Friday, 26 February 2016

ILMOR ENTERS STERNDRIVE MARKET / ONEDRIVE

Penske owned Company

MIBS 2016: Ilmor enters the sterndrive market with ‘One Drive’

Boating Industry
February 11, 2016
Filed under News, Top Stories

Ilmor Marine made its entry into the recreational sterndrive market Thursday, unveiling the “One Drive” at the Miami International Boat Show.
Paired with the company’s MV8 gasoline engines, Ilmor plans to enter the recreational bowrider and cruiser markets with a comprehensive powertrain solution available in single and twin drive configurations.
“When we crafted the Ilmor ‘One Drive’ package, we wanted to give recreational boaters a driving experience never before offered in gasoline powered boats,” said Ilmor president Paul Ray. “We wanted to improve the technology, rising above traditional noisy cone clutch systems for a smooth and quiet shift, and a ride quality much more akin to luxury road cars. The ‘One Drive’ will offer boat owners overall improved performance, acceleration and efficiency – everything you could ask for, all in a beautiful package.”
The One Drive propulsion system features an electro-magnetically actuated hydraulic clutch transmission, the source of Ilmor’s unique smooth shift experience. The hydraulic clutch system quietly engages and disengages gears at two-shifts-per-second, according to the company. The twin propeller drive unit is built with precision forged gears for increased durability and is hard anodized for superior corrosion protection. All drive systems are complete with power assisted steering and hydraulic trim. The One Drive transom has a significantly larger exhaust output than comparable systems, minimizing backpressure for improved engine performance.
Powering the sterndrive package are the GM-Marine based Ilmor MV8 6.0L OPS (380 HP) and 6.2L OPS (430HP) engines, offered with electronic throttle and closed cooling systems as standard.
The Ilmor ‘One Drive’ utilizes sterndrive components provided by Yanmar Marine, already in operation with their diesel sterndrive systems
On twin engine boats, Ilmor offers an optional "One Touch" joystick system. The system includes Ilmor’s MERLIN engine monitoring display, and can be equipped with auto-pilot compatibility.
Ilmor is partnerting with Formula to demonstrate the technology on a Formula 350 CBR FX on display at Miami Marine Stadium.
“Our team at Formula is thrilled to partner with Ilmor in the launch of the ‘One Drive’ and to expand Ilmor product offerings into our hugely popular Sun Sport and CBR models,” said Scott Porter, president of Formula Boats. “Ilmor has been very professional and a pleasure to deal with, which is what you would expect from a Penske-owned company. Our decision to carry the new ‘One Drive’ systems was greatly influenced after Ilmor delivered over 10,000 reliable engines in water sports boats. We have paired the robust, saltwater resistant 430 HP ‘One Drive’ in a twin application in a Formula 350 CBR which is performing fantastically well and exceeding expectations. With super smooth hydraulic shifting, the ‘One Touch’ joystick docking system is the icing on the cake.”
Ilmor’s expansion into the recreational sterndrive market is reflective of the company’s founding principles - to constantly create new and better powertrain solutions for its customers, whether on the racetrack or on the water, the company said.
“At Ilmor, we love engines,” said Jessica Gamarra, Ilmor’s sales and marketing director. “We build superb machines, win races, bring home championships. We thrive on delivering to our customers an experience they will value and remember, whether that’s an Indy 500 race or a day of trouble-free boating with the family. Our new ‘One Drive’ is Ilmor’s next step to improve and elevate the boating experience for our customers, and to give them the confidence that they’ve made the best possible choice for themselves and their families when they power with Ilmor."

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SHORELINE EROSION CAUSED BY BOAT WAKE:

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SHORELINE EROSION CAUSED BY BOAT WAKE:

EROSION AND BOAT WAKE

Shoreline erosion is a process that occurs along all watercourses. There are many natural

causes (wind-generated waves, water levels, ice, slope of the bank, absence of

vegetation), as well as human (deforestation of shorelines, wave action from passing

boats). Wake is the wave action, produced by the wash of passing ships and boats, that

strikes against the banks of rivers or channels. The extent of erosion varies (Figure 1) and

is closely linked to the nature of the shoreline substratum. In the most severely eroded

areas among the archipelagos in the Montréal – Sorel sector, the average shoreline

recession rate has been estimated at 1.65 m/year, from 1964-2002 (Lehoux, 2004,

personal comm.).

THE CONSEQUENCES OF EROSION

Shoreline erosion has many consequences on the aquatic environment, including habitat

destruction, an increase in sedimentation and in turbidity of the water, and the release of

nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen) that promote algal blooms. As well, shoreline

erosion can result in the loss of land and affect shoreline property values.

The significance of each factor varies and may depend, among other things, on the

size of the watercourse. In larger channels, boat wakes have relatively little

impact compared with streamflow, as they make up only 2% to 5% of the

annual energy dissipated against the banks. The opposite is true in smaller

channels where wake accounts for between 95% and 98% of the energy (Hill

et al., 2002). Recreational boating in small channels, then, has a considerable

impact. Where craft navigate is therefore very important. However, it is important

to keep in mind tha t other factors may increase the impact of erosion.

The magnitude of the waves generated by a boat depends on different factors,

particularly the boat’s speed, its size, passenger/cargo

loading, the shape of its hull, distance from shore and water depth. Wave height is one of

the most important factors in shoreline erosion. Observations made by the Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources have shown that a wave that is 12.5 cm high (the height

of a compact disk case) does not cause significant shoreline damage. Waves of this height

are created by boats operating at speeds generally under 10 km/h—a speed that is

considered reasonable when operating close to sensitive shores. A wave that is 25 cm

high is five times more destructive than a 12.5-cm wave; 62.5-cm high waves are 30

times more destructive. For example, a small motorboat produces a wave that is 25-cm

high when at planing speed, whereas cruising yachts and other craft that do not plane can

generate waves that can easily reach heights of 62.5 cm and more.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It is difficult to apply a universal rule for all boats because of their variable configuration

and behaviour in the water. As such, the surest approach is to observe the wake produced

by your boat.

Watch your speed

By observing what happens when changing speed, boat operators can control their boat’s

wake. Observations made by the Oregon State Marine Board have shown the effects of

three speed zones:

Displacement speed – This is usually the slowest speed for most motor boats. It also

creates the least wake. The boat operates with the bow down in the water.

Transition speed – As you increase the power while attempting to get on plane, the bow

rises, causing the stern to plow through the water. This speed creates the largest wake.

Planing speed – At planing speed, the bow drops back down and only a little of the hull

contacts the water. This speed creates less wake than transition speed, but more than

displacement. Many large craft are not designed to reach this speed.

Boaters can reduce the impact of their boat's wake on sensitive shorelines by checking the

wake being produced, particularly when they navigate near the shore.

WHY BOATERS MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAKE THEY CREATE

A Canadian Wildlife Service study (Daup hin, 2000) revealed that, in the case of the

sensitive, ecologically valuable archipelagos between Montréal and Sorel, wave action

from passing commercial ships might be a major factor in shoreline erosion. In the fall of

2000, the shipping industry adopted a voluntary speed reduction measure within the

framework of the Navigation Committee of the St. Lawrence Vision Action Plan. The

aim of the reduction in ship speed was to reduce the height of the wave produced. More

than 80% of ships complied with the prescribed speeds. After three years of monitoring,

it is noticed that the shoreline recession rate decreased by 45% in certain areas—results

that convinced the shipping industry to maintain the speed reduction measure in the

sectors identified by the Canadian Wildlife Service (press release SODES/St. Lawrence

Ship Operators Association - April 2004).

Since erosion is the cumulative effect of each contributing factor, recreational boaters can

also help in conserving the shorelines and sensitive areas of the St. Lawrence River by

reducing the wake produced by their boats when operating near shorelines and in small

channels. This voluntary action will also promote a more harmonious co-existence

between shoreline property owners and other users of the river.

http://www.marinfo.gc.ca/Doc/Erosion/Erosion_des_berges_En.pdf

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NEW EU VESSEL STANDARDS WILL TELL US THE CONDITIONS A BOAT IS DESIGNED TO TAKE

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AT BOAT NUT WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT REVIEWS AND HOW WELL A BOAT WILL DO ON A BAD DAY WELL THE EU SYSTEM MAY GIVE US MORE OF AN IDEA AS TO A BOATS REAL ABILITIES

New design and operation technology will change the standards that boats will have to conform to. I think this type of information should be mandatory for new boats every were at least the consumer would have an idea as to the conditions that a boat would be safe to take on.

Countdown has started…
On 18 January 2016 the new EU rules on boats, personal watercraft, engines and components will start applying.

creation and use of notified bodies (notified bodies were unknown in the recreational

boating field, even if some Member States involved Classification Societies in their

applicable national regulations);

18 January 2016 - New EU Watercraft Directive becomes applicable

The new EU Watercraft Directive 2013/53/EU, formally known as the Recreational Craft Directive or RCD, started to apply today, Monday 18 January 2016.
European Boating Industry has been working on this new piece of legislation since 2008, participating in the meetings and advising the European Commission and Member States on the various changes to be introduced. For instance, the obligations and responsibilities of all economic operators - be they manufacturers, commercial and private importers or distributors - that have been further defined in the new Directive. They include updated
identification and traceability requirements as well as recommended templates for the Declaration of Conformity.
The essential safety and environmental requirements were also modernised in line with the latest developments and nautical knowledge. Design categories are now solely based on meteorological conditions
(wind and waves); means of re-boarding the craft must be accessible from the water; holding tanks or onboard treatment systems became mandatory for boats equipped with toilets; and engine exhaust emission levels have been further reduced and aligned with the US EPA levels

To obtain it, the products shall meet essential requirements for safety, health,

environmental and consumer protection.

In first place of the Directive’s essential safety requirements for the design and the

construction of craft are boat design categories, defined this way4:

A. OCEAN: Designed for extended voyages where conditions may exceed wind force 8

(Beaufort scale) and significant wave heights of 4 m and above but excluding abnormal

conditions, and vessels largely self-sufficient.

B. OFFSHORE: Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to, and including,

wind force 8 and significant wave heights up to, and including, 4 m may be

experienced.

C. INSHORE: Designed for voyages in coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and

rivers where conditions up to, and including, wind force 6 and significant wave heights

up to, and including, 2 m may be experienced.

D. SHELTERED WATERS: Designed for voyages on sheltered coastal waters, small

bays, small lakes, rivers and canals when conditions up to, and including, wind force 4

and significant wave heights up to, and including, 0,3 m may be experienced, with

occasional waves of 0,5 m maximum height, for example from passing vessels. 1.3.1. Meaning of the Directive’s existing definition

These four design categories are all defined the same way, which is: a boat given a certain

design category is designed for “a type of voyage” where “conditions” include or exceed

“wind force” and “significant wave height”.

They are then defined on three criteria:

1) type of voyage (intended use);

2) wind force;

3) significant wave height.

The intended use, first criterion, is defined by the capacity of a boat to:

- face safely environmental conditions (wind and waves) of the concerned

design category;

- offer a protection and a shelter for the crew, which is adapted to the type of

navigation and allows people onboard to sleep, rest, warm up, change

clothes, have a hot meal;

- have energy autonomy to make the intended navigation: e.g. sufficient

amount of fuel for the main engine on motor boats but also for generators

producing electricity, sufficient amount of electrical batteries, aero or hydro

generators, desalination system, etc.;

- have fresh water and consumables autonomy for the total time of the voyage

(e.g. tank capacity for fresh water, food storage capacity, etc).

The second and third criteria, respectively wind force and significant wave height, are

linked. The wave height is mainly a function of the wind, depending on:

- wind force: the stronger the wind, the bigger the waves;

- duration of the wind: the longer the time, the bigger the waves;

- fetch size, which is the distance of sea on which the wind blows: the longer

the fetch, the bigger the waves;

- and depth of water: the shallower the depth, the bigger the waves.

So, the capacity of a boat to safely face wind and waves depends on the following

parameters, which are:

- essentially stability characteristics; the boat’s stability is linked to its

dimension, shape, tightness, degree of protection, weight, height of centre of

gravity, windage area, etc.; it is these characteristics that will allow the boat

to resist to flooding and capsize or knock-down and make it able to progress

in such conditions, but also;

- scantling and construction which guarantee that the hull,

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Wednesday, 24 February 2016

BUGATTI BOATS / ASTON MARTIN BOATS / MERCEDES BENZ BOATS / FERRARI BOAT

BUGATTI

ASTON MARTIN VOYAGE 55

MERCEDES BENZ ARROW460

FERRARI E110

KORMARAN

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BENIFITS OF BOATER INVOLVMENT / AUSTRALIAN EXAMPLES THAT WORK

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BOAT NUT has four Strategies we want to see move forward:

1. Boating Green (were you can actually recover cash from boating waste)

2. Life Jackets Old 4 New ( New Lifejackets in X-change program)

3. Boating Safety Communication and Education Strategy

4. PWC Operators Course (a way to save insurance dollars and promote safe riding practices)

These are not Far Flung Ideas and we are not Industry Rebels without a Cause. As a matter of fact these programs in one form or another have been in place in other countries for years!!!!!

ALL PROFITS FROM THESE PROGRAMS ROLES RIGHT BACK TO BOATERS NEEDS, WE ANSWER TO YOU THE BOATER!

You will notice on a quick Canadian Google search that there is no Canadian Power Boat Association, there is a sailing association with all the bells and whistles, they have a token power boat instructors course. Which I have a copy of and was originally published when your crew was still a group of British volunteers.

Does the body of water you boat on make a difference in the effectiveness of boater interaction with its governing bodies. This maybe true after all the involvement of boaters who are on the oceans are much higher than those who are not. Or is it the region of boaters that just fail to engage, Has there been that much distrust built up with the boaters in North America that they just will not come together as a group. Canadian boaters are so standoffish that they will hardly engage in a good forum. Possibly it is due to the fact that the boater powers to be in Canada don't want to engage with you? I sure would like to know why boaters in Canada do not get more involved, All boaters bitch about the costs of ownership and the rules they have to enjoy themselves under but make no move to have a voice in the way controls are created. Check out what is going on in Australia they are trying to work with their boaters! Everyone is benefiting.

DON'T YOU WANT TO ?

Have your say to make boating better

Transport for NSW today encouraged boaters from across the state to have their say on proposed changes to the regulation of marine safety in NSW.
General Manager Maritime Management Centre Howard Glenn said updating the Marine Safety (General) Regulation 2009 was aimed at promoting safety, reducing red tape and improving administrative efficiency.
“NSW is achieving good results in maritime safety. The challenge is to continue to deliver an appropriate balance of regulation, education and compliance,” Mr Glenn said.
“The long-term boating fatality rate is trending downward and more people are wearing lifejackets than ever before, however there is more we can do to foster a culture of safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.
“In order to make changes that benefit boaters well into the future, I encourage all interested members of the public to have their say. We want to hear from you,” Mr Glenn said.
Customers will benefit from changes to current boat licences and registration including the introduction of a ten year boat licence and removal of the need for boat registration stickers. These changes harmonise roads and maritime licensing procedures and reduce the administrative burden on industry and customers.
It is also proposed to streamline the classes of boating licences and simplify the fee structure for boat licences including a reduction in fees charged for Personal Watercraft Licences, resulting in savings for customers of $101 on a five-year licence, $64 on a three-year licence and $56 on a one-year licence.
The Maritime Management Centre within Transport for NSW is leading the regulatory review and has consulted widely over the past nine months. This has included a previous round of public submissions and direct consultations with peak recreational boating groups, RMS and NSW Police Marine Area Command.
A copy of the proposed new Marine Safety Regulation 2015 and accompanying Regulatory Impact Statement are available from the Maritime Management Centre website.
Submissions can be made online to the Maritime Management Centre.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 28 August 2015.
Have your say to make boating better (pdf 180KB)

