Official 370 Express Cruiser Thread (1997-2000)

[Jacks-N-Rays]

Just got my boat with 2009 8.1 496's. Runs great. I would appreciate any insight on anything as they are new to me. Thx

 

[GABulldogsNH]

Just got my boat with 2009 8.1 496's. Runs great. I would appreciate any insight on anything as they are new to me. Thx

wasnt sure if you were referring to the props in terms of insight with those engines. Your boat is significantly different set up than ours but the props West recommended appear to be right fit for our 21x23 with a cup on a four blade with the 8.1s. we dont have prop pockets and have 2.5:1 ration on the trannys so obviously alot can change with your model. Again wasnt sure if you were referring to the prop set up. Just figured I'd throw out my outcome.

 

[GABulldogsNH]

Guys, I have one other quick question and I am sure someone has been through this before. When I repowered a few years ago, it was done by marina, I am prepping it this year and me and a friend are doing the repower. That being said, the crane isnt coming unil the day were are pulling the engines and dropping the new ones in alll same day. So i want to remove the starboard seat/sink and port side seat prior to the engine day in order to save daylight the day of install and have the hatch all ready to go while it is on the hard. Anyone have any estimate of the weight of the starboard sink/seat combo.... trying to determine if it is going to be over 300 pounds as I ahve a bucket truck with hoist attachment but only rated for 300 lbs..... any insight would be greatly appreciated as I am hoping to get that off the boat asap.

 

[West32]

Guys, I have one other quick question and I am sure someone has been through this before. When I repowered a few years ago, it was done by marina, I am prepping it this year and me and a friend are doing the repower. That being said, the crane isnt coming unil the day were are pulling the engines and dropping the new ones in alll same day. So i want to remove the starboard seat/sink and port side seat prior to the engine day in order to save daylight the day of install and have the hatch all ready to go while it is on the hard. Anyone have any estimate of the weight of the starboard sink/seat combo.... trying to determine if it is going to be over 300 pounds as I ahve a bucket truck with hoist attachment but only rated for 300 lbs..... any insight would be greatly appreciated as I am hoping to get that off the boat asap.

It has to be close to 300 lbs. I just moved mine off the mid deck and on to the back deck.

 

[GABulldogsNH]

It has to be close to 300 lbs. I just moved mine off the mid deck and on to the back deck.

Thank you West, this is the firs time Im removing myself, are the bolts accessible under the noise dampening material/insulation under engine hatch or within the cabinets of the seat/sink

 

[Jacks-N-Rays]

All I know about the props is from the Survey and that they are in great shape: Two (2) bronze alloy, three bladed propellers, size 16". No pitch stamp sighted.
Surveyor recommended bigger or different blades/pitch for increased power or speed. Thoughts?

 

[West32]

Thank you West, this is the firs time Im removing myself, are the bolts accessible under the noise dampening material/insulation under engine hatch or within the cabinets of the seat/sink

Yes, I believe there are 6 bolts that hold down each seat. My noise dampening has holes in where the nuts are for easy access.
You'll need to remove the ice maker to get to the top side of the one bolt. I put cardboard down to slide the seat bases on.

 

[SEAWOLF]

Hi All .
Does anyone have this tool, StrutPro or the like who would be willing to lend or rent? I have my boat is NJ and am looking to change my cutlass bearing on my Sea Ray 370 EC myself. Shaft diameter 1 7/8 Thanks!

 

[Zooomin]

Hello fellow 370 EC owners. Before I get in to asking questions, I’m new here and just wanted to say hello. I’m relieved that we have this thread with great useful information on our amazing vessels.

I have owned the boat since Aug of 2020. I have had numerous power boats of varying sizes, but this hull tracks and handles the rough Pacific waters better than any of them.

Unfortunately, my boat came with absolutely no owners manuals, and no service records on anything, so I am hunting and pecking to piece history together. Frankly, it appears I got lucky with a good boat.

