Need input on older Sea Ray express choice

P

pxhil

Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
RO Number
29478
Messages
8
I have been looking for a Sea Ray express in the 30-34 ft range and have found 2 one a 34EC and the other a 30 Weekender. Both have same equipment and in same condition. The weekender will be a bit cheaper to use due to smaller engines (5.7's vs the 7.1's) and easier to maintain simply because it smaller. The 340 offers more space but most of our use is day trips with one or two other couples. Overnight once or twice a year. The 340 is priced $2000 more than the Weekender as the owner wants out.
Both are straight inboards. Any suggestions?
 
Buy the one you like best. Don't worry about the cost difference. If the price is a big consideration, you don't need to own either one.
 
IMHO....... I'd go with the 34EC......its a beamier boat.....it will feel twice as big as the 30 Weekender. Spend a little more now.....stop the 2'idis later. The cost to run the 5.7 or 7.4's should not even be a concern.

Get it.....and enjoy it !!!!
 
The 31 may not be more economical with 5.7s than the 34 with 7.4s. My old 31 with 5.7s used more fuel per mile than my current 34 with 7.4s. I'm running faster at lower rpms with the bigger boat.
 
All things being equal(hours on motors, condition of boat etc), then I agree with Don and Greg.
 
In regard to cost, don't forget slip and storage costs. Your adding 4 ft. in length and a foot or two in width. Those are reoccuring costs as well. You can't go wrong with either choice. Good luck.
 
It will be worth the $2K more for a slightly bigger boat.
Most everyone thinks about past mistakes when they buy smaller
just for price.
 
Go for the 34. if you routinely have guest on board you will appreciate the bigger cockpit and cabin. A larger boat isn't necessarily harder to maintian (Expect for waxing) Sometimes you get better accessibility which makes jobs easier.
 
I had a 88' 34 EC and a friend of mine had a 30'. There was no comparison. For 2k difference it shouldnt even be a question. You are not looking at significant difference in fuel. You will also get the 2k back at resale. You can probably get the 34' in the same slip as the 30' so there wont be much cost differnce there. You will pay a little bit more to haul, store and paint but that wont be significant. If it is, then you probably shouldnt buy either one. Once you get a few people on board you will be glad of the extra beam and room down below.
 
Thanks for all the input. Looks like the 34 wins. The purchase price is not at issue and at my club there is no difference in cost for slip or winter storage between the two boats. It's mainly fuel usage which seems to be about the same based on comments; and the extra comissioning and storage work, simply because the 34 is bigger.However it sounds like the added space more than makes up for it.
Three years ago we downsized from a 38ft Bayliner to a 27 Rinker express thinking it would be a good day boat, and it was too good a deal to pass up, but we went too small.I am a bit gun-shy and don't want to buy more boat than we will use. Thanks to all
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top