Sea Ray Help -- 28 to 33 feet

G

Golfman25

Well-known member
Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
1239
Messages
744
So the wife looks at our dock neighbor's boat (Sea Ray 290) and says we should get something will all that U shaped seating in the back. So I start looing around and my head starts spining. I see a 280 SD, a 290 SD, a 300 SD, a 310 SD and a 330 SD. All seem to range about 30 to 34 Feet in length.

So here is my question. Which one do I get serious about? Also, it seems that compared to other boats, the sea ray's twin engines are all closer together. How do these boats handle with such close engines? What about service and space in the engine room? Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
All of the boats will be nice boats to own. I'd start by looking at them all to see which one "catches" you. As far as Sea Ray engine rooms...yes, they leave alot to be desired. On that size boat, you'll need to be a contortionist or know one to do things yourself. As far as handling, I've only run a 2001 310 DA, and after understanding how the boat will move (or not), it will actually be a real easy boat to dock...I docked it stern to the first time without any issues. I'm gonna guess that the inboard boats in this field will dock similarly, while the stern drive boats will not dock as easily. That's just the nature of the beast.
 
I believe you already have a 28 feet boat today ? So I would go for the bigger boat, ie the 330 depending on your boat budget of course. I don't think that a 280 or 290 would make a significant difference in size for you (other than the seating arrangment), but the 330 will.
 
What about the 320DA? I've been looking at the same 'group' of boats (see my 300 Sundancer thread) and happened upon the 320 Dancer which I find to be a nicely laid out boat.
 
Golfman,
Do you have a budget in mind? There is a guge difference between the SR models depending on year.
 
Yes I currently have a 28 foot boat -- old style chris craft. The "problem" with it is that the cockpit is open -- no built in seating. I use a couple of deck chairs and a table which I personally like. I think my setup is easy to maintain and very flexibile. I also have inboards, which I prefer. My only issue is that the boat sacrifices cockpit space for a larger cabin. I was really looking at the 85-89 30 weekender as the next one. But there is no "lounge" seating in the cockpit. I don't think the admiral likes the "ruggedness" of the current boat. She likes the lounge like layouts of todays express cruisers.

So I decided to start looking around. I am willing to sacrifice to make the admrial happy in hopes of getting more boating time. No real budget yet. Going up in size would be great, but I am sure I don't like the additional costs involved -- gas, dockage, storage, etc. I really liked the 330 and it looks like there are many around -- 3 for sale just in my marina alone. But I did notice that the props are really close together. Not sure if that is good or not. Thanks all.
 
This will really help people guide you towards your next 1985 boat. I think you confused alot of people when you started w/ the 280,290,300,310 &330. If you are looking for a 20 year old boat- your shoud say that up front.
 
Regulator, sorry if I confused you. I was looking at the weekender. But because it doesn't have today's cockpit layout I am now looking at the 280 thru 330 sundancers, mid 1990s.
 
Golf,
You probably know this, but the Sundancers has a big change in 1994, with a new looking cockpit area, and other measurements that changed. There could be an argument to stay with 94 or later, or get in the late 90s early 00 for fuel injection, too.

I'm shopping for a 290 Dancer, 00 or later. It's really a buyer's market out there.

Larry
 
I own a 2000 310 sundancer. Great Boat! Just watch out for the water ingestion issue on the in-boards. Love my boat, although it is for sale, since we want to move up to a 40' sea ray. It is a buyers market, but a lot of crap boats out there too. Be careful. Have boat surveyed, including engine and compression..

good luck.
 
QUOTE: I see a 280 SD, a 290 SD, a 300 SD, a 310 SD and a 330 SD. All seem to range about 30 to 34 Feet in length.

The 280SD and 290SD are pretty much the same, the 300SD is no longer manufactured, and in between the 310SD and the 330SD I will personally go for the 330, the extra foot in beam definetely makes a difference.

Now, if you are looking for an 85-90 model, the models you posted are not valid ones.
 
SeaRay changes their line and renumbers the models every 3-5 years, especially in the DA line. They tend to change from even to odd numbers (ie 310 - 320) If you are looking at a 7yr period (2000 - 2007) they look something like this.

270DA & 280DA = about the same size 28ft
290DA & 300DA = about 29ft
310DA & 320DA = about 32ft
330DA & 340DA = about 34ft

They also have switched between built in and bolt on swim platforms.

IMHO the best SeaRays in this size range are the 330DA and 340DA, these are decent size boats, vdrives, ok engine room access for the size, yeah the engines are close together, but in a 34ft boat, w/a 12ft beam that just the deal. Prior to the introduction of the 8.1, these had 7.4s. There are probably more 330's 340's out there than any other SeaRay models. I think SeaRay's were very classy looking in the late '90s - '06, not sure I like the looks of the new models.
 
Around here, the 1998 thru 2002? 310 DA is a VERY popular boat. My dock neighbors have one, and it is probably the best laid out 31 footer out there. It measures just over 33' loa and has an 11'7" (I think) beam. Theirs has 350Mag V-drives and moves nicely. It rides very well too with the 23degree Vee. Probably one of the best Sea Ray models out there IMO. When they replaced it with the 320, they took out the booth dinette, and gave you a little crescent shaped couch with a table in front of it. Made it seem a bit wider inside, but we use that dinette alot...and not just for eating. Just my $.02
 
I bought a 1997 SD330 just a year ago. My first rule is- don't buy what you can't sell. This is such a popular boat it easily passes. If you focus on this model or similiar I recommend the OEM camper top. I think you'll enjoy sitting in the cockpit a great deal more. I hate fussing around with canvas and this model's canvas is easy to handle, once you get your routine down.
If you don't anchor out I would not get one with a generator. It is weight you don't want to drag around not to mention maintenance and space. If you want one with a gene-the ones I know about seem fine. Yes, it is tight in the engine room so you might have to consider that it will someday cost some $$ because you might have to pull an engine to get some work done. My experience with close together tunnel drives and props is that I have had to goose the throttle from time to time to get it to rotate in a cross wind. Just takes some getting used to.
 