I’m looking forward to learning as well as sharing whatever I can to contribute to the group.

David

 

[SEAWOLF]

Hello fellow 370 EC owners. Before I get in to asking questions, I’m new here and just wanted to say hello. I’m relieved that we have this thread with great useful information on our amazing vessels.

I have owned the boat since Aug of 2020. I have had numerous power boats of varying sizes, but this hull tracks and handles the rough Pacific waters better than any of them.

Unfortunately, my boat came with absolutely no owners manuals, and no service records on anything, so I am hunting and pecking to piece history together. Frankly, it appears I got lucky with a good boat.

I’m looking forward to learning as well as sharing whatever I can to contribute to the group.

David

Welcome on board David. I had a 330 EC, this year I bought a 370 and dud a lot of work on boat , changed the starboard engine....... In August I start move from Panama City FL to NJ. I got into the bay near Tampa at the epicenter of a big storm, the wave was about 16 ft. the wind was very strong and
scary, but the boat held up very well. I have done over 2000 miles in 12 days.

 

[techmitch]

Hello fellow 370 EC owners. Before I get in to asking questions, I’m new here and just wanted to say hello. I’m relieved that we have this thread with great useful information on our amazing vessels.

I have owned the boat since Aug of 2020. I have had numerous power boats of varying sizes, but this hull tracks and handles the rough Pacific waters better than any of them.

Unfortunately, my boat came with absolutely no owners manuals, and no service records on anything, so I am hunting and pecking to piece history together. Frankly, it appears I got lucky with a good boat.

I’m looking forward to learning as well as sharing whatever I can to contribute to the group.

David

Welcome aboard CSR David.

Here is your parts manual.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/srweb-pvt-...ts-manuals/1997__1997-370-EXPRESS-CRUISER.pdf

Spec. sheet/options list.
https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNT0T915.pdf

And owners manual. (it's for a 2000 but should the same)
https://owners-resources.searayweb....0_370 Express Cruiser_370_Express_Cruiser.pdf

 

[Zooomin]

Welcome on board David. I had a 330 EC, this year I bought a 370 and dud a lot of work on boat , changed the starboard engine....... In August I start move from Panama City FL to NJ. I got into the bay near Tampa at the epicenter of a big storm, the wave was about 16 ft. the wind was very strong and
scary, but the boat held up very well. I have done over 2000 miles in 12 days.

Thank you, Seawolf! I really appreciate it. Sounds like you’ve done a lot of work and realize the toughness of these hulls. Considering the price we’ve paid just to get the boat, I believe it’s well worth updating them. I have actually done quite a bit to mine already. I was pleasantly surprised that we have not only six stringers, but a decent keel as well. As far as I know, my friends with Sundancers have four stringers and no keel.

 

[Zooomin]

Welcome aboard CSR David.

Here is your parts manual.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/srweb-pvt-...ts-manuals/1997__1997-370-EXPRESS-CRUISER.pdf

Spec. sheet/options list.
https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNT0T915.pdf

And owners manual. (it's for a 2000 but should the same)
https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/owners-manuals-files/2000_370 Express Cruiser_370_Express_Cruiser.pdf

Wow, thank you Mitch! I appreciate your taking the time to post these links!

David

 

[techmitch]

Wow, thank you Mitch! I appreciate your taking the time to post these links!

David

Boater's unite.

 

[SEAWOLF]

Thank you, Seawolf! I really appreciate it. Sounds like you’ve done a lot of work and realize the toughness of these hulls. Considering the price we’ve paid just to get the boat, I believe it’s well worth updating them. I have actually done quite a bit to mine already. I was pleasantly surprised that we have not only six stringers, but a decent keel as well. As far as I know, my friends with Sundancers have four stringers and no keel.

I like this hull better than the Cabo, in good condition this boat should be priced like a Сabo.
My water tank is leaking long time ,
previous owner don't take care
be a lot of work with fiberglass reisin .

