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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Gould 0738 wrote:
In the interest of providing the rec.boats political debate society with a short, boating related interlude, I am tossing in one of my more recent boat review items. :-) Be warned. 1. It's very long. Send out for coffee after the first 1700 words. Not that long 2. Some favorable comments about many aspects of the product are included. Those who become emotionally distraught when reading anything not bitterly hostile to the marine industry are invited to either skip this thread or flame me privately at . Won't accept responsibility anybody becoming po'd and acting badly after ignoring this advance disclosure. gee you can't really expect an exemption from an open review can you??? 3. Alternate, issue-oriented, informed opinions offered without personal insult are eagerly solicited in this venue for the purpose of promoting discussion. Thank you. So apart from the fuel consumption which seems at once horrendous & the same rather optimistic :-) no great difficulties here. Does show just how much HP & fuel is needed to make a 14600lb 6622KG with twins, V drives, genset, full house etc etc as described ???? (really:-)) boat cruise at 25 MPH (22kts??) & imagine if a realistic weight were used, add the extra wgt per HP of the diesels & that's about right. Thanks for sharing & good to see you again. K NB still no Harry lies attached:-) ... yet ******** A Boat for All Seasons Boat brochures. The Pacific Northwest is geographically removed from the most intensely populated boating regions, and brochures are quite obviously designed for the loosely defined "mass market." It is fair to say that brochures promote the dream, and the images we see portrayed often have little to do with actual, boat-owning reality. We seldom see brochure photos taken on the sort of somber, damp days that characterize seven or eight months of our year 'round season in these latitudes. Brochures show calm, ultra-blue water and bright, crystal clear skies. Beaches in brochures are always smooth and sandy, not Pacific NW mud banks with a generous allotment of barnacle-covered rocks. Everybody seen in a brochure photo is young, thin, tan and wearing a bathing suit. The only exception seems to be that traditional shot (more common before we all became more sensitive to good taste) of the balding, beer-bellied, midlife crisis Average Joe piloting a sleek-looking yacht. In the questionable "classic" the skipper is always accompanied by at least two or three nubile, doe-eyed females who (coincidentally) happen to be thin, tan, and wearing just "barely" enough to avoid arrest in most jurisdictions. Sometimes the ladies (?) are even in heels! Reality in the Pacific NW is a bit different. Summer doesn't really get underway in earnest until Fourth of July, giving us three reasonably sunny months a year. We tend to be skeptical about the long-term health effects of tanning, and seldom go into our 50-degree waters voluntarily. A Pacific NW boater is more likely to be wearing a sweatshirt and drinking a hot beverage than lounging in a bikini while sipping from an icy cocktail decorated by a tiny, paper umbrella. We're not all young, and unfortunately we're not always thin, either. That older gentleman with the three young girls? Here in the Pacific NW, that's a dad, his daughter, and her college roommates out for an innocent afternoon cruise. The disparity between the warm tropical images in boat brochures and our NW reality undoubtedly deters many mariners from granting vessels with a lot of open deck space and cockpit seating serious consideration when shopping for a family boat. "Great for a couple of sunny months," some conclude, "but probably not as much fun in cool weather!" We tried out a new Sea Ray 340 Sundancer from Lake Union Sea Ray one blustery morning in late March. We reaffirmed that even here in the Pacific NW an express cruiser can be comfortable and thoroughly enjoyable without waiting for a rare, sunny day. Observations at the dock Steve Thoreson spent the morning acquainting us with the 340 Sundancer. Steve had to return some customers' calls, and we took advantage of the opportunity to look at the boat even more thoroughly than usual before getting underway. As much as we try to resist describing a boat as looking anything at all like an automobile, the impressive exterior lines of the 340 Sundancer seem to suggest a shape that General Motors would use for a seagoing version of the Corvette. This is definitely not your uncle Sven's keel-cooled commercial gill-netter, nor does it aspire to be. The form is fast, sleek and slightly exotic. The reverse raked, standard radar arch is so well integrated into the design that the boat would look incomplete without it. It's a style that says, "I can move quickly and with authority through the water," more like