 safety switches for the hatch in our model. One is in the door that hides the cockpit fridge, the other is in the aft starboard locker just inside the boarding gate. They’re small magnetic switches
 
I can confirm that there are in fact 2 safety switches for the hatch in our model. One is in the door that hides the cockpit fridge, the other is in the aft starboard locker just inside the boarding gate. They’re small magnetic switches
Excellent, thank you. I'll investigate those locations. Makes sense since if both were open while raising the hatch, it'd be bad news!

Is there any info on the safety switches in your manual? I can't seem to find anything useful in the schematics. Then again, I'm having trouble finding the correct manual for my 2016. I've been looking at the 2017/2018 manuals.
 
I can confirm that there are in fact 2 safety switches for the hatch in our model. One is in the door that hides the cockpit fridge, the other is in the aft starboard locker just inside the boarding gate. They’re small magnetic switches

So I looked all over the cockpit fridge door and aft lockers. Didn't see any switches unfortunately. I don't think my 2016 has them.
 
One more to check, is where the garbage can is located next to the cockpit fridge, that one has one on my boat, simple magnet switch.
 
If it were me it would depend on the type of boating you plan to do in Boston. As you know the boat market is still red hot, your current boat would likely sell quickly, frankly I have a friend that might be interested if you sell. If you plan to do the same kind of boating in Boston it’s worth considering keeping. If your habits and boating style would change then maybe it’s worth selling your current boat locally and getting a feel for Boston’s boating scene first. Then you can make a decision and hopefully have a more favorable buyers market at that point. Just my .02

John

I appreciate the input - I am mostly concerned with the saltwater wreaking havoc... not sure if our boating style would significantly change at this stage...

By the way, we're leaving the river and heading out to DuSable for the season tomorrow! We have a 9 month old, so passing the lock 100x per season just won't be as easy as it was in years past. I'll drop you a note re: sale when / if that comes about (75% likely...) - would probably be late summer.
 
Living and boating in the Boston area I can tell you that I/O's are absolutely frowned upon for a large boat like yours.... Only because it isn't easy to haul and service the drives should something go wrong. The salt water will wreak havoc on them. I think your mindset is correct with selling it as a freshwater only boat, reaping the benefits of the price premium that comes along with that title. Move this way and find yourself a great v-drive DA, I will never again put myself into an I/O boat after several horrible experiences. Available mechanics are few and far between here during the season, couple that with a boat that needs travel lift to haul it out and you're going to have headaches and/or long periods of no boat during an issue. When the boating season is only 5 months long, that isn't acceptable to me given how much money I dump into it.

I was a little worried making the switch to a v-drive boat, not knowing much about them was slightly intimidating to me... but WOW am I glad I made the switch. Ease of maintenance and control/maneuverability cant even be touched by I/O's, sure the I/O boat with have better fuel economy and higher speed... but who cares. Even better if you can pony up for a diesel boat.

And welcome to Mass, there are TONS of great spots to go via boat... Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Provincetown, up and down the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, all of the Boston Harbor islands, and up by you there are great boating/sand bar areas... Even block island and Long Island if you get the right boat! You will love the reliability and long run capability of a diesel boat when running to the islands.

Great feedback - thanks! We love being out on Lake Michigan in the summer, largely because of the destinations! My wife's family has a place in Montauk, so they're encouraging us to end up on the south shore, though my wife loved Marblehead when we visited a few weeks ago...

Most likely is that we'll sell the current boat here in Chicago by late summer, look for something local in '23 once we know where we'll be living and what our water-access situation looks like!
 
I appreciate the input - I am mostly concerned with the saltwater wreaking havoc... not sure if our boating style would significantly change at this stage...

By the way, we're leaving the river and heading out to DuSable for the season tomorrow! We have a 9 month old, so passing the lock 100x per season just won't be as easy as it was in years past. I'll drop you a note re: sale when / if that comes about (75% likely...) - would probably be late summer.

Congrats on the move to the pond! Let me know when you get settled, I have a buddy I think that would very likely be interested if you end up selling. We're both in Belmont, so a short cruise away. Would love to grab a beer at some point this season!
 
Great feedback - thanks! We love being out on Lake Michigan in the summer, largely because of the destinations! My wife's family has a place in Montauk, so they're encouraging us to end up on the south shore, though my wife loved Marblehead when we visited a few weeks ago...

Most likely is that we'll sell the current boat here in Chicago by late summer, look for something local in '23 once we know where we'll be living and what our water-access situation looks like!

One other thing to consider is marina storage... It is ***impossible*** to find an open slip at a marina in Massachusetts. That is something you'll need to start making calls on now or be okay with the boat staying on land for a couple years. Selling now and buying when you are able to find a slip may be the way to go.
 

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