Sun Runner Boats

N

NORMinCONN

Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2002
RO Number
9068
Messages
95
I am looking into purchasing a 1988 Sun Runner CLASSC 318I Cruiser. Could anyone tell me what they think of the boat?
 
Norm-there are a few of us on the board that own or have owned Sun Runners, good solid boats. Take all the usual precautions as with any used boat. There is an active Yahoo group for the Sun Runners.
 
I'm sure HOGAN will chime in here. He has owned several different models. I purchased from him a 1989 "280 Classic" with twin volvo duoprops. I miss that boat, it was solid and fast. I'm pretty sure the boat you are looking at has a cored hull. As with any used boat check the stringers. There was a rumor that sun runners had bad electrical systems but I didn't find that.

What engines and drives?
 
The posting says 350 Chevy and outdrives are volvo. I have not seen the boat in person yet. At this stage just email and pictures. I really like what I see so far. The boat is clean and has what I want in a boat. It is also in the water. The boat is in NY and I am in CT so just have to take a drive.
 
My first boat was a 21' Sunrunner cabin cruiser. I had all the doubts not being able to find the company around. It was a great boat however. Had a little rot in the coring in the bow pulpit that we fixed. Very comperable to a sea ray. A little different look.
 
I owned four SunRunners, every one of them was an excellent boat. Get a good survey and if everything comes back OK, don't hesitate to buy.

The only outdrive I would stay away from is the volvo 280
 
I also had a Sunrunner 24' at one point. I loved that boat. A little under-powered with volvo 280 hp, duo-prop. But a solid family boat that could handle lake Erie. Nice for weekends. When I bought the Carver, I gave it to my brother who now uses it in Arizona. Still a great family boat.
 
I have a 1989 272 Ultra. Only major issue with it was a bad fuel pump which required a short tow. It was an easy fix. It has the 5.7 VP and has been a good solid boat. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Sunrunner.
 
I want to thank everyone that has responed to this post. It has helped me make up my mind. I am going to pursue the purchase.
 
Hogan, what was your experience with the 280 Volvo? Seem bulletproof to a lot of other people don't they? Thanks
 
I had the 280 volvo drive on a bayliner (prior to the Sun Runner) and it was fine performance wise. However, it did not have hydraulic tilt. Instead, it had a work screw or 'stalk' which was tempermental and you could not use it at speed. With this came the "reverse lock down" (drive would only lock in place in reverse) which also was tempermental.

I'm not sure if 280s were made with hydraulic tilt or not. But, the electric tilt was a PITA. Maybe that's what HOGAN is referring to?
 
Same as what Walshie said. The 290's and duoprops were much better.
 
I owned a 17" Invader with a 280. It would not stay up. I think the pump needed to be rebuilt or replaced. I sold it before I could do it. Besides that it was OK.
 
I spent two years refurbishing a 20' Sunrunner. Well-made and comfortable boat. Join the Sunrunner forum at yahoo. You'll learn a great deal about your boat and will have a resource available to answer your questions. The site also has owners' manuals and brochures available. I still read and post on that site even though I sold our Sunrunner a year ago. Good luck. Hy
 
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