a graceful dolphin or a majestic orca than a relentlessly lumbering sea lion. A "340" Sundancer measures 37'6" including the integral swim step. A full 12-foot beam translates into additional room in the cabin and cockpit. Our test boat was a twin inboard, powered by MX62.L MPI MerCruisers. V-drives allow an engine placement well aft, also creating additional usable cabin space. Sea Ray lists the "dry weight" of a 340 Sundancer at 14.600 pounds. The 340 Sundancer, with V-drives, draws only 2'8". The 340 Sundancer at Lake Union Sea Ray was equipped with a full canvas enclosure for the bridge deck and cockpit. In the NW, one should almost consider a canvas enclosure essential for any vessel with an exterior helm. Most sedans and trawlers have flybridge enclosures, and with a single, exterior helm an express cruiser will require some canvas as well to be enjoyable during much of the year. The canvas on the Sea Ray 340 was rather obviously conceived and designed by the same people who drew the hull. The canvas fits well, both physically and esthetically, enhancing both the utility and the appearance. A weekend cruiser to any port on Puget Sound will encounter far too many vessels that look like Omar the Tentmaker scabbed a jury-rigged afterthought onto an otherwise nice boat. Not one of the boats with a " but too bad about the canvas" job will be a 340 Sea Ray Sundancer. Sea Ray conceived the 340 Sundancer to be responsive to the needs of typical Pacific NW boating families. The boat can be a luxurious retreat for a two or three-day getaway, or a sturdy, reliable vessel reassuringly sound and adequately spacious for an extended summer cruise. With a 225-gallon fuel capacity, there is no need to plan a cruise from fuel dock to fuel dock, and a 21-degree deadrise will help prevent the "flat bottom blues" when the chop gets frothy and the spray begins to fly. The cabin layout of a 340 Sundancer emphasizes open space and flexibility. Interior trim is a practical mix of spectacular Cherry Wood cabinets with a deep glossy finish and Formica (tm) liners and shelves, deep pile 44-ounce carpeting, and plush, easy care upholstery. The durable surfaces make it easier to relax- kids or careless guests are unlikely to soil or stain anything beyond reclamation. Snap-in Sunbrella (tm) carpet runners, a thoughtful touch frequently encountered on Sea Ray products, additionally protect the carpet. Most forward in the cabin layout is the oversized master berth, flanked by backrests and stowage lockers to port and starboard. The overhead hatch and several cabin lights allow this area to be a lounge area for reading or watching videos during the daytime, while a privacy curtain on a recessed track converts the forward area to a private, master stateroom when it's time for bed. Aft of the master berth and to port, the 340 Sundancer galley is a generous length of joinery and functional workspace. A molded fiberglass countertop with granite-colored gel coat incorporates a functionally proportioned molded sink and recessed, two-burner cooktop. The recessed cook top is an especially thoughtful touch- the surrounding rim will help prevent any saucepans or teakettles from wandering off down the countertop if the cook is working underway. Both the sink and the cooktop can be covered with Corian (tm) covers to increase the amount of uninterrupted countertop. Refrigeration is provided by an AC/DC undercounter refrigerator and freezer combination with about four cubic feet of space- the usual "standard" in a vessel in this category. Warming and baking chores are handled by a microwave oven built in above the countertop. Sea Ray traditionally builds boats to a very high standard, and some thoughtful touches are evident in the galley. A stout handrail is attached just below the sink to give the cook greater confidence if the vessel is negotiating water conditions not typically seen in those boating brochures. A power vent system exhausts steam and cooking odors from the galley. Opening and closing lockers and drawers, or sliding the two tambour enclosures behind the countertop confirms that the traditional "solid" feel of fittings and hardware always associated with Sea Ray is well represented on the 340 Sundancer. A TV/VCR/DVD combo is built into the galley on a handy fixture that extends so the TV can be viewed from either the master berth or the settee in the salon. When retracted, the TV is well secured against possible damage underway. Aft of the galley on the port side, (and conveniently located at the base of the companionway steps between the main cabin and the bridgedeck), is the 340 Sundancer's head. A VacuFlush head is standard on the 340, and with the legendary efficiency and low flush volume of a VacuFlush few families would tax the 28-gallon capacity of the standard holding tank on an extended weekend cruise. The galley is designed to be easily cleaned, and it incorporates