Searay 340 Sundancer

Mother Goose

New Member
Aug 28, 2011
1
tennessee
Boat Info
boatless
Engines
boatless
Looking to purchase a new-to-us Sundancer. We have 2 boats which interest us and I’d like to hear pro and cons about either. Both are in good shape but we would have a marine survey prior to purchase. Here’s what we are considering...2000 340 Sundancer and a 1999 380 Sundancer. Thanks so much!
 
Condition being equal - you’ll appreciate the extra space in the 380. If you’re in that size range don’t forget to consider a late 90’s 400 as well. If you go through both a 380 and 400 you’ll likely drop the 340 from your list
 
Been looking at the 340 as well and came across some 370/380 in the search. Too me two different boats for different lifestyles. The admiral liked the 370/380s she saw. The 380 is BIG. A lot of surface area to wash and wax every year. Costs to own go up too. If you're a heavy over nighter and can take advantage of the closed stateroom and shower stall it's a plus. You give up a bit of performance with the big blocks - a heavy boat. And canvas and carpet isn't readily available online like the 340. Engine room access is good. I think the hull is cored, which I wanted no part of.

For us I settled on the 340. Since I do the wash and wax my arm and shoulders will be relieved. We wouldn't take advantage of the state room or shower. I like the fact I can order replacement canvas and carpet online without dealing with custom providers And the slightly better performance is a plus. Engine room sucks though. Good luck in your search.
 
You’ll really appreciate the separate shower stall in a 380.
 
Wondering if you found a boat yet. I'm also shopping and was considering everything between 32 and 38. I use to have slip neighbors with 38s on both sides of me and really admired them. But my goal this time was to go as small as possible. After looking at a couple 320s I've ruled them out. The engine room is impossible and they don't seem to be much cheaper than 340s. Now I'm focused on the 34 because maintenance and the price of everything goes up with size. My last boat had a large separate shower and a private stateroom and I don't think I'll miss either one, even with my adult kids onboard. I'm actually looking forward to being able to wash down the entire bathroom with the shower sprayer. With all that said, I wouldn't pass up a good opportunity to grab a nice 38 (or 36). Good luck with your hunt!
 
I personally enjoy and like the open feeling of a 340 and I am not a fan of of a door/wall between the salon and forward berth. Feels too closed off for me.
 
I believe the 1999 model of the 380 doesn't have a separate shower, it's a wet head still, I think that changed in 2000

A year ago I looked at a 2001 340 and a 2000 380.

Bought the 380 because we like the separate stateroom, love the separate shower. LOVE the engine room! The electric couch is cool. The extra 19" beam is awesome. Cockpit seems much more roomy. Full size (apartment) refrigerator is nice.
 
Great point about the refrigerator. I actually have a contract on a 2005 340. Just trying to workout some survey issues.
 
I think you would like the Full Fridge, If you do any maintenance on your own the 380 is great for work around engines. The extra beam also a bonus. Not sure why but the 380 handles amazing, maybe its the 4 blade props not sure but it works really well.
I have a 99 380 and didnt get the seperate shower stall I believe started the following year.

Jamie
 

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