Engine types for the 320-340 Sundancers?

[AndreasW]

I am looking at buying a '00 to '04 320 or 340 sundancer this year and after looking through the forum and all the sales sites, I am getting more and more confused about the different engine types and sizes.

I see anything from 5 - 8L engines and In/Outboard vs Inboard, V-Drives etc. It seems people like the larger engines, but they seem to use way more gas. Maintenance for the MPH I/O seems to be easier vs the Inboard. Not sure what V-drives are.

So confused. :huh: I want to do some nice cruising tips, so fuel economy would be important vs high speed.

 

[VinceR]

Are you salt or fresh water?

 

[Vince_nj1]

Check out this link:

http://www.dearmisterjones.com/wordpress/2008/08/22/new-to-boating-5-types-of-boat-to-choose-from/

The most common engine in a 340 is a large block (8.1’s) V-Drive inboard, although I have seen some with small block engines, (6.2’s).

The reason SeaRay uses V-drives in these boats is make room for the aft cabin. If the boat had a straight inboard configuration, you would need to give up that aft cabin. SeaRay used to make boats with that option and they called them express cruisers instead of sundancers. The SeaRay Amberjack is a straight drive inboard as well.

The most common engine in a 320 is small block (either the 5.7 or the 6.2) I’m not sure if there are any other engine options. Prettu sure you can't get a 320 with a large block (8.1) engine. Most 320's are V-drive/inboard configuration, although I/O's are available and do offer some considerable performance advantages. The biggest reason people move to V-drives/Inboards (and pay a premium) is because most people store their boats of that size in the water, many in salt water. Stern drives are more susceptible to corrosion damage; require more maintenance and cannot be left in the water over the winter. Stern drive boats do have much better engine access, get better fuel economy, can go into shallower water and are faster.

My boat has V-drives because I keep it in the water. If I was able to store it on lift as many do in Florida, I would have bought it with stern drives. That is not say that you can’t keep a boat with stern drives in the water, you can, it is just that there is additional maintenance that needs to be done and eventually your stern drive may require replacement. (5 to 7 years?) I haven’t priced a Bravo3 stern drive, but I imagine it costs around $5000 to replace one. Resale value on a inboard boat is usually higher.

Good luck in your search.

 

[AndreasW]

OK that is helpful. I would mainly use the boat in the upper Chesapeake and its rivers and store the boat outside the water in the winter. I would seem based on this I should go with the I/O to get better fuel economy and handle the shallower water. The one 340 I was looking at had a 8.1L 370hp MPI fresh water cooled engine with Inboards & Hurth V-drives :smt100.

 

[Vince_nj1]

I don't believe you can get a 340 with I/O's. If you do find one it will be rare and will probably be priced aggessively. The other thing I forgot to mention is that generally speaking, I/O's are not used in boats over 30 feet, unless it is a speed boat. I/O's can fail if the boat is too heavy. Recent advances have allowed manufacturers to use I/O's in heavier boats, but that means the sterndrive has to be more robust and therefore heavier. I used to be able to remove my Alpha 1 sterndrive from my 26 footer and carry it to my truck. I'm told that some of the new Volvo Penta drives are over 200 lbs. Now you will need equipment or very large friends to help you install it or remove it and transport it.

My back hurts just thinking about it.

 

[Ididntdoit]

If your hell bent on I/Os I would look at a 2002-2007 300 sundancer - The resale will be a lot better as that was the only way they were available and they are very quick/fast to plane with the 5.0 engines - in addition at cruise (3400 RPM) fuel burn is around 20gph total - If I had it to do over I would have bought a boat with inboards as I would prefer to keep it in the water all year - Let me know if you are interested in a super clean 2005 300 - or PM me if you would like any addl info

 

[dpmulvey]

OK that is helpful. I would mainly use the boat in the upper Chesapeake and its rivers and store the boat outside the water in the winter. I would seem based on this I should go with the I/O to get better fuel economy and handle the shallower water. The one 340 I was looking at had a 8.1L 370hp MPI fresh water cooled engine with Inboards & Hurth V-drives :smt100.

8.1's are thirsty engines. This can be placated soemwhat with 4 blade props. The prop tunnels allow the engines to sit lower in the boat, but they do effect effeciency. The upper Chessie is fresh to brackish. I/O's won't be troubled there. Additionally, the Mercathode system should protect you as well.

Unless you absolutely need the aft cabin (it is great for canvas storage!) you may want to look at the express cruiser series. IMO, the ER Access is far superior.

My 2 Cents

 

[CAMELLA]

I don't believe you can get a 340 with I/O's. If you do find one it will be rare and will probably be priced aggessively. The other thing I forgot to mention is that generally speaking, I/O's are not used in boats over 30 feet, unless it is a speed boat. I/O's can fail if the boat is too heavy. Recent advances have allowed manufacturers to use I/O's in heavier boats, but that means the sterndrive has to be more robust and therefore heavier. I used to be able to remove my Alpha 1 sterndrive from my 26 footer and carry it to my truck. I'm told that some of the new Volvo Penta drives are over 200 lbs. Now you will need equipment or very large friends to help you install it or remove it and transport it.

My back hurts just thinking about it.

I have I/O's on my 2008 340DA and love them, I do keep it on a lift.

 

[AndreasW]

I need the aft cabin for the kids... so maybe a 6.2L V drive would be a good compromise. Have to check out the 300s.

Thanks for the tips. :thumbsup: