320 Dancer Thoughts

J

JeffR

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We've been back and forth between several boats as options for an upgrade, and have found ourselves looking seriously at the 320DA (used). It seems that 350 mags and v-drives is the popular configuration for the 320, but we've found a potential boat that has 6.2's with BIII's. What are everyone's thoughts on this configuration? Why is this boat so heavily "populated" with v-drives when there are plenty of other, larger stern drives out there? Will it be difficult to get rid of in the future (not that I'm already thinking of that)? How will fuel burn compare between 350 Mag and 6.2? etc.

BTW - I boat 100% in Lake Michigan, and am not aware of corrosion issues with any stern drive on our dock.

Thanks for any input.
 
The 6.2's should get better economy than the inboards...They are more efficient (the outdrives)...V-drives will give you a better ride as the weight of the engines is further forward. The stern drives will give you quite a bit higher top end and cruising speeds (again, more efficient). My opinion is, that with this size boat, the stern drives would make it harder to resell...especially if there are so many V-Drive boats out there.
 
The stern drives will give it more top end and a little better fuel economy. Other than that, the v-drives are much more popular in the 310/320 Searays. I think the boat will have much better overall handling with v-drives, not to mention the corrosion issues with sterdrives...if it is going to say in the water. Resale is going to be less, even brand new the stern drives are less. If it were me I would not even consider stern drives in that boat.
 
Great combo. I have 6.2's in my 330. Do NOT be afraid of the fact the cruise is at 3.8 - 4.0K RPM at cruise. Newer engines are designed that way. Listen to the noise at cruise. It is far greater than that of a 7.4 because of the greater RPM. You may need to better insulate the ER. Beyond that, great combo.
 
BillK - Why do you feel the boat will handle better overall with v-drives? I can understand handling better in slow speed/docking situations, but I'd "argue" (don't take that literally) that you'll get better handling out of v-drives at cruise or above. I can't validate that personally as I've never owned v's, but my logic tells me that sterndrives are more responsive at speed. As I've mentioned, corrosion does not scare me that much based on my experience at our dock. Why would you not even consider sterndrives on THAT boat? I ask because other builders offer both drives in this size boat and larger, and people seem to gravitate much more toward the sterndrives. That's part of my confusion; my perception is that people seem to prefer the v-drives in Sea Rays, where they would normally prefer sterndrives in other comparably sized boats. Is it the size of the boat, or that it's a Sea Ray, etc?

KiDa - Do you have sterndrives with the 6.2's? Do you have any guesses on performance numbers?

Thanks for the replies.
 
BillK - Why do you feel the boat will handle better overall with v-drives? I can understand handling better in slow speed/docking situations, but I'd "argue" (don't take that literally) that you'll get better handling out of v-drives at cruise or above. I can't validate that personally as I've never owned v's, but my logic tells me that sterndrives are more responsive at speed. As I've mentioned, corrosion does not scare me that much based on my experience at our dock. Why would you not even consider sterndrives on THAT boat? I ask because other builders offer both drives in this size boat and larger, and people seem to gravitate much more toward the sterndrives. That's part of my confusion; my perception is that people seem to prefer the v-drives in Sea Rays, where they would normally prefer sterndrives in other comparably sized boats. Is it the size of the boat, or that it's a Sea Ray, etc?

KiDa - Do you have sterndrives with the 6.2's? Do you have any guesses on performance numbers?

Thanks for the replies.
 
Jeff - I don't necesarilty mean just a 320, I mean any 30'+ cruiser. Maybe some of it's my personal opinion, I used have a 290DA with stern drives and have spent time on 310's and 340's with v-drives. Personally I just like the way a v-drive or inboard boat run's vs a sterndrive. Low speed, docking etc, the v-drives hands down handle better - the props are under the boat vs behind the boat with sterdrives. I always found it hard to control the bow of by 290 in docking situations, the boat tended to pivot from the stern vs the side movement with v-drives. On plane, you probably have a good argument that the sterndrives might be a better riding boat, v-drives tend to be "butt heavy", hence the large trim tabs on the 310's, 320's etc. My 290 ran very nice and smooth on plane and trimmed into a "sweet spot" very well. Also, I would keep the boat in the water and would not want to deal with the corrosion...went through that with the 290 and it was a nightmare. One huge plus would be the amount of space in the engine room, v-drives face to stern so in addition to having the transmissions right where you would step down, most of the serviceable items like water pumps, filters etc are burried in back of the engine room. Stern drives would be opposite, and though I have not actually been on a 320 with sterndrives, I would expect things are easier to get to. If you can, get behind the helm of both types. I did that when buying the 290, I ran a 290 and a 310, the decision was made based on cost, but I always regreted not getting the 310 because the sterndrives.
 
I just traded my 320 in for a larger model. The kids need more space. I had twin 350 V-drives, and had good results regarding performance. The boat go on plane quickly and handled well. Fuel consumption was not bad, especially when timing the currents.
 
The engines are not farther forward in a v-drive, at least not enough to matter. The engines sit about 18 inches forward of the transom on my 340 da with v's.
 
Hey guys, thanks for all the replies, and sorry for the long double post...not sure what happened there.