a molded sink as well as a hand-held shower. A power vent will extract all the steam and moisture to keep the compartment fresh. There's over six-feet of standing headroom, (which is an important consideration for those of us who will be "standing" in the head). Of all the interior cabin areas, Sea Ray appears to have put less priority on creating a world-class head than on maximizing other areas. The head appears well fit and is very serviceable, and on 90% of the boats on the market it would be a proud accomplishment. Even so, the utilitarian head pales in comparison to the deluxe accommodations throughout the remainder of the 340 Sundancer. Opposite the galley, to starboard, a crescent-shaped settee fronts a bank of stowage lockers. Sea Ray claims these lockers are the largest available in this class, and they probably are. The Corian dining table with inlaid cherry edging can be easily removed, making room for the settee to fold out into a double berth. The main cabin does not seem at all crowded, and the Sea Ray designers have succeeded in creating an open, airy, feeling in a class of vessel that can seem dark and confining when poorly done. Sea Ray calls the 340 a "Sundancer", rather than an "express cruiser", because the 340 is a "mid stateroom" design. Aft of the main salon and the companionway steps, Sea Ray has included a cozy area ideal for small conversational gatherings or a spot where a tired crewmember might seek some solitary peace and quiet. By day, there is seating for a half dozen adults, and enough headroom under the helm seat and steering console above that even tall people can sit upright (but not stand) without crouching. A privacy curtain can be drawn across the area at night, and the seats knock down quickly into a cozy double berth. There are no fewer than six legitimate bunks available on the 340 Sundancer with the settee in the salon converted, or four with the salon left intact for dining, games, or conversation. Steve Thoreson joined us on the dock just as we had finished our careful interior inspection. One small electric heater had kept the 340 Sundancer cabin warm and comfortable while the boat was connected to shorepower at Lake Union Sea Ray. Despite an outside temperature in the upper 40's, the cabin heat flowing into the covered bridge deck had made the temperature there very acceptable as well. Generators are considered optional on the Sundancer 340, and our test boat was equipped with a 5kw Kohler 120-volt unit. With the all-electric galley setup and electric heat, the optional generator is almost essential on this boat. "We can move the heater up to the cockpit and run the generator if we get cold once we're underway," said Steve. The 6.2L Mercruisers roared to life instantly from a stone-cold start. The engines and V-drives are well aft, and accessed by means of an electrically operated hydraulic system raising the aft cockpit sole. The sole supported by hinges at the base of the transom. There is (are?) "oodles" of room on both the inboard and outboard sides of the engines for routine servicing. With the sole raised, engine access is a standup, fresh air affair. Buyers of Sea Ray 340 Sundancers won't be spending time on hands and knees in a dark dingy engine room, unless they're still aboard their trade in and praying the engine will fire up "one more time." Observations underway The rain relaxed to typical NW drizzle as we got underway. Most brokerage docks have extremely tight fairways, and Lake Union Sea Ray is not exception. The sure-footed predictability of twin inboards allowed us to make a very precise turn without any drama at all. As we began wending our way across Lake Union, Portage Bay, and the Mountlake Reach to Lake Washington, Steve pointed out some of highlights in the helm and cockpit areas. "This boat is equipped with the SmartCraft (tm) system. Absolutely everything you could ever want to know about the engines and operating conditions is displayed on this digital readout here at the helm. Our customers are really excited about this feature. If anything, there might be almost too much information available, but you don't have to try to concentrate on most of it in order to just properly run the boat." Steve was certainly correct about the wealth of information available. The SmartCraft system will display fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, engine hours, engine speed, instant and average fuel consumption (as well as projected range), trim tab status, and water depth and temperature. The SmartCraft interfaces with a GPS to provide accurate readings of speed over the bottom. There is an additional set of analog gauges for each engine, "just in case" the SmartCraft suddenly crashes, (although this is not known to be a problem). The controls at the helm consist of touch pads rather than more commonly encountered rocker or toggle switches. "They're waterproof!" explained