More common sense reforms for boaties starts today

Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay today announced another common sense reform delivered by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government with the introduction of the state's first combined car and boat licence.
Mr Gay said close to half a million boating enthusiasts were set to benefit from the reform.
"Most people who own a boat licence also have a drivers licence and under the previous system each licence had to be renewed separately," Mr Gay said.
"From today, a drivers licence holder who also has a boat or personal watercraft licence can have the two combined on one card with one expiry date, reducing the amount of paperwork they need to complete.
"This will apply to drivers licences issued for car, truck, or motor cycle where the motorist has a boat licence and will be available when a customer’s driver licence is up for renewal.
“Everything else about the combined licence will remain the same, the ID photograph, conditions, the cost of both licences and circumstances under which the licence must be carried or produced.”
Mr Gay said he is also working to fix boaties licence frustrations by improving the NSW boat licence system to make is simpler, cheaper and more accessible.
“A full review of the NSW boating system is long overdue and I want to work with boaties to fix it and cut out the red tape where it’s not needed,” Mr Gay said.
“To improve the licensing system, I want to extend the current paper test to an online version so it’s accessible to a wider audience and encourages even more people to get involved in this great activity.
“I’m also interested in hearing from boaties on what they think of introducing a 10-year boat licence, this would add to the current one, three and five year licence options.
“On top of this I want to cut down fees for personal watercraft licences and streamline the training and testing systems to make them simpler.
“Also, our boating kids (age 12-16) currently renew their licence each year – this isn’t necessary and I’d rather these kids spent more time on the water building their skills, rather than worrying about a licence renewal.
“Boating shouldn’t be about renewing paperwork – it should be about enjoying a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
“I encourage all boaties to provide their feedback on the proposed licensing reforms, which are outlined in a discussion paper."
Boaties are encouraged to provide feedback to maritime@transport.nsw.gov.au by 19 December.
More common sense reforms for boaties starts today (pdf 88KB)

Delivering a clear message to improve diver safety

Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay today launched the NSW Government’s Dive Safe campaign, which includes videos and flag displays to improve awareness of divers using NSW coastal waterways.
Mr Gay said the campaign was focused on promoting safer diving behaviours and improving awareness for boaties to help identify where divers might be encountered.
“The consequences of divers being struck by a boat can be horrific, that’s why it is so important divers and boaties ensure they are doing their bit to prevent these accidents,” Mr Gay said.
“We’ve had serious incidents, including two fatalities in the past ten years, involving divers being hit by a vessel or its propellers in NSW waters, which were caused by a lack of awareness by boaties of the location of divers.
“The campaign is designed to deliver a single, clear message. We want skippers to look out for, and divers to use, the internationally recognised blue and white ‘diver-below’ flags, which indicate a diver is in the area and to stay at least 60 metres clear of it.
“In our diving community, snorkelers and spearfishers are at particular risk as they spend most of their time on the surface. Scuba divers can also be exposed to contact with vessels if forced to surface suddenly or if they surface a distance away from their boat or the shore.
“Divers are also reminded to be responsible, whether you are a scuba diver, spear fisherman or snorkeler, make sure you display the blue and white flags correctly.
“I also recommend you add a high visibility fluoro yellow or green flag for extra visibility.
“The campaign will be spearheaded by three new safety videos, which can be downloaded from the NSW Transport website: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/mmc.
“We will also be providing samples of the ‘diver-below’ flags to dive clubs and associations, we will give them out to people on the water and provide demonstrations at boat ramps and boating events.
“We’ve had our best boating safety result in more than 20 years – for the 12 months ending 30 June eight fatalities were recorded state wide compared with 27 fatalities the year before.
“Let’s work together to continue to improve this outcome and also keep our divers safe this boating season

Water Safety Week: Helping the community stay water safe

Minister for Maritime Duncan Gay today urged people to get involved in Water Safety Week and ensure they put safety first as the weather improves and they start enjoying the water again.
“The days are warmer, so recreational boaters and beachgoers need to remind themselves of the safety precautions that help ensure their day on the water is a positive experience,” Mr Gay said.
“I encourage people to get involved in Water Safety Week and learn more about simple measures that can make a world of difference including checking the water conditions, if you’re heading out on a boat put on a lifejacket and always swim between the flags.
“Key water bodies including Transport for NSW, Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Police and Surf Life Saving NSW are working together to ensure important safety messages get out far and wide.”
General Manager of the Maritime Management Centre Howard Glenn said all water bodies would be working together to help inform the community.
“This week includes a reminder to people about our zero tolerance on-water approach taken by RMS Boating Safety Officers and the NSW Police Marine Area Command to lifejacket requirements when boating,” Mr Glenn said.
“The single most important message is that people should get into the habit of putting on a lifejacket each time they head out for a day on the water, as it might just save your life.”
Surf Life Saving NSW Lifesaving Manager Andy Kent said the community was doing a great job at keeping safe in the sun and we needed to keep up the good work when it comes to the water.
“Australians have got themselves into great habits when it comes to putting on sunscreen when outdoors. In the same way, regular beach goers need to always be thinking of where the flags are before heading into the water,” Mr Kent said.
Acting Inspector Alex Barrell from Marine Area Command said whether you’re going swimming, surfing, paddling, boating or fishing, it’s important to know the conditions and possible hazards in the area.
“If you’re going swimming, remember waterways can be deceiving and it’s important to check depth, current and temperature before you get in so you’re not caught out,” A/Insp Barrell said.
“While skippers are responsible for ensuring it is safe to go out and have all the required safety equipment, including lifejackets, everyone needs to look after themselves and keep safety top of mind.”
Director of Maritime NSW RMS Angus Mitchell said people would be encouraged to get into the right safety habits at boating safety days being held across the state on Sunday 28 September to mark the end of Water Safety Week.
“NSW is home to a magnificent array of beaches and waterways, and the boating safety day is an opportunity for the community to receive important information on safe and enjoyable activities on and in the water,” Mr Mitchell said.