I just found some things out about the boat we're considering (planning to actually view it this weekend) and would like your additional opinions. I got a copy of the options list and it lists a bow thruster and under water platform lights. Now I know Pascal would kick me in the balls for considering a bow thruster, and I have to admit that I would never actually think of paying to have one in this particular boat, but what are your thoughts? Any downsides to be aware of? I guess if it's there, what the heck, why not, right? How do you feel about the lights? I think they look fantastic at night, but any concerns with them?

As always, I appreciate the input.
 
I don't see a negative to either. Even on a 32' boat, there are times when a bow thruster would be nice. I like under water lights, assuming they are installed correctly. Like any hull penetration, if it is not done correctly it leads to problems.
 
Chicago = Windy City so a bow thruster may me more of a need rather than a want, particularly with stern drives. You may want to handle it w/o one for a season then go to a side shift or custom install. Unless the water is Caribbean clear where you boat, the lights are a waste of money and as BillK said....Installation is everything.
 
KiDa - We're looking used, those options are what is already installed on the boat from the factory. I got a copy of the actual options/build sheet from SR.

Just a bit of trivia...contrary to popular belief - because it is actually a windy city - it originated as a result of the "political wind", if you know what I mean, rather than actual wind.
 
If sterndrives, I will go with Volvo's and if Volvo I would prefer the OS's, but I know that Volvo's is not the available configuration on Sea Ray's.

The 320 SD is a very nice boat.

I like the underwater lights, why not and the BT, even I don't consider you will use it on a regular basis, it can save your day while docking with 30KT winds.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JeffR

...KiDa - Do you have sterndrives with the 6.2's? Do you have any guesses on performance numbers?

Thanks for the replies.

Click to expand...


No, I have the 6.2's matched to a set of Velvet Drive 5000 "V" Drives. This is my first twin engine boat. As a matter of fact it is my first full inboard. Always I/P's and full OB's in the past.

The boat has averaged about 20 GPH across the board. Those numbers are based on bringing her home from NC to VA. I shall take flame for this, however, I take into account all the no wake zones, all the time taken to dock, all the time to raft up, etc.

Mrs. Robinson is a friend. His boat is faster at cruise with 7.4's. His fuel consumption is greater as well. We have a couple of friends; one with a 30+ Regal and one with a 33 Cruisers; both with I/O's. They walk away from me. Mrs. Robinson is on par with them albeit at a cost. The Regal cruises at 32MPH at 32 GPH. The cruisers has small blocks and runs 30 or so MPH at 25 GPH.

I would venture to guess with 6.2's and B3's you will be very happy with the overall performance.

Frankly, if I could buy the "perfect" 330 it would have in order:

-- Diesel electric attached to a pulse drive.

-- A couple of very large outboards on an Armstrong or the like bracket.

-- Sterndrives.

-- V drives.

Depending on winds an tides, my cruise averages 19 to 24 knots.

IMHO, the old adage there is no replacement for displacement does not apply anymore. The 6.2 has a flat torque curve from 2500 RPM to redline. Modestly boosted turbos will raise the HP from 320 to 490. It is a really tempting option to consider, however, with warranties until 2011.....

HTH
 
Jeff,

I ran a 320 for a couple of seasons up in Door County, lots of Lake Michigan time.

Its just my 2 cents, but I'd opt for the B3's. I think the 320 with the 350 mags is way under propped.
It runs fine, it was just miserable to handle around the docks.

A friend has the out drives and his responds much better.

Nice boat over all, and you should be able to strike quite a deal if you work hard enough.

Jim

2004 420 DA
 
Thanks for all the continued replies.

Jim, you bring up a point that I've been avoiding on this board, and that's cost. It's obviously a buyers market, but I still don't feel like I know enough about Sea Rays and/or the 320 to know what would truly be a good deal. I can go out there and look at the online sites like everyone else, but I'm curious what the real money is. Without divulging too much detail at this time about what we're looking at (slightly superstitious:)) what would everyone consider a good deal on a late model 320 that's got decent options? For arguments sake, let's just assume good condition, good survey, etc.
 
Wow, I'm suprised at the perference sterdrives over v-drives. We kept our Sundancer on Lake Norman in NC, there were dozens of 310's and later 320's not a single one with sterdrives. Like I said it's personal preference, but I just liked the way a v-drive handles, the smooth shifting etc. Maybe another factor was that I bought my boat in the middle of the Bravo III corrosion issues, I had major corrosion problems and so did everyone I knew with BIII's.
 
Jeff,

Do an internet search, take a average price, toss out the ones that are drastically overpriced and get an estimate of pricing.
See what you can afford, figure in your down payment and cost of depreciation, plan your payments, check financing and make an offer.

You can always go up if you are too low.

Don't sweat the corrision issues regarding the newer B3's.

I do not want to start a war, but the 320 with v drives is a pig at slow speeds. You need to learn to use the throttle when docking.

Second point, with B3's and given you are in Chicago you can always sell your boat to someone on a smaller lake.

Jim
 
Jim, Good advice, that's really what we've been doing. The reason I'm asking others about the REAL price is that I've found one that appears to be a very good deal in comparison to all others I've seen and that makes me nervous. I'm not typically a lucky person, and I'm skeptical about what the reason might be, but nobody likes to pass up a good deal. I'm wondering if he's just priced where the others might end up. Obviously full hull and engine survey will be done if it gets that far.
 
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