1994 Silverton 312

J

John Gijsen

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exMember
Joined
Sep 11, 2003
RO Number
12194
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73
Hello all,

It has been awhile since I have been on! I am looking at a very clean low hour Silverton 312 Sedan. We like the looks and the size, however I have some concerns over the fuel tank issue, as well as performance concerns as this example has the base 5.0L with Alpha Drives (380 hp total-10,000 lbs)

While I am not looking for a high speed vessel, I would like something that can get on plane a stay there at something less than 4,000 rpm.

I saw some people have had these in the past and thought I would seek advice! I would post in the Silverton section( and have posted on SOC) however both sources seem to have gone quiet.

As always any help is appreciated.
 
Hey John!

Thinking about you in just the last week or so, and here you are! A friend had what I believe was a little larger Silverton 1992-3 as I recall. I think GregoryS remembers the model, we talked about it... 32 Convertible...? That boat had twin 5.7L/350's which I think were 250-HP and Alpha One Gen 2 drives. That boat would fly! Well over 40-KT. He used it VERY hard, replaced both engines and a fair amount of outdrive work. That was mostly from a stiff shifter binnacle. Not just the cables, the levers area itself. I finally convinced him to replace it. Said he called Silverton and was told they wanted it stiff to prevent accidental engagement. Nonsense! Ground into gear every shift and finally the lower gearcases had to be rebuilt.

I believe he told me the boat was 12-13000 pounds. How many passengers and "stuff" do you plan to carry? My guess is you could find the right props to have it work out OK with 5.0L/305's. MerC doesn't offer those anymore, even in their reman program. It's the V6 or 5.7.

That boat had a fuel tank failure, along with some wood work aft. Transom area, I think. So you're wise to look carefully in the transom and stringer areas. I wouldn't say shy away from another Silverton based on what I'm saying here, since he really beat that boat over many years.

It's sold now, but I can drop by the shop that worked on it if you'd like. I'd have to do it Monday, so let me know tomorrow if you want me to go.

GOOD to hear from you!
 
Most 312s were 5.7s with alpha drives. A few lucky people got Crusader V Drives in that model. Definitely load it like you'll use it and do a good sea trial to see how it performs. May be underpowered with 5.0s. That boat is now 22 years old and any boat with aluminum tanks that age are suspect. I have a lot of time in a 312 with the inboards.
 
Here's the old thread where I mentioned a Silverton with 5.7's and outdrives. Back then the owner called the drives "Bravo Two." That might make sense, but drives were actually Alpha One GENERATION Two. http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=107034

So it seems, John, that my friend had a "31" and you're looking at a "31" but with a different accommodation layout and of course different size V8's.
 
Thanks All !

J-D, sorry disappeared for awhile, life got in the way of fun, career change, parents passing, masters degree etc. I managed to get out of friends boat, but have not owned one for awhile.

As much as the Dutchman in me wanted to jump on a good deal, a voice kept nagging and I will not make an offer. In fact I ended up making an offer and it was accepted on a 270 Sundancer. While they are two different boats, when I really looked at what I was going to use it for (all 5 months the water isn't solid up here), the Sundancer made the most sense. It has had a great deal of recent work and has been maintained by a Mercury mechanic for the last 10 years and is immaculate. 7.4 with Bravo 3, I look forward to our first night on it next Saturday!
 
I'd've been glad to to investigate, John. I remember the things you do, how you go out of your way, to help friends.

Sea Ray is a well-built boat. I run ours pretty hard, and I don't even have to tighten screws. That B3 is a good drive, and fast!

Have you been following the thread about piston failure on a 7.4? It's a country mile form being a deal-breaker, don't worry about that, but some of the guys are thinking it's particularly important to get oil on the cylinder walls before putting it up for the winter.
 
If the SeaRay falls through, I am looking to sell my 312 Sedan, its a 1998 with Crusaders and inboards. Engine hours 469, just put up on Craigs list for Maryland Eastern shore today.

I don't check boatered as often as I used to so best bet is to send a msg through CL if you want to talk.
 
John,
That age boat, the fuel tank is or will be a problem. My 2004 Silvrerton 34c had twin 385 hp motors straight drives, dry weight was 19k pounds. Boat cruised at 23-25 mph with top speed around 28 to 30 mph. Same boat with the 5.0 motors performed close to the same. I think 5.0 should be okay, also I believe on other posts I have read over the years that an outdrive give you better performance and fuel efficency than a straight or V-drive. The good thing about an Alpha1 outdrive is it is a very simple outdrive.
 
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