Official 2003.5-2008 340 Sundancer Thread

[eheath19]

I just purchased a 2003.5 340. Coming from a diesel 32 luhrs. I figuired I would fish more but just didn't happen. It's time for a nice comfy boat for the family. This thread is great I'm sure I'm going to have a bunch of questions.

 

[Tripsdad]

I just purchased a 2003.5 340. Coming from a diesel 32 luhrs. I figuired I would fish more but just didn't happen. It's time for a nice comfy boat for the family. This thread is great I'm sure I'm going to have a bunch of questions.

Welcome to CSR and congratulations on the “new to you” boat.

 

[Korkie]

Welcome. You are going to love the 340. They are wonderful boats.

 

[KevinC]

I just purchased a 2003.5 340. Coming from a diesel 32 luhrs. I figuired I would fish more but just didn't happen. It's time for a nice comfy boat for the family. This thread is great I'm sure I'm going to have a bunch of questions.

Congrats and welcome! Lots of great info in this thread and a lot of helpful people here too.

-Kevin

 

[onthejob]

Has anyone added a "house battery bank" with an inverter? My goal: To be able to run a coffee maker or microwave without firing up the genny in the morning when on hook with other boats. I get up early and want coffee. When on hook, no one on our raft runs a genny all night. I don't want to be that guy firing up the genny at 6:30 am for coffee. I tried alcohol stoves but now I'm onto AMG batteries and inverters.

My thought: AMG sealed battery 200ah in either the shower sump floor board or the one forward of it. I have a newer boat battery charger that has a third charging connection I was thinking of maintaining this battery. Then wire in a 2000w sin wave inverter. Mount the inverter on top of the central vac cabinet under companion way. Plug coffee maker into that or whatever else I want to.

Concerns: Having a battery inside the cabin. AMGs are allegedly safe for this but wondering what the peanut gallery has to say about this? Generally it's cool enough at anchor to run windows/door open on anchor, no genny.

 

[Tacoma290]

To answer your question directly, since the AGM batteries are sealed and none of these boats is air tight, your approach would work. But you are proposing distant runs between the batteries and inverter. You could put the inverter in the cabinet at the vacuum, adjacent to the charger. In other words, shorten the distance for the fat 12v copper and run more of the skinny 115v back to the cabin.

I struggled with the same issue you do. We have a mild climate for the most part, we enjoy quiet mornings, but we simply cannot function without coffee. I looked into the same setup you are proposing but went in a different direction for simplicity's sake.
So, instead of the inverter and batteries, we purchased a single portable butane stove (fits perfect in the lowest drawer) and a percolator for the coffee. The stove is awesome and it heats the water so much faster that we hardly use the electric ranges anymore. Below are images of what we went with.

 

[onthejob]

So when I was using my backpacking Coleman stove, I did the pour over method and it was pretty good. It was a process and involved flame. We enjoy the simplicity and taste of the Keurig. Call it laziness or the lack of coffee but we were trying to come up with a solution to wake up and press a button. Your Butane solution looks way easier than mine with white gas. Crazy to think of spending $1,500 to have coffee with the press of a button. I could justify the house battery/inverter with other uses but I don't know where need and want; float right now. Thanks for input.

 

[bfernald0]

Has anyone added a "house battery bank" with an inverter? My goal: To be able to run a coffee maker or microwave without firing up the genny in the morning when on hook with other boats. I get up early and want coffee. When on hook, no one on our raft runs a genny all night. I don't want to be that guy firing up the genny at 6:30 am for coffee. I tried alcohol stoves but now I'm onto AMG batteries and inverters.

My thought: AMG sealed battery 200ah in either the shower sump floor board or the one forward of it. I have a newer boat battery charger that has a third charging connection I was thinking of maintaining this battery. Then wire in a 2000w sin wave inverter. Mount the inverter on top of the central vac cabinet under companion way. Plug coffee maker into that or whatever else I want to.

Concerns: Having a battery inside the cabin. AMGs are allegedly safe for this but wondering what the peanut gallery has to say about this? Generally it's cool enough at anchor to run windows/door open on anchor, no genny.

I installed two l16 agms between the two center stringers a little forward of the water lift mufflers. Used the yacht club crane to drop them in. Wired to a magnum inverter/charger on the forward engine bulkhead. 400ah.

