Hi Tom,
I have a 2003 356, which I purchased new. It's powered by gas, Volvo 8.1's, with a Koehler, 8kw genset. This will be our 5th season, and so far, I've been quite pleased with the boat. On the plus side, we like all the room it affords us, in that we spend almost every weekend on it in the summer. We spend about 50%-60% of that time away from the slip, so we've put the boat through its paces as far as using the genset, shower, galley, etc. Everything has performed up to expectations. Mechanically, we've had no significant problems.
A few short comings that I've noticed:
I wish the domestic battery was larger. I'm thinking of replacing the existing single 31 series with an 8D.
Some components in the engine room are quite difficult to get to; some are accessible only by squeezing into a small space (a few more Guinness's and I won't be able to fit anymore), and some require major furniture relocation. Fortunately these items only need attention periodically.
Pretty much anytime you move around the boat, there are 2 - 4 steps involved. If your knees are compromised in any way, its a consideration.
We boat in the St. Lawrence River, and in general our cruising grounds are well protected.
I don't think the 356 would be my first choice for blue water use, but in relatively protected, inland areas, its more than adequate.
The last 2 seasons, we did a lot of cruising at non-planing speeds (1200 - 1500 rpms). Overall we averaged somewhere between 10 and 12 gallons per hour for the season both years. It takes a little longer to get places, but we enjoy the ride and the scenery more. The boat will hold plane at around 3000 - 3100 rpms, and that yields around 18 to 20 MPH.
If you have any more questions, drop me an e-mail and I'll try and be of some assistance.
Good Luck
Dave
