Advice asked of 340 owners

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vriceflyer

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We have a deal made on a 2001 340 with a pair of Merccruiser 310 HP 454s with V drives. Deal is subject to the inspections. If deal goes through we intend to drive it home, a distance of about 650 miles. We are going to change water pumps and belts and distributor caps. The risers will be replaced if needed. The boat has only 240 hours since new. Question is what mechanical trouble may we expect with engines and running gear? What trouble with the boat may we expect? Do you think we have a good chance of no major trouble?

Thanks
Vince
 
Since we don't know what condition any of the things you mentioned are in, don't know what routine and or preventive maint has been done, how could we answer that question? 650 miles is a long trip with lots of potential for things to turn south. All you can do is inspect every system, get the boat in the best shape possible, load up with spare parts and hope for the best. I hope you are haveing a mechanical/engine survey done also.
 
The boat is captain maintained, run every 10 days, having both mechanical and boat systems surveyed and I have personally inspected the boat. The port transmission is having a new hydraulic pump installed so the surveyor can sea trial the boat. My instructions are sea trial of one hour including wot and a 20 to 30 min at 3500 rpm cruise. After reports are filed I plan to go back for a sea trial. On the trip back I will take transmission fluid, engine oil, fuel filters and tools. We have cruised with a single engine 1997 240 Sundancer 300 plus hours and a 1999 270 Sundancer 590 hours. This will be the largest boat we have owned and the first twin engine with V drives. The reason for my questions is to read about any problems I might have based on others experience.
 
I think as long as you plan your route accordingly and are in areas where there are mechanics available it might work out flawlessly. I came from a 260 to a 340. I would recommend getting used to the boat a bit before you just hit it. I would consider looking hard at your batteries as well. I would probably replace the impellers as well.
 
Check the bottom and prop conditions.
Check the inlet strainers and scoops for the engines.
Check the battery condition and check the water levels and sp. gravity in the batteries.
Change all the fluids, oil, transmission, antifreeze, filters spark plugs and belts. Have spare fluids and plugs on board.
Check the packing glands, including the rudder packing.
Check all of the bilge pumps to make sure they pump, good. Think about a manual pump also.
Clean the spark arresters.
Fill the tank with good gas and a fuel stabilizer(just in case). Bring plenty of fuel filters.
Have a good tool set on the boat.
Have plenty of sunblock and sun glasses on board.
Bring good charts and guides.
Have a good GPS and good binoculars. Check wiper blades.
Make sure all the safety equipment is in working order and not expired. Including a good first aid kit.
Be sure to have another knowledgeable and able bodied boater on board.
Pack bumpers and lines.
Pack lots of water.
Have a good anchor, chain, rode plus a spare anchor, chain and rode. Just in case.
Just a suggestion, have some different sized wooden plugs to be able to plug off any holes whose hoses may come off(ex. exhaust hoses).

Get a good survey done on boat AND engines before leaving.
 
Thoughts overlooked; bring along experienced and knowledgeable friends and enjoy the ride. Other suggestions were great. Personal suggestion, treat gas with Star Tron.
 
We had issues on our boat as it sat on the hard in Florida for about 7 months. The rudder seals dried out and and started leaking and also BOTH main seals on the transmissions started to leak after the boat ran for about 3-4 hours.

I don't recall anyone mentioning the two most important things, cell phone and a working VHF!

I personally wouldn't make such a long trip for the maiden voyage, but if the boat has been maintained you shouldn't have any huge issues. With the price of road transport vs. marine gas/potential issues, I'd be trucking it up to familiar waters for the first while.
Good luck!
Simon
 
About all you can do is follow the suggestions given above. Good luck and have a safe , enjoyable trip.
 
I would add to fully inspect the anchor rode. I would also give the windlass a close look. You can always anchor without the windlass, but it sure seems like a necessity when trying to anchor in foul weather.

Also, make sure you have spare fuses for everything on the boat. My spotlight uses a 3 amp blade fuse. That wasn't in my spare kit, and seems to be a bit of a challenge to find at some stores. I always carry a multi meter, and a crimp set.

Leave a deatiled float plan with several people. Arrange to make regular calls to someone who can file a report if you go missing.

Bring along a nice LED headlamp, with both red and white lights. It comes in really handy when you can't hold a flashlight, and the red is great for preserving your night vision.

If you will be in the ocean, you should have a sea anchor, and practice using it at least once when you don't need it. Also for ocean travel, you should have an EPIRB. Boat US rents them. "BoatU.S. Foundation enables boaters to rent a 406 EPIRB by calling (888) 663-EPIRB toll free."

Good luck & enjoy.
 
Thanks for all the advice. We will carry charts, spare parts, tools and plenty of water and food. The boat will have just come from a complete mechanical and hull survey. Also a complete annual maintenance program including new spark plugs, new water pumps all fluids changed, the screens cleaned and more. I have the friend who loves to boat, with many miles cruising, who is very knowledgeable and who knows everything, going on the trip with me. That friend would be my sweet wife of 41 years.
 
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