Steve. "You could clean the steering console with a hose, and not have to worry about effecting any of the gauges or switches." Our test boat was equipped with a Raymarine SL70CRC radar/plotter and a Raymarine VHF radio. A remote control for the Clarion CD changer allows musical entertainment to be adjusted without ever leaving the helm. We noticed that Sea Ray has divided the helmsman's bench into two specific seats, with an armrest in the middle. "Each seat has its own adjustable bolster," said Steve. "The bolster can be tilted up so that a short person, such as a child, could sit next to the skipper and get a good view of the water. The bolsters also adjust so that it is comfortable to stand at the wheel, and the inboard armrest provides some side support for a helmsman sitting all alone at the wheel. Visibility from the helm is excellent. There's a single seat in the port forequarter of the bridgedeck, with the same adjustable bolster seen on the seats to starboard. A wetter is located at the port base of the radar arch, complete with sink, pressure water, and a standard icemaker. Cockpit seating for a comfortable six makes a graceful conversation curve beginning behind the helmseat, continuing down the starboard gunwale, and crossing the transom to the port side transom door. Sea Ray uses computer controlled robots to spray the gelcoat into the molds, and produces most parts through a molding process that precisely control the resin to roving ratio and produces peices with two finished sides. This exceptional fiberglass work is very evident in the cockpit area, where most of the finished surfaces are gelcoat. A sharp and critical eye would be hard pressed to find the slightest defect in the finish. The product seems to reflect a process of high technology executing a vessel designed up to a very standard, rather than down to try to meet a predetermined price point As we motored past the Webster Point buoys that mark the end of the speed-restricted Ship Canal, we brought the 340 Sundancer up to plane. The vessel accelerated without hesitation, gaining speed very quickly while retaining a sense of solidity and command. We ascended the bow wake smoothly, and were on plane seamlessly. A slight touch of the trim tabs made a minor correction in planing attitude, but it was apparent that the 340 Sundancer has a carefully designed hull that requires only minimal adjustment to run almost perfectly on her own lines. The noise level was lower than on many vessels where V-drive inboards are separated from the helm by a bulkhead, rather than merely the cabin sole. Sea Ray says it is using a sound insulation that absorbs, rather than reflects engine noise. We can attest that the results are notable and impressive. We ran the 340 Sundancer pretty hard. Between a slight chop on the windward side of the I-520 floating bridge and our best efforts to rip up the surface by cris-crossing our own wake, we got to experience some reasonably "lumpy" moments during the trial. The Sundancer burst through, (rather than "bounced over") virtually everything we encountered. Although speedy and agile, this Sea Ray rode like a heavier boat. Very reassuring. The Sundancer 340 is a boat that will handle snotty conditions in comfort, and should a mariner encounter unexpectedly extreme conditions, this is just the type of solidly built vessel that you would want to bring a boater and family safely back to port. Top speed on the 340 Sundancer, at 5000 RPM with throttles wide open, was 33 mph. Most people won't run a gasoline engine wide open for extended periods of time, but backed down to 4000 rpm we observed very respectable cruise speed readings averaging about 25 mph. Fuel consumption at cruise is in the low 30-gph range- comparing favorably to similarly sized vessels we have tested recently with diesel, rather than gas engines. Most of the diesel engine boats would be closer to 1mpg, or burning about 6-8 gph less than the 6.2L Mercruisers. Steve Thoreson remarked that the 340 Sundancer is available with twin diesels, but at an upcharge of nearly $50,000. At a difference of even 8 gph, assuming $1.75/ gal fuel costs, we estimate it would take 3,571 operating hours to "break even" if fuel savings were the only reason to consider the diesel option. (That's over 35 years for many boaters). After testing a few Sea Rays, we have developed a rather high expectation for the product line. The 340 Sundancer proves that the Sea Ray "experience" is alive and well in the 2004 model lineup. While the weather was bleak and dreary, rather than stereotypical sport boat or express cruiser brochure conditions, running the Sea Ray Sundancer 340 from beneath the canvas was fun and comfortable. Had we been testing a flybridge motoryacht, we would have been similarly cocooned in a canvas enclosure. There are some distinct advantages to having the helm closer to the water, particularly