Cruiser comparison

[Boaterdan278michigan]

We are looking into purchasing a 34 foot cruiser. We have narrowed down to three potential boats, Sea Ray 340, Formula 34pc or Four Winns 348 vista. The layout and size is perfect. We need to know which boat does best in heavier seas, 3 or 4 foot. We boat the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan. I've been boating 35 years and know boats, however this will be the largest boat I've ever owned. I'd love to hear comparisons and opinions. TIA

 

[Scott Danforth]

they will all handle rough seas well, except deaths door between the bay of green bay and lake michigan when the wind changes. then even 34 feet will be small

all the boats are much older as the Vista would be 24 years old by now, the Forumla would depend on the generation, however could be 35 years old.

make sure you have any inspected for moisture and rot prior to buying.

 

[paulswagelock]

the Formula is the best built brand, followed by Sea Ray then Four Winns. However, depending on the age of the boats, the actual condition might negate the brand differences. Condition being about equal, I would take the Formula over the others, and I am a Sea Ray mark having owned several Sea Ray boats now.

 

[Lou C]

Are you going to do your own maintenance? Since these are twin engine boats also in addition to other points check how they are set up for engine maintenance. How much room on the outboard sides of the engine & in between the engines…

 

[tpenfield]

It is doubtful that you will find anyone that has been on or owned all 3 boats. As stated, age matters, condition matters.

If anything can be gleamed from the specifications, deadrise angle and overall weight will be indicators of rough sea performance.

The Formula is the heaviest, but also has the least deadrise. I believe the Four Winns is 19˚ deadrise and about 14,600 lbs.

 

[Pmt133]

I've been on a few searays (330, 340 and 380) I liked the 340 the least but it really was more layout than anything and it just seemed like a different searay compared to the other two models. I think it was more to do with when it was built though. Fit/finish was fine, it just seemed more streamlined. The 380 was more over the top and the 330 is 90s searay which again, is totally different.

I wouldn't put too much weight into deadrise only because it is just one point of the hulls performance. I remember the 340 having a tendency to rock a bit in 3-4s. Not horrible but after a few hours it grows to be enough.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

the Formula is the best built brand, followed by Sea Ray then Four Winns. However, depending on the age of the boats, the actual condition might negate the brand differences. Condition being about equal, I would take the Formula over the others, and I am a Sea Ray mark having owned several Sea Ray boats now.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

We're current Four Winns owners. The reason we're considering Four Winns above others is walk through windshield. Seaworthiness is number 1

 

[Lou C]

If these are sterndrive boats, the other factor is Merc or Volvo and if you choose Volvo, can you find service? Sea Ray, I believe is all Merc, but I think F/W sold many boats with Volvo power, don't know about Formula.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

Are you going to do your own maintenance? Since these are twin engine boats also in addition to other points check how they are set up for engine maintenance. How much room on the outboard sides of the engine & in between the engines…

Great points. I like to do my own maintenance. To this point it's 35 years of outdrive boats.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

they will all handle rough seas well, except deaths door between the bay of green bay and lake michigan when the wind changes. then even 34 feet will be small

all the boats are much older as the Vista would be 24 years old by now, the Forumla would depend on the generation, however could be 35 years old.

make sure you have any inspected for moisture and rot prior to buying.

So I should have clarified, mis 2000's boats.

 

[Scott Danforth]

still have them checked for moisture and rot

 

[Buster53]

still have them checked for moisture and rot

Get a full pre-purchase survey.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

Get a full pre-purchase survey.

Thank you for good advice.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

It is doubtful that you will find anyone that has been on or owned all 3 boats. As stated, age matters, condition matters.

If anything can be gleamed from the specifications, deadrise angle and overall weight will be indicators of rough sea performance.

The Formula is the heaviest, but also has the least deadrise. I believe the Four Winns is 19˚ deadrise and about 14,600 lbs.

It is doubtful that you will find anyone that has been on or owned all 3 boats. As stated, age matters, condition matters.

If anything can be gleamed from the specifications, deadrise angle and overall weight will be indicators of rough sea performance.

The Formula is the heaviest, but also has the least deadrise. I believe the Four Winns is 19˚ deadrise and about 14,600 lbs.

 

[Boaterdan278michigan]

The more I read the more I begin to believe Sea Ray Sundancer is the better choice. There are substantially more of them, likely more parts and facilities available to maintain them and better hull design.

 

[cyclops222]

You WILL without fail !!!! Test

The more I read the more I begin to believe Sea Ray Sundancer is the better choice. There are substantially more of them, likely more parts and facilities available to maintain them and better hull design.

ride all the boats in 4' high waves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Buster53]

The more I read the more I begin to believe Sea Ray Sundancer is the better choice. There are substantially more of them, likely more parts and facilities available to maintain them and better hull design.

Not saying you are wrong as there are certainly lots of Sea Rays out there. With the exception of the actual hull, few parts are actually made by Sea Ray. As far as maintenance goes, almost all repairs and/or maintenance revolves around the engines and various accessories found on the boat…gensets, AC systems, appliances, plumbing, electrical, etc. all of which can be handled by any qualified marine technician. Really nothing that needs to be addressed by a SeaRay dealer.
FWIW, I’ve always understood the Formula to be, by far, the best of the 3 brands, but as mentioned, previous maintenance and upkeep is the key.

 

[Lou C]

I could be wrong but I recall reading that the color accents on a Formula are not fade prone gelcoat but sprayed in Imron paint. Definitely better quality. The best thing I ever did to my old boat was to have the hull sprayed in red Imron, it still looks great 13 years later, with next to no buffing, polishing etc.

 

[redneck joe]

Not saying you are wrong as there are certainly lots of Sea Rays out there. With the exception of the actual hull, few parts are actually made by Sea Ray. As far as maintenance goes, almost all repairs and/or maintenance revolves around the engines and various accessories found on the boat…gensets, AC systems, appliances, plumbing, electrical, etc. all of which can be handled by any qualified marine technician. Really nothing that needs to be addressed by a SeaRay dealer.
FWIW, I’ve always understood the Formula to be, by far, the best of the 3 brands, but as mentioned, previous maintenance and upkeep is the key.

Everything in this post. Mercuriser is mecruuesr seastar steering is seatstar steering etc. And condition is paramount.

Cannot compare hull handing but some thoughts:

We looked at a 34 mid 80s dancer so may not compare but it was not v drive and the avail space in the engine room was enormous compared to the 34 foot bayliner avanti we ended up with. I hindsight, I should have done the searay, a bit less interior space but more on the back deck so a push imo.

For the walk thru window I get it but we had a great walkway on ours about 9 inches plus the v berth bow window was large enough for 220 pounder. Don't remember on the sear ray and again older but that would be something to look at is walkability on the side as well as the bow hatch accessibility, assuming yall youngish is age.

Know nothing about formula.