 

[boatrboy]

For those working in your bilge with v-drives..

I am constantly crawling behind the motors and started by using a moving blanket over the motor covers. These covers are no longer available so I worried about breaking them crawling on them.
I made this from a 2’ x4’ x 1/2” plywood (pre-cut at Home Depot) and a mat from Harbor freight for $10. I rounded the edges to save my stomach and cut an oval for carrying it easier. I used spray glue to attach the foam to the wood. It sits on the elbows and sags enough to support on the three bolts where the cover attaches to. It does not put any stress on the cover and is very light and easy to move from side to side.

Now I climb in without trepidation .

I hope this helps somebody either on this model or something similar if you have v-drives.

I should also add I’m north of 200 lbs….

Mark

 

[green anchors]

For those working in your bilge with v-drives..

I am constantly crawling behind the motors and started by using a moving blanket over the motor covers. These covers are no longer available so I worried about breaking them crawling on them.
I made this from a 2’ x4’ x 1/2” plywood (pre-cut at Home Depot) and a mat from Harbor freight for $10. I rounded the edges to save my stomach and cut an oval for carrying it easier. I used spray glue to attach the foam to the wood. It sits on the elbows and sags enough to support on the three bolts where the cover attaches to. It does not put any stress on the cover and is very light and easy to move from side to side.

Now I climb in without trepidation .

I hope this helps somebody either on this model or something similar if you have v-drives.

I should also add I’m north of 200 lbs….

Mark
View attachment 137201 View attachment 137202

I love that idea!

 

[green anchors]

forward hatch over berth I have two new arms but the plastic piece arm attaches to on hatch frame is broken. Does anyone know where to find this? I thought I saw this in the forum but can not find it.

 

[dvx216]

For those working in your bilge with v-drives..

I am constantly crawling behind the motors and started by using a moving blanket over the motor covers. These covers are no longer available so I worried about breaking them crawling on them.
I made this from a 2’ x4’ x 1/2” plywood (pre-cut at Home Depot) and a mat from Harbor freight for $10. I rounded the edges to save my stomach and cut an oval for carrying it easier. I used spray glue to attach the foam to the wood. It sits on the elbows and sags enough to support on the three bolts where the cover attaches to. It does not put any stress on the cover and is very light and easy to move from side to side.

Now I climb in without trepidation .

I hope this helps somebody either on this model or something similar if you have v-drives.

I should also add I’m north of 200 lbs….

Mark
View attachment 137201 View attachment 137202

currently having a buddy who has a metal shop make me two replacement covers out of aluminum.

 

[Larry Gee]

Anyone replace their trim tab actuator? My 2006 port is leaking on the outside and suspect it is a seal. I want to just replace the actuator and have 2 questions - 1)what is the size and part number ? and 2) has anyone successfully done this while in the water?

 

[mnm99]

Anyone replace their trim tab actuator? My 2006 port is leaking on the outside and suspect it is a seal. I want to just replace the actuator and have 2 questions - 1)what is the size and part number ? and 2) has anyone successfully done this while in the water?

I removed both of them and installed sending units in them on land, As for in the water, you may be able to do it. The feed line is above the water line and will come off with 3 screws. The bottom attaches with 2 screws. I would think it would just have to be done on a calm day, because when you disconnect the hydro line inside and remove it there is a hole that water could come in if some waves hit your boat. Nothing that will sink it though. Maybe find some quick dry under water silicone for when you re install it. I would bring it real close to shore and back it up till you can stand in the water and work on it.

 

[Larry Gee]

That does help a lot! The pictures really help and thanks for taking the time to reply. I keep the boat in the water and my diver at the marina who says he can do it in the water at my slip. I will call Bennett tomorrow to get the actuators and parts. I will post how it goes when done.

 

[carterchapman]

I just purchased a 2003.5 340. Coming from a diesel 32 luhrs. I figuired I would fish more but just didn't happen. It's time for a nice comfy boat for the family. This thread is great I'm sure I'm going to have a bunch of questions.

Welcome! We owned ours for 4 years and loved it.

 

[Larry Gee]

That does help a lot! The pictures really help and thanks for taking the time to reply. I keep the boat in the water and my diver at the marina who says he can do it in the water at my slip. I will call Bennett tomorrow to get the actuators and parts. I will post how it goes when done.