when the skipper lends a hand with lines and fenders after coming alongside a slip or lock wall. With a 5kw Onan, we would have had plenty of power to heat both the cabin and the cockpit, but we were comfortable without heat once underway. In spite of what well-meaning but gossipy dock stalkers might insist or even what instinct might suggest, a run through relatively scummy weather will prove to any skeptic that a Sea Ray Sundancer can be a wonderful boat for all seasons in the Pacific NW. During the spectacular sunny season, many people would opine that few boating experiences are superior to dashing along in an open express cruiser. No "brochure bimbos" in heels and bikinis or prissy umbrella drinks required. The corporate honchos at Sea Ray have remarked, "We don't sell boats, we sell a lifestyle." There's no doubt that certain panache is attached to a boat with the Sea Ray pedigree. Most adults realize that we are not really defined by what we own, but by the same token our taste in boats is rather easily defined when we select from one of the high caliber trademarks. Boats are a long-term purchase, and value received is often a more reliable indicator of comparable value than inexpensive price paid. A consistently high resale value, traditional with Sea Ray, can also mitigate a steeper initial cost. There is a lot of value in a Sea Ray 340 Sundancer. The vessel we tested at Lake Union Sea Ray in Seattle had a base price of $222,167. With the Raymarine radar, the 5kw Onan, the SmartCraft system, freshwater cooling, and some miscellaneous options the retail price on the vessel as equipped was $251,082. In a market where one could spend nearly as much but have to settle for considerably less boat, the 340 Sundancer deserves a careful look. In any season. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 10:09:56 -0400 (EDT), "Harry Krause"
wrote: How has Sea Ray addressed its coring issues? ======================================== Not very well. One of my neighbors down the canal from me has a Sundancer 290 which is a fun boat in many respects, but you can see the anchor pulpit flop up and down when punching through 2 to 3 foot waves. My guess is that it's only a matter of time before it fails in some way. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 10:09:56 -0400 (EDT), "Harry Krause"
wrote: I wouldn't want to run those engines very long at 4000 rpm...they'll have a short, unhappy life. I'd bet the real cruise speed is under 20 mph. ===================================== Yes on both counts. The boat is under powered, and the fuel capacity of 225 gallons is on the light side for twin inboards of that size. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Wayne.B wrote:
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 10:09:56 -0400 (EDT), "Harry Krause" wrote: I wouldn't want to run those engines very long at 4000 rpm...they'll have a short, unhappy life. I'd bet the real cruise speed is under 20 mph. ===================================== Yes on both counts. The boat is under powered, and the fuel capacity of 225 gallons is on the light side for twin inboards of that size. My little parker holds 170 gallons of gasoline. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
That's asking a lot. Exactly what is the political orientation of
this boat, i.e., right leaning, left leaning, or trim tabs fully operational? Alas, the vessel is apolitical. Listing neither to starboard or port, it is truly a centrist. :-) |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
4,000 RPM is way too fast for reliable operation and decent longevity
on those motors. 3.200 to 3,400 RPM is generally regarded as maximum cruising speed for gas engines of that type. You feel the engine needs to be backed off to about 60% of WOT for normal cruise speed? It sounds under powered the way it was tested, and it's usually a mistake to buy an under powered boat. I'd personally order the boat with bigger gas engines if available, at about 350 hp each for decent cruising performance in the low to mid 20kt range. For frequent usage diesels would be an even better choice, and they will return 40 to 50% of their cost in resale value. I'd probably never buy a new gas boat myself, but millions of people do. If you recover 50% of a $50k upcharge, you still need to save a lot of fuel to cover the diff. If there was a single answer that was always right for everybody, there wouldn't be much variety in boats. :-) |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Nice article, Chuck, but where is the live well? And, I don't recall reading
about the location of the rod holders. John H Sorry, John. This boat is more appropriate for folks aspiring to live well than those requiring a live well. As far as the "rod holders".......did you miss that part about the middle aged guy and his "passengers"? |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Not very well.
