Would like to update an 87' 340 SEA RAY

[alexei289]

Hi, im new here... but this seems like a great place to ask a question like this.

Im very lucky to live in a state (Michigan) full of boats, lakes, and all freshwater. Here, most boats are stored 6 months of every year, and hold up excellent.
I plan on purchasing a Late 80s 340 Sundancer within a month or 2 and have a few that I have been looking at closely. (more or less im waiting for the current owners to get desperate before fall comes).

I absolutely love the layout of the boat, and from what I have seen this period of Sea Rays have EXCELLENT durability, and most that I have seen are mechanically stable. Its great to see an engine as standard as a 454 on a boat, parts should be easy to find. The Gelcoat seems to hold up fairly well after 20 years, and really, maybe a little bit of rubbing compound and some wax later, could look almost brand new.
Price is right... around 40,000-55,000 And many people in Michigan are desperate to sell due to the economy.

Only bummer about this boat... is godddddd the styling of the day was BUTTFUGLY. Not that is ever going to make or break my decision... Im not going to pass up an ugly mechanically and structurally sound boat. I would just like to know what some other owners from this period have done to spruce up the atmosphere a bit.

I know I can change upholstery, I can replace carpet to something less obnoxious than neon blue. I can reface the cabinets with some nice veneer. IM very tempted to think about pulling off the trim and refinishing it. (lol dont worry, I own a wood flooring company, I do know what I am doing in this regard, if I F*** a piece up I can easily make a duplicate).

After which... I basically have a brand new boat that i just spent 1/4th of the money on that I would a new one.

I just would like to know what other owners have done, and other experiences that they have had in this regard.

Also, I would love to hear from someone that owns the same boat I am looking at and can give me their loves and their bitc*s about their ship.

any comments are appreciated .. thanks

 

[saltysam]

I am sure that you can make the boat pretty. But before you buy any large older boat recognize that it is a suitcase for many "systems" that tie the whole thing together. Lottsa stuff wears out and many owners don't repair/replace as time goes by.

Be aware. A detailed survey is an absolute need. Good Luck!

 

[alexei289]

A survey is always a must I agree...

However, if there is a few things that are either on their way out or all done all together... are parts fairly easy to get for this type of boat?

There has to be hundreds of boat junk yards around where i live... I see them all over the place.. Is this a reliable source for spare parts?

Ill be honest, ive never owned a boat this large before, although I do know several people that do, just not this old.. (im definatly aware of the gas issue). Im moving up about 10 ft from my current sea ray.

 

[About Time]

As said a survey is a MUST. Have all the systems checked. Any that are original will need to be replaced and updated both for reliability and peace of mind.
We bought a 1987 Chris Craft with less then 400 hours and replace or repair something every year.
Just the price and fun of boating.
Good Luck

 

[dmunneke]

I would think you could go with a 40 ! I bought a 36' carver ( 1985 vintage ) this year..
The interious was as yours is now.. My boat had teak woodwork so that helps.. I changed the upholstery and carpet. It makes night and day difference.. I also had to change nearly every mechanical component not related to the drive line.. i would do it again. though I might be a little more selective next time.

 

[divedaddy]

Those late eighties 340's sure are popular. Three are three on my 72-slip pier alone and one that I can see on the adjacent 40 slip pier.

As others have mentioned, get a complete survey. There are many systems and structures. From the endurance of these boats I suspect that they were built structurally sound - but it is still 20 years old and need to be examined. Concerns would be delamination of any fiberglass, rot in any wooden structural members, etc.

Second is powerplants. Are those the original engines and tranny's? What kind of condition are they in ? How about prop shafts and props, and stuffing boxes?

Then what about electrical, plumbing, electronics, etc. The list is a long one of things to check.

It's not what you see on the surface, it's what you don't see that can add up to large money in a short time.