What have I done ??!!

[First Timer]

Just signed a purchase agreement for a 2000 340 with 7.4’s -(747hrs). Have a recommended certified captain scheduled for a survey next week! This is quite a step up for me coming out of a 26 sun deck!!! Nervous and excited at the same time! Have a good friend with a 380 that is going up to help me bring her home. We have to lock through one dam (I’ve never locked through before) and will have a 2 hour cruise to her new home. Anyone have any suggestions of what I need to/ don’t need to do? I am having oil samples drawn for both motors and transmissions and a compression test done along with all the other items the surveyor will inspect. Like I said - nervous and anxious!!! What have I done ??!!

 

[BillK2632]

You've bought what I think is one of the best boats SeaRay has made. Your already getting it surveyed, hope all that turns out well. Let your friend help you learn how to handle it - it won't be hard, might even find it easier to handle than your 260SD. I've never owned a 340, but a good friend has one -- it's just a sweet spot of big enough to spend time on and small enough to easily handle.

Good luck!

 

[Golfman25]

I have been looking for the same boat. Don’t fall in love yet. Hopefully the survey doesn’t uncover too many issues. I had one crash and burn late last year. Looking seriously at another one this week.

Make sure the engine exhaust has been modified with the riser extensions and the resonators in the exhaust hoses. You’ll see a single hose clamp in the middle of the exhaust hose holding it in place. If I can figure it out I’ll send you some info. Good luck.

 

[All's Well]

The 340 is a very popular boat. Hope that your survey goes well and that you have a clear view on how to handle the recommended repairs that are bound to come up - they do every time

 

[First Timer]

I have been looking for the same boat. Don’t fall in love yet. Hopefully the survey doesn’t uncover too many issues. I had one crash and burn late last year. Looking seriously at another one this week.

Make sure the engine exhaust has been modified with the riser extensions and the resonators in the exhaust hoses. You’ll see a single hose clamp in the middle of the exhaust hose holding it in place. If I can figure it out I’ll send you some info. Good luck.

 

[Creekwood]

Just signed a purchase agreement for a 2000 340 with 7.4’s -(747hrs). Have a recommended certified captain scheduled for a survey next week! This is quite a step up for me coming out of a 26 sun deck!!! Nervous and excited at the same time! Have a good friend with a 380 that is going up to help me bring her home. We have to lock through one dam (I’ve never locked through before) and will have a 2 hour cruise to her new home. Anyone have any suggestions of what I need to/ don’t need to do? I am having oil samples drawn for both motors and transmissions and a compression test done along with all the other items the surveyor will inspect. Like I said - nervous and anxious!!! What have I done ??!!

Have your surveyor check for soft deck and moisture around the hatches and windlass. If water gets in the balsa core it rots quickly and is messy and expensive to repair. As others have said, there were issues with water intrusion with the log mufflers on the Horizons version of the 7.4.

That year 340 is basically the same hull as the 1995 to 1999 330, with a higher arch, centre island berth and a slightly different forward deck (no pulpit). Lots of good information on the 330 thread on CSR. GREAT boat. If the survey checks out, you will love it.

 

[First Timer]

Everyone is worrying me all the good luck wishes on the survey lol. I take it that the surveys don’t go well a lot of times?

 

[Todd320]

Everyone is worrying me all the good luck wishes on the survey lol. I take it that the surveys don’t go well a lot of times?

You will be fine. I would take a hose to the exterior and see if anything leaks. My 320 had a leaky window that the surveyor and I missed. Welcome to the club!

 

[Golfman25]

Everyone is worrying me all the good luck wishes on the survey lol. I take it that the surveys don’t go well a lot of times?

Well I had one last year. Thought it basically needed new canvas and some cleaning -- pretty obvious stuff. Survey went well, but uncovered a lot of small things: 2 non-working bilge pumps, non-working head fan, missing vent cover, outdated fire extinguishers and co2 monitor, dirty oil, etc. Typical small stuff that would add up. Then two larger items popped up -- badly dinged props and a rotting swim platform. Swim platform could probably be saved by replacing some of the bad areas (a good winter project). So I went back to the seller, basically looking for a credit for both props to be fixed when I got her home -- about $1500 to have them removed, welded and tuned. Broker and seller balked. Gave me time to add everything up - what started at about $5k ended up being $10k+ to make her sea worthy. I walked. Basically looked like the guy got the boat from his dad and then used it for several years while deferring maintenance. Hopefully, your mileage will vary.

 

[BillK2632]

Everyone is worrying me all the good luck wishes on the survey lol. I take it that the surveys don’t go well a lot of times?

Just realize this is a 20yr old boat - something is likely to come up on the survey.

 

[yobub]

Not trying to make you nervous, just a fact that some (many, all) 20 year old boats have problems. Don't fall in love with the boat, be rational and be willing to walk away from the deal.

Every survey of a boat that age will show some issues. Any experienced surveyor will be able to talk you through the considerations to help you get a read on what you are buying. You will get good advice here, and if you search previous threads you will find a ton of information about approaching a survey.

 

[techmitch]

Everyone is worrying me all the good luck wishes on the survey lol. I take it that the surveys don’t go well a lot of times?

