Thinking about a 1970's weekender 30

[alkisearay]

Just looked at a 1978 30' weekender. It had 350's that were recently rebuilt. Looks like it's been covered most of it's life.

Here's my question, I have a pair of 6YO twin boys, & a spouse who is moderately interested in boating. Will this boat be good for me? I don't plan on doing much extended cruising except maybe one 1-2 week trip to canada in the summer, other than that just weekend overnights and day trips.

I am currently boatless but did have a 1990 250 Sundancer in the past (before kids). It was a great boat.

Should I consider this model or look at maybe an early 1990's 310 - 330 sundancer? Anything else I should look / lookout for in an older searay like this?

 

[ghuskin]

as in most things in life, it's all about personal preference. and needs vs. wants. I have been looking at 300 WE's for several years, and I love this model. Wide beam, overnight capability, well balanced boat w/inboards, lots of day space, classic lines. drawbacks can include high hour engines, outdated color scheme. there are some that have been updated. The newer Dancers may not be as wide, have less day space, but have a better configuration for staying nights/weekends. what are your needs and wants?

Good luck, and share pictures of your aquisition!

 

[velooce]

Just looked at a 1978 30' weekender. It had 350's that were recently rebuilt. Looks like it's been covered most of it's life.

Here's my question, I have a pair of 6YO twin boys, & a spouse who is moderately interested in boating. Will this boat be good for me? I don't plan on doing much extended cruising except maybe one 1-2 week trip to canada in the summer, other than that just weekend overnights and day trips.

I am currently boatless but did have a 1990 250 Sundancer in the past (before kids). It was a great boat.

Should I consider this model or look at maybe an early 1990's 310 - 330 sundancer? Anything else I should look / lookout for in an older searay like this?

I raised my three girls using this boat and they love boating from there child hood experiences. You can pm if you like for specifics about the 30 weekender and improvements to make more family orientated.

 

[300 Ray]

I have an 86 300 WE. It has been by far the best boat I have ever owned,(eventhough she is now for-sale to move up to maybe a 34). I bought the boat in 03 and have done the interior, canvass and about everything else except the powertrain. Just make sure the stringers are solid. These seem to be the weak link of these boats. They are great boats and great for family to hang out on and enjoy overnighters. If the price is right and the boat is solid< I say go for it.

 

[andyr]

I would look for a 30' Sundancer. With 6 yr olds the aft cabin makes all the difference. 88 and 89 are great years for these boats. 89 being best in my opinion. With a 78 I would worry that you may spend too much time fixing systems. I'm thinking all the little aggravating stuff like corroded wire connections, plumbing, window leaks, etc. For a little money, you can get a nice late 80's 30 footer. These are great family boats. Get a couple of pontoon boat seats for the cockpit.

 

[chrissrv195]

Yeah, I agree. We've got a 1979 SRV195 & while it's not what you're looking at I can tell you that the older boats will have more upkeep & general tinkering involved that a newer boat. My advice would be to not get in a big toot & rush out & buy the first thing you look at. That's basically what I did & looking back wish I would have looked at one a little newer. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE our old girl, & really enjoy doing the tinkering & mechanical stuff just as much as driving it, but now realize that we (I) should have done some looking around & probably could have gotten a mid to late 80's boat for not much more than I paid for our current ride. Take you time & have fun doing it!:thumbsup:

 

[jffacets]

Just looked at a 1978 30' weekender. It had 350's that were recently rebuilt. Looks like it's been covered most of it's life.

Here's my question, I have a pair of 6YO twin boys, & a spouse who is moderately interested in boating. Will this boat be good for me? I don't plan on doing much extended cruising except maybe one 1-2 week trip to canada in the summer, other than that just weekend overnights and day trips.

I am currently boatless but did have a 1990 250 Sundancer in the past (before kids). It was a great boat.

Should I consider this model or look at maybe an early 1990's 310 - 330 sundancer? Anything else I should look / lookout for in an older searay like this?

In My opinion when you are looking at a boat more than 15 years old you need to look at it individually. The boats made with a core hull have problems that solid glass hulls of the 70’s don’t. You can buy a 1978 that is better than a 1988, by far. I personally know of late 1980’s boats that have bubbles in the gel coat, my hull is solid as a rock. The bubble indicate there is water in the core, not good. You have to look at the maintenance of a boat. Have a survey of the one you really like.
I am an old school boater. I like the simplicity of operation and control of straight inboards. I have none of the problems associated with inboard/outboard corrosion or operation. I have to nose down my boat with trim tabs because the design has so much lift. As for maintenance there is nothing older than 2008 in or on my boat other than the solid fiberglass hull and deck.
The newer boats have high numbers and everyone seems to call their boat a size or two larger, pay attention. A new 34-35 foot Sea Ray has the same useable square footage as a 1970’s 30 footer. They are much narrower now. Remember you will be driving this boat, drive them before you decide which one is for you.

 

[ShamuToo]

I love mine. Check out the stringers for rot. Otherwise they are pretty bulletproof.

 

[kybishop]

The 70's weekender 30 has some of the best lines of any Sea Ray I think. Most all the lines of the 70's Sea Rays and up to 1982 are my personal favorite.

When looking at the length and model, remember they started including the swim platform in the length of the boat. The older model Sea Rays, and other makes of boats, did not include the platform in the size/length of the boat. A 30 Weekender may be bigger than a 34' of a later year if it is not as wide and you take off the 2 feet or whatever for the swim platform. At some point they may have stopped including the swim platform?

Good luck and welcome aboard.

KB