Received the Acuators ( Bennett part # A1101A ) and Trim Tab Hydraulic Hardware Pack ( Bennett # H1170A ) - might as well add new fittings, etc. but haven't installed yet as it has been way too cold for my diver /mechanic. Will update once installed.

Also replacing the Kohler model 5E Generators impeller and seal, oil service, etc as I am not sure on the PO's service dates.

 

[John Lafond]

Happy to share that we've completed the purchase of a new to us, 2003.5 340 SDA, "Just Right." On Wednesday she'll move a short distance to her new home at Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island. As expected, the survey and sea trial revealed a few things, but nothing major. I have a mechanic lined up to knock out this list in March, including replacing all the manifolds on the 8.1's, as one shows signs of rust from a previous genset leak sprayed water on the outside of the manifold. I'm tracking down issues with the horn; the refrigerator is working on DV but not AC, and looking for replacement canvas.

I've read every post in this forum and appreciate joining such a knowledgeable and free-sharing group. Upgrades are underway, with the successful upgrade of the Chart Plotter to a Garmin 8610xsv using a Flounder Pounder pre-cut panel yesterday. I'm in the process of building the adult beverage rack in the old recessed TV space after being inspired by a post here. I'll be upgrading the Clarion radio to the Garmin Fusion RA 770 and installing a flat panel TV on the aft wall above the mid cabin, again, thanks to a great post here. I've been boating for decades on the shores of Long Island (Northport and Oakdale), and we can't wait to explore my new home area in this beautiful boat.

 

[KevinC]

Happy to share that we've completed the purchase of a new to us, 2003.5 340 SDA, "Just Right." On Wednesday she'll move a short distance to her new home at Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island. As expected, the survey and sea trial revealed a few things, but nothing major. I have a mechanic lined up to knock out this list in March, including replacing all the manifolds on the 8.1's, as one shows signs of rust from a previous genset leak sprayed water on the outside of the manifold. I'm tracking down issues with the horn; the refrigerator is working on DV but not AC, and looking for replacement canvas.

I've read every post in this forum and appreciate joining such a knowledgeable and free-sharing group. Upgrades are underway, with the successful upgrade of the Chart Plotter to a Garmin 8610xsv using a Flounder Pounder pre-cut panel yesterday. I'm in the process of building the adult beverage rack in the old recessed TV space after being inspired by a post here. I'll be upgrading the Clarion radio to the Garmin Fusion RA 770 and installing a flat panel TV on the aft wall above the mid cabin, again, thanks to a great post here. I've been boating for decades on the shores of Long Island (Northport and Oakdale), and we can't wait to explore my new home area in this beautiful boat.

John,

Welcome aboard - you are going to love you 340SDA but I might be a little biased. If your looking for replacement canvas get in touch we me as we are distributors for Great Lakes and can provide factory replacement canvas and get you the CSR discount (if your interested fill out the request form on our website www.covemarine.com) We are a site sponsor and have helped out many members.

Installing the flat panel TV is not too bad of a job - you can take a look at the write up I did a while ago.
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php...tv-on-2004-340-sundancer-bulkhead-wall.88100/

Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Kevin

 

[Tripsdad]

Happy to share that we've completed the purchase of a new to us, 2003.5 340 SDA, "Just Right." On Wednesday she'll move a short distance to her new home at Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island. As expected, the survey and sea trial revealed a few things, but nothing major. I have a mechanic lined up to knock out this list in March, including replacing all the manifolds on the 8.1's, as one shows signs of rust from a previous genset leak sprayed water on the outside of the manifold. I'm tracking down issues with the horn; the refrigerator is working on DV but not AC, and looking for replacement canvas.

I've read every post in this forum and appreciate joining such a knowledgeable and free-sharing group. Upgrades are underway, with the successful upgrade of the Chart Plotter to a Garmin 8610xsv using a Flounder Pounder pre-cut panel yesterday. I'm in the process of building the adult beverage rack in the old recessed TV space after being inspired by a post here. I'll be upgrading the Clarion radio to the Garmin Fusion RA 770 and installing a flat panel TV on the aft wall above the mid cabin, again, thanks to a great post here. I've been boating for decades on the shores of Long Island (Northport and Oakdale), and we can't wait to explore my new home area in this beautiful boat.

Congratulations on the “new to you” boat and welcome to CSR! Lot’s of helpful members and great information here.