One of my neighbors down the canal from me has a Sundancer 290 which is a fun boat in many respects, but you can see the anchor pulpit flop up and down when punching through 2 to 3 foot waves. My guess is that it's only a matter of time before i Anchor pulpit? Visibly flopping up and down? My own guess is that a docking accident is more likely to blame than hull layup. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Yes on both counts. The boat is under powered, and the fuel capacity
of 225 gallons is on the light side for twin inboards of that size. Out this way, that 225 gallons provides more than adequate range for extended weekend cruising. We aren't making high speed 60 mile runs offshore like an East Coast, Gulf, or SoCal sportfisher. Our typical weekend boater would seldom cruise more than 50-70 nautical miles roundtrip. With prudent fuel management, that 225 gal would get a boater from Seattle to the San Juans and back. Barely. Adequate fuel capacity depends a lot on intended use. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
"Gould 0738" wrote in message ... 4,000 RPM is way too fast for reliable operation and decent longevity on those motors. 3.200 to 3,400 RPM is generally regarded as maximum cruising speed for gas engines of that type. You feel the engine needs to be backed off to about 60% of WOT for normal cruise speed? It sounds under powered the way it was tested, and it's usually a mistake to buy an under powered boat. I'd personally order the boat with bigger gas engines if available, at about 350 hp each for decent cruising performance in the low to mid 20kt range. For frequent usage diesels would be an even better choice, and they will return 40 to 50% of their cost in resale value. I'd probably never buy a new gas boat myself, but millions of people do. If you recover 50% of a $50k upcharge, you still need to save a lot of fuel to cover the diff. If there was a single answer that was always right for everybody, there wouldn't be much variety in boats. :-) IU alsways wonder how can they cost $50k ($25k / engine) more? My new Duramax Diesel truck was only a $7k kicker for diesel, and that included an Allison automatic tranny. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
IU alsways wonder how can they cost $50k ($25k / engine) more? My new
Duramax Diesel truck was only a $7k kicker for diesel, and that included an Allison automatic tranny. New boats are priced according to a consistent standard: What will the market bear? |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
"Gould 0738" wrote in message ... IU alsways wonder how can they cost $50k ($25k / engine) more? My new Duramax Diesel truck was only a $7k kicker for diesel, and that included an Allison automatic tranny. New boats are priced according to a consistent standard: What will the market bear? Sorta like my new truck. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
PS. Don't know if you take pictures while you're riding around, but I just
got a new Nikon D70 digital SLR, and I think it's fantastic! John H On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay! I shoot a couple of hundred photos per month for one project or another. With a keeper ratio of about 30-40%, and the paginator hoping for at least twice as many photos as anybody else thinks he'll need (or ultimately uses), it burns a lot of silver. Will go digital when: 1. Find a 35mm SLR digital, 5 megapixels (sp?) that will accept my Zeiss lenses. 2. Costs under a $geezel. If I drop one overboard or off the dock, I'd rather have an "unfortunate financial experience" than a mini disaster. $1k= unfortunate day at the office. $4k= mini disaster. So many of the digital cameras can take a photo of a housefly atop a flagpole at the other end of a football field- but cannot capture enough in wide angle mode to be useful for interior photos of a boat. With my 19mm lens I can stand at the edge of even very small compartments and get a photo that tells a lot about the interior.... Of course, that same lens makes the main salon on a 28 footer look as long as a bowling alley, so there's no perfect solution.......only a choice between available compromises. Much like boats in general -or other aspects of life. :-) |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
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Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
It's possible but there are no signs of external damage. My guess is
that some sort of internal delamination is taking place. The accident that could create the situation you describe would involve a vertical blow to the pulpit itself. It's a total structural failure, not a simple case of delam. Coming down hard on top of a piling? If it isn't the result of a collision, it's an issue that Sea Ray would cover under warranty unless the boat is pretty old. As far as I know, Sea Ray doesn't use cored hulls on boats under 40-feet. Your friend's 290 is suffering from something other than a cored hull issue. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
That's true but there are other advantages, the biggest being
increased range. Agreed. As I commented,....."if fuel savings were the only consideration...." and clearly they are not. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 06:02:27 GMT, WaIIy
wrote: What year is his boat? ======================== Not sure. I'll have to sneak a peak at his transom numbers some day. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Good reading material Chuck. My (USCG-A) Floatilla Commander has a 340,
