280 vs 370

S

Searay Fool

Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
RO Number
28925
Messages
20
I currently have a 1989 280 that is 30' overall. I have been considering moving up to a 370 for the increased range, and I hope stability and ride.
I've never been in a 370 so I wondered if the additional size would make the ride somewhat better (3-4' waves).
comments?
 
What would increase the range? Diesel? Larger tanks or more optimum cruise? A bigger boat will handle larger waves better! Once you get on board and check it out you will wonder how you were able to survive on such a small little 280!
 
IMHO.......It would be a good move..........I had a 1991 280DA......and moved up slow ( 310DA....330DA.....then the 370DA ). I should have went right to the 370DA.....and stopped wasting time....and $$$.

The 370DA is a great boat.....tons of room...... very comfortable.....and a nice ride.

Good luck to you..........
 
Thanks to all for your comments. Having opinions from actual boaters is invaluable. The sales guys will tell you most anything to sell in these tough times.
Thanks again, and I hope to see you in a 370 soon.
Oh, one more thing. The standard engine package seems to be 7.4L gas with V drives. Any comment on the engines and drives?
 
The 370 is a real nice boat. I know some of them had a crazy color scheme in the cabin.

Nice beam, plenty of room in the cabin, and the cockpit is nicely laid out for entertaining. NOW if you compare the older 90's 370 to a newer 390 (2005ish), the odler boat is the best way to go.
 
The 7.4 is a strong motor.....as long as it was taken care of.......and the Hurth trannys are also bullet proof. "V" drives make it a bit tight in the engine room......but you gain the aft cabin space.........

Good Luck.....
 
Great information..........much appreciated. I was trying to decide if IO's were better than V drives.
 
I have the Sedan Bridge version of this boat (with Diesel). It's the same hull from the rub rail down. It handles 3' to 4' with no problem unless its a short wave period, then you'll slam a bit if you don't match your speed to the waves. I've had mine in 10' to 12' seas 90 miles in the gulf . No problems at all. She's a tank. Only issue I've had is with 4' to 6' following seas. My understanding (mostly dock gossip) is that the 1992 to 1997 hulls were all solid glass - no coring. I was able to confirm mine is solid when we put a new through hull transducer in.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Searay Fool

I was trying to decide if IO's were better than V drives.
Click to expand...

I/O's will give you better top speed, fuel efficiency, and make your time around the dock easier. However, the trade off is maintenance and up-keep. Personally, I'd never have I/Os on a boat that big. I'd also avoid the gasoline engines and go for diesel. But that is just me. It's a buyer's market, be sure to keep your options wide open and look at a lot of different alternatives. Like Double D says, get what you want now and save the incremental upgrade money.
 
Not sure how I-Os will help around the dock easier..If you are talking about docking, then inboards are the way to go for easier smoother docking.
 
My 280DA had twin Alpha I/O's......and it was a bit easier docking......due to the fact you can " steer " the I/O's......but the trade off for maintenance.....was worth it. Once you get use to " V " drives and inboards.....you won't go back.....they are dock friendly.

It is true....1992 thru 1997 hulls are not cored.....but with the HID # you can call S/R and be sure.

Good Luck
 
Ive always had inboards, and find them much more easier to handle while docking then IO's. Maybe thats just me
 
Without a doubt......once you learn them.....they are great.
 
OK guys......what is coring? I understand what solid or all fiberglass is, but I'm not sure what Coring is.
Help the rookie.
 
My friend had a 370 that he sold earlier this summer. It was a real comfortable boat with lots of room. The best part is that you pick up the seperate shower stall in the 370.
 
Yeah.........and its a good size shower...with a built in seat too. Once my wife seen that......it was a done deal !
 
Double D....................our wives sound similar. The other deal maker is a Vacuflush toilet instead of pumping away.
 
John.....I thought after your buddy sold his 370.....mine would be the next one to sell around here........but still no luck !!!

Patience ........patience.....patience.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top