Actually Ram, the 310DA layout you're referring to didn't begin until '99. In '98, the 310DA had a centerline head and the settee was placed aft of the fwd berth, so you had to crawl over the cushions to get into bed. That layout wasn't very popular, but they did offer more privacy by stuffing the aft berth behind the head compartment. Those models can be identified from a distance because of the portside companionway.

Bliss, I agree with most of what you said, but somewhere in the high 20's and on up, people start to look for generators. The bonus of less maintenance of not having a genny would probably be more than overshadowed during resale. We had a '96 w/ a 4.5 Westerbeke and big blocks. Yes, she was stern-heavy, but she also had so much get-up-and-go that I don't think the weight on the genny even factored in - especially sitting next to those monsters.

Also be aware that the mid-late 90's 330DA offered a choice of curved settee or booth-style dinette.

I could be wrong Bliss, but I really don't think your camper is OEM. Every example I've seen has been retro-fitted. They ARE a nice feature though - it effectively doubles the size of the living space on the boat.

Another note: The 330DA has a low arch, so you may have to duck or pull back the canvas to stand at the helm, and this boat has a bow pulpit, so it's over 36 feet overall! The 310DA however, has the high arch.
 
1997 Sea Ray Sun Dancer 330DA had the OEM camper back as an option. They are all over the Chicago/Milwaukee area. I'm 6'4" and the arch is about 5" over my head.
I have push/pull steering and would rather the hydraulic. However, with a strong autopilot it isn't a problem.
G-man you are considering moving up I was moving down. I had a gene for 7 years and did not use it once. It is a matter of choice. At 30+ feet you're on the cusp. If your plans require AC in any significant amount off the dock pedestal go for it.
 
I dunno - I wonder if a dealer in that area was installing them on new boats...?

If you're standing below the arch, then you're not at the helm. When you stand at the helm of the 330DA, the arch is behind you, and there is less than 6' of headroom with the canvas in-place.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Bliss

I bought a 1997 SD330 just a year ago. My first rule is- don't buy what you can't sell. This is such a popular boat it easily passes.
Click to expand...


That's pretty good advise, IMHO I would not limit your search to Searay.Lot's of boats in this size, see what tickles you and your wife then narrow it down with more questions.

Also, the access to repairing things is very important and should not be overlooked, especially with the age of the boat you are looking to purchase. No matter what brand you buy, things break and need to be replaced, labor to replace this stuff can break the bank if the boat is not easily accessible to replace such items.

Walter
 
1995 330DA owner here and we LOVE our boat. Starting our third year with her. It's the perfect boat for the Mrs and I. I am 6.3", 210 lbs and it's got plenty of head room for me.

Engine compartment access is tight, but I can do most of the maintenance myself, though I know which jobs to hand over to the small mechanic.

The boat handles well and runs strong. We love the lines on this boat too. She is on the market:

http://www.usedboats.com//index.php?section=search&boatId=1400395&site=usedboats.com

though the more we have look at 40-45 cruisers, the more we love our 330 for the value.

A 1997 just sold at our marina for $68,000 and a 1999 just sold for in the $90's. In have been on a lot of 330 DAs and honestly, besides engine and trannies/drives, they are all pretty much the same.

I know this boat inside and out and can probably answer most of your questions, so give me a shout if you need to guidance.

Oh, if you get one, get a genny, much easier to resell and you will end up using it quiet a bit I bet. Maintenance is minimal and my guess is the weight is not a factor on fuel economy.
 
I agree, it's a great boat. The 310 is as well, but given the choice between a '99 310DA and a '98 330DA, I'd go for the 330. Jim and Greg are both taller than I am, so I'm surprised that they don't take issue with headroom at the helm, but a lot of that has to do with expectations and boating style. I ALWAYS stand when docking, others don't. At 6', I could lean fwd, or take a "senators stance" to stand under the canvas. My preferred method was to remove the eisen and then collapse the fwd bimini against the arch. There was a even a cover to make it look tidy, so I never had an issue with it.

Here's a pic of me using the leaning method:
330helm.jpg


This summer I tried to convince DogDaze that a 330DA would be a perfect next boat for him. He a couple inches shorter than I am, and he complained about headroom at the helm. 1994 was the last year for the previous model, which has a slightly different cabin layout (the head and the galley are swapped). It has the rear-leaning arch, which is a dated look for SeaRays, but isn't a dated look in general. Because of good proportions, simple style and clean lines, the early 90's 330's age well:

87624255_1.jpg


I showed a beautiful example of a '94 to DogDaze because I suggested that the increased distance to the arch would allow for customizing of the canvas to go up to higher at the helm without compromising the look of the boat. (this spring I saw a later 330 which had been altered that way, but the look was horrible)

Again, it depends on needs and expectations. For the record, depending on the config, 450DA's and 500DA's can be short on headroom.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top