diesel powered. It IS a fine ride. We did find it a little slugish in high speed manuvers though. It tended to heel over and plow in a tight, high speed, turn. IMHO the diesels, while wonderfully effcient and quiet, were not providing enough horsies for a boat of that weight. -- Capt. Frank __c \ _ | \_ __\_| oooo \_____ ~~~~|______________/ ~~~~~ www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks "Gould 0738" wrote in message ... [snip to save bandwidth] |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
The Nikon D70 costs about $1300 with an 18-70mm zoom
Isn't 18mm on a digital about equal to 30-40 mm on a traditional SLR? I used to use a 28mm lens, but finally dropped down to the 19 because there are just those times you absolutely need the difference. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Gould 0738 wrote:
The Nikon D70 costs about $1300 with an 18-70mm zoom Isn't 18mm on a digital about equal to 30-40 mm on a traditional SLR? I used to use a 28mm lens, but finally dropped down to the 19 because there are just those times you absolutely need the difference. I have a Nikon D100, and finding a good WA lense that actually works as a good WA lense with it is a problem. In fact, ?I still don't have one for it. But I can handhold a 300 mm lense, which translates into a much longer lense with this camera. I could not possibly handhold a nearly 500 mm lense. With the right lense, it is a very good portrait and candid camera, and I used it recently to photograph some folks struggling with the aftermath of being Wal-Marted. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:15:39 +0000, Gould 0738 wrote:
In the interest of providing the rec.boats political debate society with a short, boating related interlude, I am tossing in one of my more recent boat review items. :-) Be warned. 1. It's very long. Send out for coffee after the first 1700 words. 2. Some favorable comments about many aspects of the product are included. Those who become emotionally distraught when reading anything not bitterly hostile to the marine industry are invited to either skip this thread or flame me privately at . Won't accept responsibility anybody becoming po'd and acting badly after ignoring this advance disclosure. 3. Alternate, issue-oriented, informed opinions offered without personal insult are eagerly solicited in this venue for the purpose of promoting discussion. Thank you. ******** A Boat for All Seasons snip Thanks for the review, Chuck! Here's some hopefully-#3 comments rather than #2... First, OK, it's a "favourable" review. But surely SOMETHING was wrong with the boat? Of course, I'd say 30 gph is in the "yikes!" category: it takes me a month to burn that much. What about access forward in those "questionable" conditions (often a problem with express cruisers)? Anything else you DIDN'T like? In fact, Impressing the Babes is about the only way I could justify burning 30gph to go 25mph. Let's see...Vancouver to Desolation Sound: about 100 miles. That's 4 hrs each way, but 120 gals! And waterproof instruments in an open cockpit? what a concept! ;) Also, loved your description of the brochures: too true! We have a Standing Joke in Engineering that in order to be an Engineer, you need a white shirt and tie (no jacket), a hardhat, a clipboard, and you must be pointing at something. This is how we're portrayed in ALL brochures... Lloyd Sumpter "Far Cove" Catalina 36 |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
But I can handhold a 300 mm lense, which translates into a much
longer lense with this camera. I could not possibly handhold a nearly 500 mm lense. I hear ya. I don't use very long lenses much, but it takes a fast shutter speed to get a clear focus on a handheld shot. Fortunately, depth of field doesn't seem to be such a huge problem when trying to photograph something hundreds of yards away. f3.5/ 1/2000th :-) |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Of course, I'd say 30 gph is in the "yikes!" category: it takes me a month
to burn that much. What about access forward in those "questionable" conditions (often a problem with express cruisers)? Anything else you DIDN'T like? Like you, I can boat all weekend on 30 gal of fuel. But, we're not trying to go 25 mph, etiher. Access forward: Fairly standard on most boats of this style to "gopherward" (rather than go forward) onto the foredeck from the hatch. Some have walk through windshields.....Since a side deck needs to be brought prety well aft to acess it realistically, that swipes a lot of sq footage out of the cockpit. Personally, I'd rather have a side deck, (maybe just one, down the port side) but that's not really standard design in this category. Never been personally impressed by boats with tip-toe skinny decks. IMO, better to use the hatch than to tip toe along a wet ledge. Soon as I find a boat without any compromises, I'll forsake my trusty tug and buy it............. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Hi Chuck,