BOAT NUT WAS FOUNDED TO CREAT CHANGE TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE GO TO THE WEB SITE JOIN THE ASSOCIATION, HAVE A SAY!http://boatnutmagazine.com/

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Monday, 22 February 2016

1989 SEA RAY340 SUNDANCER / Quick Review

1989 SEA RAY 340 Sundancer

A quick response to a question

Remember the late 80's the era of the fat boat, this is when beams exploded this 340 had an 11ft 11 inch beam and is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. The 340 Sundancer was one of those boats that put Sea Ray firmly on the boat builder map. It was this style of big beam express cruiser that made this design so popular today.

There is no doubt that the 340 Sundancer was built to stand the test of time. All you have to do is go on any yacht trader site and you will find no less than one on every site. As a matter of fact I think the first 340 Sundancer Sea Ray built is still making waves some were, they just will not die. Hurricane Katrina tried to level many of these 1989 Sea Rays but even her force was hardly a match for these boats construction. New boats were torn apart but these old girls were still all together in most of the insurance review fields in the southern US.

When you consider the popularity of the 1989 340 Sundancer you would think that they would be relatively flawless but this is not so! This boat has only a couple of draw backs but they are significant.

What doesn't work:

First major draw back is the engine compartment, or should I say closet. If you have small blocks (350 CID V8 motors) you will just be able to reach between the two motors. If you have to go outboard on the motors you will need to remove the exhaust cross over. If you have big blocks (454 CID V8 Motors) you are in for a world of hurt when it comes to even a tune up. Add a generator to the mix and you can hardly find enough room to stick a screw driver in the engine compartment. As a matter of fact you need to put the bilge pump on a very long removable bracket. just so you can service it (this is the only way). As a matter of fact this engine room creates such problems that I have been on 340's that are so beautiful, better than new. But open the hatch and no one has dared go there. Its a shame but true! These motors are usually run until they don't run any more in need of tune ups and a host of other issues. This compact area does allow these engines to seem to run on indefinitely though. The heat from these motors in such a contained area seems to have the effect of slowing down corrosion in parts and places that generally suffer. This really does make a difference. So A major pain in the ass has an up side.

The second design flaw is the cabin side windows, anyone who has owned one knows what I am talking about. You will see these windows all sealed up with silicone inside and out they become leakers. The windows are plexi glass and plexi will grow and contract 30% in the heat and the cold (for starters). the part that slides relies on felt tracks to do so. Now the issue with these felt tracks is they love to grow moss. Leaves and dust and what ever other crap is floating around lands here when it rains and they never dry out and mildew and moss grow like grass here. If you remove the small black covers on the outside of the frame. Then grab a hose and straight screw driver and clear the drains every time you wash the boat these tracks will dry out and if you keep the areas of the frame clean you will find that the leak problem will almost entirely go away. You can rebuild these windows with better products available today that can stop the mossy growth. However it is not cheap. But if you compare the fix to wads of silicone its worth it.

By the way once you clean up the factory window tracks and windows the maintenance never stops. Once the moss and mildew are set in, it may look clean but leave it for a month and the green will be right back even if you give the tracks a bleach treatment.

The Third Design Flaw is the fact that these boats were not built to stack on a ton of electronics the dash is not laid out for big screens. I have seen all kinds of boxes and non sense built for this application and all they do is plug up the view thru the windshield. If you own this boat or are going to buy one of these boats be electronics aware.