 

[Zooomin]

I like this hull better than the Cabo, in good condition this boat should be priced like a Сabo.
My water tank is leaking long time ,
previous owner don't take care
be a lot of work with fiberglass reisin .

It’s always a bummer when water heaters let go. Sorry to hear it.

I see you have the 3126s. I have mechanical 3116s with about 1250 hours. They run great except I have been pulling my hair out since I took ownership. A bizarre surge at idle, starboard motor, only occurs when the engine is warmed up and in neutral. I have checked practically everything, including changing filters, checking for air in the lines, checking the rack. But, have not touched the Governor or looked closely at the injectors. Something is happening once the engine gets warm, which I believe is a big clue. But, my CAT trained marine mechanic is scratching his head over it. The surge ranges between 750 RPMs up to 765 RPMs and back down again to 750 RPMs, over and over. If you or anyone else has any ideas as to what this might be, I’m all ears.

 

[SEAWOLF]

It’s always a bummer when water heaters let go. Sorry to hear it.

I see you have the 3126s. I have mechanical 3116s with about 1250 hours. They run great except I have been pulling my hair out since I took ownership. A bizarre surge at idle, starboard motor, only occurs when the engine is warmed up and in neutral. I have checked practically everything, including changing filters, checking for air in the lines, checking the rack. But, have not touched the Governor or looked closely at the injectors. Something is happening once the engine gets warm, which I believe is a big clue. But, my CAT trained marine mechanic is scratching his head over it. The surge ranges between 750 RPMs up to 765 RPMs and back down again to 750 RPMs, over and over. If you or anyone else has any ideas as to what this might be, I’m all ears.

Just change new injectors and make all adjustment , also send Fuel compressor to CAT for overhould and get another 2000 hours

 

[GnrlPatton]

It’s always a bummer when water heaters let go. Sorry to hear it.

I see you have the 3126s. I have mechanical 3116s with about 1250 hours. They run great except I have been pulling my hair out since I took ownership. A bizarre surge at idle, starboard motor, only occurs when the engine is warmed up and in neutral. I have checked practically everything, including changing filters, checking for air in the lines, checking the rack. But, have not touched the Governor or looked closely at the injectors. Something is happening once the engine gets warm, which I believe is a big clue. But, my CAT trained marine mechanic is scratching his head over it. The surge ranges between 750 RPMs up to 765 RPMs and back down again to 750 RPMs, over and over. If you or anyone else has any ideas as to what this might be, I’m all ears.

Does it match up with the details on this post? http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/cat-3116-hunting-after-injector-change.92764/

I never did find the cause or solution.

 

[Zooomin]

Does it match up with the details on this post? http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/cat-3116-hunting-after-injector-change.92764/

I never did find the cause or solution.

Hi Kevin,

Wow, your video shows what is happening with mine. The details in your post are very similar, however I did not do any work to the motor but maybe the previous owner did, such as what you had done which somehow triggered the issue for you. With mine, all it takes is 5 minutes on idle in neutral and the issue presents itself. My mechanic is stumped as well. Actually three good mechanics and one of them is CAT marine. He's the one now suggesting a new governor. He's a great guy and is taking time to research other roads to try. Regardless, I am determined to find the solution. Changing the governor itself is basically a 3k crap shoot. One of my mechanics who knows diesels like the back of his hand did the mechanical survey for me upon purchase. He said "Just live with it. It won't hurt anything and you could spend thousands chasing this and not figure it out."

I suppose I could first swap my governors to see if the issue tracks to the other motor, but frankly that's a pain and I don't want to trigger other issues in the process.

Seawolf made some interesting suggestions in a reply to my post above, and I will explore those as well.

Since it seems we both have been living with this for years, perhaps it is nothing more than an annoyance. But there must be someone out there who really knows what the fix is.

 

[West32]

Merry Christmas Eve.
I need to replace the screens in my side portal windows. The ones in the bathroom and above the settee. What is the trick to getting those screens out?