Head all advice from these guys, CSR is the $hit. My only other thoughts are to make sure you hire an actual 3rd party accredited surveyor for both the hull, the engines and generator and plan on being there for the entire process including the sea trial.
Being a "First Timer" with the right surveyor, what you learn may be over whelming so don't be afraid to bring an actual note book and use it. Take lots of pics. Best of luck in your venture, it very well may change your life!

2 Last things; I fear wet boats...…….. and welcome to CSR.

 

[First Timer]

Head all advice from these guys, CSR is the $hit. My only other thoughts are to make sure you hire an actual 3rd party accredited surveyor for both the hull, the engines and generator and plan on being there for the entire process including the sea trial.
Being a "First Timer" with the right surveyor, what you learn may be over whelming so don't be afraid to bring an actual note book and use it. Take lots of pics. Best of luck in your venture, it very well may change your life!

2 Last things; I fear wet boats...…….. and welcome to CSR.

Yes. - the broker suggested that I get my own surveyor and he comes highly recommended. He told me the survey, haul out, and sea trail would take all day. Good idea on the notebook! Thanks for taking the time to lend some knowledge!

 

[First Timer]

Head all advice from these guys, CSR is the $hit. My only other thoughts are to make sure you hire an actual 3rd party accredited surveyor for both the hull, the engines and generator and plan on being there for the entire process including the sea trial.
Being a "First Timer" with the right surveyor, what you learn may be over whelming so don't be afraid to bring an actual note book and use it. Take lots of pics. Best of luck in your venture, it very well may change your life!

2 Last things; I fear wet boats...…….. and welcome to CSR.

And the surveyor mentioned thorough moisture checks

 

[techmitch]

And the surveyor mentioned thorough moisture checks

Yep, the pic you posted with your info. looks she is well cared for, though be aware this era 340s have a history of improperly sealed and leaking deck hatches, and it is cored so any, deck piercing's should be suspect.

 

[El Capitan]

Take her for a stress test before you close.

On your voyage to home port make sure you have a number of replacement parts onboard ie belts, clamps, tool kit, etc.

Don’t worry, be happy!

 

[Ezsteps]

First Timer, good luck with your survey and seatrial. I truly hope everything goes well with minimal issues found. I think you will find the 340 alot easier to maneuver than your 260 was. Enjoy your new boat, make lots of memories and Welcome to CSR. Check out that 340 thread for sure.

 

[Korkie]

We went from a 270 scr (Maxum) to our 340 and Love it. Was easy to learn the twin engines. Heck, it was actually easier to handle, especially around the docks. Can put her just about anywhere. Although we have Bravo IIIs and 496mags with a bow thruster. I asked my surveyors in advance if I could video the survey. The first one said absolutely not, so asked why - he said just cause, so I said have a nice day. Kinda wondered what he was afraid of. Second one said absolutely, so I had a friend video it. Refer back to the video often for answers to my questions. We lucked out and got a well taken care of boat with one owner. Although motors had 795 hours and genny 550, there was only some minor issues that came up at surveys. Motors were sound and strong. Very fast for a 37 foot boat IMO. She was pushing 44mph with full water, 3/4 fuel and 6 adults. Engine room was spotless before we started the survey and the same when we finished. Surveyor did miss a minor fresh water pump leak on genny, but that was really the only thing that was a "project" to repair. I also found an inverter system (1250watt) that was hidden down under the electrical panel behind the drawer after getting her home. That was a nice surprise.

Ask tons of questions and make sure you turn on EVERYTHING completely and let things run for a while to be sure they are truly sound. We actually put water in the bilge areas to make sure the pumps truly moved water. Ran the entire tank of fresh water through the various spickets, flushed the toilet about 20 times. When we went out, we went over the boat and systems while plugged in and checked every system and gadget on both the 12v and 120v sides. Then started the genny, switched over to genny power and did the same thing all over again. First time the surveyor turned things on and off, second I or my wife did. Actually learned all the systems in the boat. We also ran the a/c and hot water heater the entire time. Ask the surveyor to show you how to inspect for soft spots / etc in the deck. Also, have him/her point out ANYTHING that is not factory that a PO may have altered, especially if it was poorly engineered. These things will need re engineering. (usually poor wiring issues) Look in all of the cubby holes. There are some hidden ones. Be sure to locate all of the GFCI outlets.
Could go on and on. You will absolutely Love the 340. She is a popular boat and wanted by many. Keep up on your maintenance and she will reward you with tons of fun. Best of luck.

 

[Stee6043]

My first cruiser was also a 340. A great boat.

I don't think it was mentioned yet but that photo you posted of the engine room shows the style of exhaust prone to the water ingestion issues. They may have the proper risers installed, however, but that is not the "water lift" style muffler you'll hear referenced. All of that said, if she runs well and surveys well I would not lose sleep over it.

My '99 340 had the foredeck repaired for rot. Don't discount how expensive this repair can be should your boat survey a bit wet up there. It's very common, as mentioned. Dry Sea Rays of this age and size are pretty hard to find in my experience. Either they've been repaired, need repair or have lived their lives under cover

 

[bracketracer]

....Like I said - nervous and anxious!!! What have I done ??!!

When we signed final papers, and the broker left my wife and I standing on our 380 staring at each other, I wanted to throw up. That passed fairly quickly though.