A few other considerations

Over the side entrance to the cockpit area (with the camper back cover on, this can be a bit annoying), Teak trim all over that requires attention (some consider any more extra maintenance a draw back), Aft seat box that is a pain to deal with when servicing the already too tight engine area ( get it off the boat if you can), Exhaust tunnels thru the hull side were to much filler was used to finish to hull ( this area is always cracking).

What works:

This boat is a very well laid out comfortable boat to spend a lot of time on. It has enough storage room that you can fill two pickup trucks at the end of the season and not be aware that there is that much gear on the boat. One of the most solid felling boats that you will ever have the pleasure of driving. If you get lucky and find a stock un molested Sea Ray 340 Sundancer you will have a boat that even today people turn to look at. A clean 340 Sundancer is as nice as any boat on the dock and if you think that they are just an old boat take a ride on one that runs as good as it looks.You may have some second thoughts about how your brand new boat rides!. These are no fear hulls, were the boat will take more than the captain will.

I have used this line before: A boat that has been and still is one of the most popular Express Cruisers ever built has to be right in almost every way. Sure there are quirks and little issues that I could pick apart just to create a list but that doesn't respect a boat that truly deserves all the respect it has earned. These boats are getting older now and it will be a sad day when a walk down any dock doesn't reveal a 340 Dancer from this time. I am not sure how long owners will continue to sink money into this 1989 icon, probably not very long. Boaters want gadgets and toys and the value of a great hull has been diminished to a joystick on the dash. Wouldn't it be great to buy up these old boats and resurrect them with todays technology and modify the former flaws. If only we could, but no one will pay for that kind of project. Yet!

A last note when it comes to the 1989 340 Sundancer, Be Care Full when you buy one. Many the 340 Sundancer has been ruined by over zealous owner who want to bring their boat up to todays standard. Beware the boat that is all flash and looks so nice, so up to date. Why are they for sale? In some cases I believe the owner is trying to turn a profit in other cases the owner has destroyed the performance of the boat. Which one are you looking at?

BE AWARE this is a boat that can be ignored for long, long lengths of time and be revived fairly easy. This is a blessing for an owner who has lost interest for a while. A curse for a buyer who believes they have stumbled on a gem. You don't want to have to start big mechanicals on this boat they can eat you alive......

Condition Used

Category / Type Power / Express Cruiser

Make Sea Ray

Model / Year 340 Sundancer / 1989

Length / Beam 34' / 11'11"

Engine #1 1989 Mercruiser 340

Engine #2 1989 Mercruiser 340

Fuel type Unleaded

Propeller Bronze

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Friday, 26 February 2016

Penske owned Company

MIBS 2016: Ilmor enters the sterndrive market with ‘One Drive’

SHORELINE EROSION CAUSED BY BOAT WAKE:

EROSION AND BOAT WAKE

THE CONSEQUENCES OF EROSION

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Watch your speed

WHY BOATERS MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAKE THEY CREATE

AT BOAT NUT WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT REVIEWS AND HOW WELL A BOAT WILL DO ON A BAD DAY WELL THE EU SYSTEM MAY GIVE US MORE OF AN IDEA AS TO A BOATS REAL ABILITIES

Countdown has started…On 18 January 2016 the new EU rules on boats, personal watercraft, engines and components will start applying.

creation and use of notified bodies (notified bodies were unknown in the recreational

boating field, even if some Member States involved Classification Societies in their

applicable national regulations);

Wednesday, 24 February 2016

BOAT NUT has four Strategies we want to see move forward:

1. Boating Green (were you can actually recover cash from boating waste)

2. Life Jackets Old 4 New ( New Lifejackets in X-change program)

3. Boating Safety Communication and Education Strategy

4. PWC Operators Course (a way to save insurance dollars and promote safe riding practices)

DON'T YOU WANT TO ?

Have your say to make boating better

More common sense reforms for boaties starts today

Water Safety Week: Helping the community stay water safe

Monday, 22 February 2016

1989 SEA RAY 340 Sundancer

A quick response to a question

What doesn't work:

A few other considerations

What works:

Countdown has started…
On 18 January 2016 the new EU rules on boats, personal watercraft, engines and components will start applying.