Shopping for new 290 to 320 need advice.

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Larryo

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All,

I've been shopping for a new (used) boat in the 29 to 32 ft range. Currently have a 270 Sundancer, and the goal is for cruising the west coast of FL, with occasional overnights with up to 4 people, but usually 2.

Absolutely NEED, twin IOs, genny, AC, and the lounge copilot seat on the port side. Nice, would be a comfy aft cabin for guests, and walk thru windshield.

While the 310 would probably be a perfect boat, it doesn't have the lounge seat, so a non starter. The 320 is very hard to find with IOs and is pushing the size of my lift.

I have recently been looking at the 310 Chaparral, which has everything I want, plus, it's light for a 31 foot and a bit more peppy than the Sea Ray.

I know this is the Sea Ray section, but looking for opinions from folks that have experience with both. While I could probably get by with the 290 Sundancer, I feel the extra room and features are a big benefit.

Thoughts?

Larryo
 
My thought is that you just described a Formula 31PC. 2-person bench at the helm, with a perpendicular 2-person bench to port.

I even know of one for sale not far from you. I think she's an '07. Twin 6.2's w/ B3's and a Kohler 5e, walk-through windshield, air, ice-maker.
 
SLW,

Thanks for the Formula info, and yes they are very similar to the Chaparrel 310, perhaps a more expensive boat. A lot of the older ones with the rearward arch have 7.4 engines, with the Bravo III. The really nice ones are the forward arch that came out in about 2006 but get above my budget. Am I correct?

Larryo
 
I have an older 310 with twin I-Os for sale. Doesnt meet your needs as far as a walk thru shield, but I did install a full length grab bar, that can hold up to 600 lbs. Oh and I do not have that side lounge seat
 
quote:
Originally posted by BoatCrazy

I have an older 310 with twin I-Os for sale. Doesnt meet your needs as far as a walk thru shield, but I did install a full length grab bar, that can hold up to 600 lbs. Oh and I do not have that side lounge seat

Click to expand...


BoatCrazy,

I appreciate your comment. I can live without the walk thru windshield, however the lounge is a must. My GF crashes on that after a few drinks and I don't need to be staggering over her when Im docking. I dont let her sit next to me.

However, thx.....
 
quote:
Originally posted by Larryo
A lot of the older ones with the rearward arch have 7.4 engines, with the Bravo III. The really nice ones are the forward arch that came out in about 2006 but get above my budget. Am I correct?

Click to expand...


The arch-fwd model came out in 2004. The layout really didn't change though. To me, the biggest difference was the addition of a transom storage locker. In the cabin, the earlier models had a u-shaped dinette and the later models have more of a settee w/ table. Your gf might also appreciate the design of the port seating in the later models: it's sloped at the fwd end, so it's better suited for "relaxed postures". :)

I didn't realize that they installed 7.4's. The rear-arched examples I know had 5.7's, and as mentioned, the '07 that I run has 6.2's. (which seem just-right)
 
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