340 Sea Ray Sundancer (SDA) 2003/2004

Source: Dave McPhail + Dennis Beach, Canadian Yachting Magazine

AT DOCKSIDE
Sea Ray has become synonymous with styling innovation, new model creativity and a high level of manufacturer quality in the powerboat sector of the marine industry for many years. Our first look at the new 340 Sundancer SDA supported and confirmed this view once again. Although our review boat was stamped as a 2003 model, it was a late year model built to the new 2004 styling configuration of the line referred to by Sea Ray as the SDA which indicates the newer model style of a Sundancer. The smooth gunnel lines sweeping aft and downward give the impression of fast performance even when the vessel is tied to the dock. The large fully integrated swim platform, which is part of the hull mould, provides one piece strength and function and since it is not added to the boat there is no chance of fastenings coming loose. From the long smooth foredeck, through the windshield and forward facing arch, complete to the aft deck and transom area this is definitely a new generation of a Sea Ray. The transom area also sports a large storage lazerette for necessary items that you do not want constantly under your feet.

BOARDING
Our review boat was sterned into a high fixed dock. This meant that boarding was via the port stern quarter and into the cockpit. The completely flat deck led effortlessly to a step that allowed very easy access. The non-skid portions are well-defined diamond shaped areas that provide exceptionally good footing and safe movement anywhere on the boat.

THE COCKPIT
Once on board, we had a quick look around. We noted the Sea Ray style, Sea Ray quality and the Sea Ray special touches. With canvas up, there is plenty of headroom in the cockpit or at the helm. The canvas top is Sunbrella and the fixed bimini has a coated underside that is better for waterproofing while the fabric can still breathe to allow for ventilation. This type of construction helps to prevent unwanted mould or mildew when the boat is closed for long periods of time.

The aft cockpit canvas is very large and all one piece. Although there is access to board if it is left in place storing this large piece of canvas is a fair bit to have to handle for one person especially if you want to avoid folding the clear plastic. Converting this into three pieces as some after market canvas makers have done successfully might be worth consideration in the design of future models.

The flat floor in the cockpit provides ease of movement and only a simple short step takes you to the helm or the extra companion seat to port.

BELOW DECK
The new SDA has a much easier cabin entry than did its predecessors. A central stairway allows for large stairs to be mounted on an open hanging arrangement, which gives the boat a feeling of openness and space below. The straight stairs keeps safety forefront and results in a more sure-footed feeling.

Immediately to port, while below, is a large well laid-out head. Separate vanity and toilet arrangements provide for a comfortable arrangement while away for extended periods of time. Space is ample and although compact it is extremely functional.

Forward of the head is a long galley. Complete with stove top elements, a large refrigerator, sink and plenty of storage, this boat has space for the many things that seem to migrate to the boat each season and need to be stored out of sight.

The front cabin and aft cabin are all part of the main salon. Separation is accomplished using pull across curtains. When these are opened the flow of space is unencumbered. Since most of the time there are probably two or a family of four on a 34 foot boat, the openness makes very good sense.

The Review boat had the high gloss cherry interior. This look when coupled with the leather interior and the richness of Sea Ray bed linen coverings provides for a rich and opulent look that is not overstated. More simply declared, you immediately feel at home when you enter the boat.

Midship to starboard is the long settee that Sea Ray has really made famous. This converts to a berth for night, but has a removable table for dining. The table is cleverly stored under the front berth that lifts easily for stowing purposes. The forward potion of the front mattress also lifts easily to provide yet additional storage for things that you may not need frequently but want to retrieve relatively easily when needed.

The mid cabin or aft as some would call it is very open. Again, a curtain is used to provide privacy but the large U-shaped couch that converts into a double berth is still all part of the salon when the curtains are open and entertaining is taking place. The stairs, as previously mentioned, are open; therefore, even these do not block the visibility. The interior is spacious and with a beam of 12 feet the boat reflects both real space and the illusion of space also.

BACK IN THE COCKPIT
Another walk around the cockpit reveals some very exciting features. There is a sink arrangement to port that has storage, a portable cooler, and a built-in refrigerator. All are immediate and accessible from the aft deck. Having a fridge that runs off the batteries allows for operation at anchor without having to start a generator as one would for an ice maker.

Subtle design elements can also be seen. There is a space for a large cockpit table. This can be lowered to make a sunpad or berth when the filler cushion is added. The U-shaped seating is very people friendly and provides a great conversation area where all passengers are together in one space. The transom door that safely opens inward is engineered to be completely flush along the wall so as not to block space for movement or to be an item that might cause injury if bumped against while in this area. The access to the previously mentioned large swim platform is a short step down to the finely sculptured Sea Ray stern. A lift hatch reveals a large storage area for extra dock lines, electrical cables, large fenders and anything else that might from time to time be necessary to store. We looked at a 12 year old boat beside us with the flat stern and quickly realized the wisdom in using space to the max and not wasting this valuable asset in the rear of the boat.

The next feature was definitely the crème de la crème…. The aft third of the cockpit, including the back portion of the U-shaped seat area lifts electrically to give full and complete access to the engine compartment. The transom door must be open for this to happen but there is a safe switch that keeps the hatch from opening when the transom door is closed and locked.

Although space in the engine compartment is at a premium with two 8.1L engines and a 6.5 Kohler generator, with all of the overhead space removed the ability to access the necessary parts is made more efficient. We also noted that the ability to get to the very rear of the boat including the platform space was made simple. Some earlier integrated platform spaces required very agile or small people to either install or work on repairs that might be necessary from time to time. This is not the case on the new 340SDA.