Is there really a boat without compromises? I am looking for a new boat, but can't find one that sleeps 6-8, is air-conditioned, comfy, stable in rough water, reliable, goes at least 30 knots and gets good fuel economy. Just can't seem to find one without compromising something! -- Capt. Frank __c \ _ | \_ __\_| oooo \_____ ~~~~|______________/ ~~~~~ www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks "Gould 0738" wrote in message ... Of course, I'd say 30 gph is in the "yikes!" category: it takes me a month to burn that much. What about access forward in those "questionable" conditions (often a problem with express cruisers)? Anything else you DIDN'T like? Like you, I can boat all weekend on 30 gal of fuel. But, we're not trying to go 25 mph, etiher. Access forward: Fairly standard on most boats of this style to "gopherward" (rather than go forward) onto the foredeck from the hatch. Some have walk through windshields.....Since a side deck needs to be brought prety well aft to acess it realistically, that swipes a lot of sq footage out of the cockpit. Personally, I'd rather have a side deck, (maybe just one, down the port side) but that's not really standard design in this category. Never been personally impressed by boats with tip-toe skinny decks. IMO, better to use the hatch than to tip toe along a wet ledge. Soon as I find a boat without any compromises, I'll forsake my trusty tug and buy it............. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Hi Chuck,
Is there really a boat without compromises? I have it on indisputable authority that Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy both own one. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
On Thu, 15 Apr 2004 03:21:46 GMT, "Capt Frank Hopkins"
wrote: Is there really a boat without compromises? ===================================== I'm told that the only perfect boat ever made belongs to the one and only perfect woman, and she's looking for a perfect guy to share it with. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
I'm told that the only perfect boat ever made belongs to the one and
only perfect woman, and she's looking for a perfect guy to share it with. That's bad news indeed! 1. My wife owns another (much better) boat on her own and she's keeping it a secret from me?! 2. She's shopping around! Absolutely, most definitely shopping around. :-) |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
|
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
Gould 0738 wrote:
There is a lot of value in a Sea Ray 340 Sundancer. The vessel we tested at Lake Union Sea Ray in Seattle had a base price of $222,167. With the Raymarine radar, the 5kw Onan, the SmartCraft system, freshwater cooling, and some miscellaneous options the retail price on the vessel as equipped was $251,082. In a market where one could spend nearly as much but have to settle for considerably less boat, the 340 Sundancer deserves a careful look. In any season. Yikes ... just noticed that price. For that kinda moolah you can buy a new Albemarle 310, according to the new SW Sportsman. With twin Cat 3126s. Of course, the Albe is less the dockside condo and more the head out no matter the weather boat. |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
"Harry Krause" wrote in message ... Gould 0738 wrote: There is a lot of value in a Sea Ray 340 Sundancer. The vessel we tested at Lake Union Sea Ray in Seattle had a base price of $222,167. With the Raymarine radar, the 5kw Onan, the SmartCraft system, freshwater cooling, and some miscellaneous options the retail price on the vessel as equipped was $251,082. In a market where one could spend nearly as much but have to settle for considerably less boat, the 340 Sundancer deserves a careful look. In any season. Yikes ... just noticed that price. For that kinda moolah you can buy a new Albemarle 310, according to the new SW Sportsman. With twin Cat 3126s. Of course, the Albe is less the dockside condo and more the head out no matter the weather boat. A lot of money but no where near what you shelled out on your custom 36 foot lobster boat, right Harry? How are your friends Harry Hope and Creaky doing? LOL! |
Sea Ray 340. On topic, but be warned.......
"Harry Krause" wrote in message ... jim-- wrote: "Harry Krause" wrote in message ... Gould 0738 wrote: There is a lot of value in a Sea Ray 340 Sundancer. The vessel we tested at Lake Union Sea Ray in Seattle had a base price of $222,167. With the Raymarine radar, the 5kw Onan, the SmartCraft system, freshwater cooling, and some miscellaneous options the retail price on the vessel as equipped was $251,082. In a market where one could spend nearly as much but have to settle for considerably less boat, the 340 Sundancer deserves a careful look. In any season. Yikes ... just noticed that price. For that kinda moolah you can buy a new Albemarle 310, according to the new SW Sportsman. With twin Cat 3126s. Of course, the Albe is less the dockside condo and more the head out no matter the weather boat. A lot of money but no where near what you shelled out on your custom 36 foot lobster boat, right Harry? How are your friends Harry Hope and Creaky doing? LOL! Ahh that's right...you dickheads think I'm Harry Hope, too. D'oh. When are you launching your boat this season, Dennis? One of mine may be heading to the marina tomorrow. Oh...that's right...you don't have a boat. The sock puppet Creaky has already been proven. Here it is in case you forgot: http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&threadm=3CCC742C.8090707%40mindspring.com&rnum=1 &prev=/groups%3Fq%3Dharry%2Bkrause%2B(LONG)%26hl%3Den%26l r%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8%26selm%3D3CCC742C.8090707%2540mindspring.com%26r num%3D1 As you know we sold our boat because of my wife's medical condition. This is after owning and operating boats for over 25 years. It will be tough but we have plenty of old dock neighbors and neighborhood friends with boats who have offered to take us out. I will be doing some walleye fishing a couple of time in May on a 26 foot Lyman. When I retire in 7 years we plan to buy a house on the Huron River and buy a smaller boat then, perhaps the size of your only boat....the Parker. Thanks for asking Harry. |
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