TO THE HELM
Impressive!!! Say it all in one word. There are three forward facing seats. One is to the extreme port of the companionway and two are by the helm station. Each is a seat or when the bolster pad is lifted each seat provides a comfortable place to stand and lean while underway. We left the bimini top and the side plastic in place while running the boat. We did remove the middle plastic that provided a lot of fresh breeze while running. Visibility was excellent when sitting or standing at the helm and in Sea Ray fashion, all necessary switches were readily at reach…

Sea Ray has been infamous in designing ergonomically functional and pleasing helm areas for all of their boats. The space at the helm is well proportioned and readily usable by the captain of the boat. The multi-functional radar/GPS nav system with depth, speed and log are all easily found and read so that everything is where you want it and when you want it. The switches and breakers that are at the helm can be accessed quickly and easily and the need to leave the helm to attend to a switch is all but eliminated.

Our Review boat was equipped with the Mercruiser Smartcraft System. What we have seen on some vessels where the Smartcraft eliminated all other gauging was supplemented here with analogue gauges as well. Not only does this provide backup or quick view capabilities, it finishes the dashboard gauge cluster area to an improved visual and eye appealing space.

The Smartcraft System, although relatively new provides all necessary gauging and monitoring in one easy package. Speed, rpm, fuel on board, fuel used, calculations for distance that your fuel will take you are all part of Smartcraft. In addition, there are safe alarms and shutdown features that make it almost impossible to cause engine damage if the oil pressure should drop, or the temperature rise. Having everything in one simple package is a sensible space saving option that more people will use and become familiar with in the future.

UNDERWAY
The 340 SDA review boat was powered by 8.1L MPI Mercruiser engines. With the underwater exhausting that Sea Ray introduced some years ago, the engine noise is very low and conversations are easily carried on both at idle and cruising speeds. There is some water discharge out the side of the vessel but this is excess cooling water that does not easily exhaust under the boat. Another fine feature of the underwater exhausting is the lack of fumes from spent gas. With exhaust entering the water about two feet below the surface, exhaust fumes do not come up until the boat is well ahead of the gasses. This almost eliminates the chance of reverse airflow caused by the movement of the boat through the air that can bring fumes back into the boat.

Moving the 340 is immediate and crisp. With the fuel injected engines idling at about 610 rpm, putting it into gear reduces the rpm by about 10 rpm briefly until the system returns to the idling speed of 610. This is unlike some naturally aspirated engines that when in gear can lose up to a third of rpm when at idle. The result is higher torque and a vessel that bites solidly with a very noticeable response. It does mean that if a captain moves to fuel injection and uses the exact same techniques in and out of the dock, exiting and docking would happen considerably faster. However, careful and astute boaters will adapt quickly to this, I am certain.

Moving the 340 SDA onto plane is done quickly. The quietness of the power of the 8.1’s is noticeable and you are up onto the plane with some bow raise but never an intrusion on visibility or safety. The boat gets to cruising speed rapidly and synchronizing the engines is a breeze with the Smartcraft option and we were soon off and running.

At a cruising speed of about 25 to 28 mph, the engines certainly do not labour and the ride is solid. The 340SDA is responsive to the wheel and the ability to trip the vessel with the trim tabs is a very simple task. Visibility is excellent and the feel at the wheel is one of comfort or better stated feeling `at home`.

Because we had a very calm day with light variable winds, there was virtually no waves or chop on the water. However, with some close turns and a couple of large cruisers in our area we were able to get a bit of a feel for the solid construction and the ability of the boat to handle a chop. Our Review boat traversed these smoothly and comfortably and entry back into the water was soft and dry. Water was deflected down and away from the hull and we had the impression that unless in some very strong winds and high waves this would be a very dry boat.

The three bolster style seats… two at the helm and one port of the companion way were extremely comfortable. When in the seat mode they are comfortable and provide excellent visibility and access to all areas of the helm or control panel. When the forward bolster of the seat is lifted, the support given while standing is exceptional.

Returning to the home dock again proved the agility of this 340 SDA. Catching some bow breezes while sterning into the dock was a non-issue since the torque of the engines kept the bow in place and allowed the proper location of the stern for smooth and perfect docking. To set the record straight, Boatcan staff docked the boat and not the professional captain aboard which further stresses another of the abilities of this vessel.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This new generation of Sea Ray Sundancer boats is a perfect example of the work that Sea Ray puts into their boats to lead the way for design and innovation. The smooth flow of the gunnel shear line gracefully lowers to aft yet allows the deck area to provide high freeboard and a wide flat entrance point. The large integrated platform is part of the hull construction itself. The large U-shaped cockpit seating and the electric hatch lift for engine access, although not necessarily unique to Sea Ray, is beautifully designed and provides great form and function. The centrally located companion way with wide flat stairs is a definite improvement from side entrance of the past and provides comfort and safety to any and all boarding the boat.

The salon and design features below show a high level of quality and are very appealing to the eye. The pedestal bed forward is large, easily accessible and painless to make up. There is more than ample storage and the vinyl ceiling panels are certainly much more advantageous than the headliners of the past. When the only concern is the size of the aft curtain on the top, which can easily be changed by local canvas people, this boat gets thumbs up big time.

The Sea Ray 340SDA is roomy. It has style and quality construction and the boat will perform solidly without surprises when on the water or around the dock.

Boat Specifications: 340 Sea Ray Sundancer (SDA) 2003/2004

Length                         34ft

Beam                           12ft

Draft                           3ft

Dead Rise                   21 degrees

Weight                                    14600

Fuel Capacity              225 gal

Make                           Mercruiser

Model                          8.1 Horizon MPI

HP                               370