2002-2007 Sea Ray Sundancer 320 Specs and Review [Video]

The 2002-2007 Sea-Ray Sundancer 320 was one of the smaller brothers of the more popular Sundancer 340. This mid-cabin cruiser was built on a deep-V fiberglass hull and could be opted with twin inboard V-drive or sterndrive engine packages rated at 500-750hp. It was phased out by the all-new Sundancer 330 in 2008.

In this review, we’ll take a close look at this first-generation (2002-2007) Sea Ray Sundancer 320 and its factory specifications.

Fast Facts:

• Class: Mid-cabin cruiser
• Engines: MerCruiser V8 or Volvo I4/I6
• Propulsion: inboard V-drive or sterndrive
• HP: 500-750hp
• LOA: 35’6”
• Beam: 11’ 5”
• Dry weight: 13,800 lb.
• Top speed: 35-37 mph
• Range: 190 miles

2002-2007 Sea Ray Sundancer 320 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Sea-Ray expanded its popular Sundancer mid-cabin cruiser series in 2002 with the introduction of the Sundancer 320 at Miami and New York boat shows.

Its production started in Sea-Rays’s major manufacturing facility in Vonore, Tennessee.

(This model was often referred to as the 1^st generation Sundancer 320 since it made a comeback in 2017.)

Even though the 320 had its target market, its popularity lagged behind the 340. This is no surprise since it was not only less spacious but also had a significantly smaller mid-cabin.

As the name suggests the 320 was built on a 32-foot solid fiberglass hull featuring a deep-V, 21-degree deadrise.

Back in the early 2000s, this 32-foot cruiser featured a “true” 32-foot hull, since its bolt-on swim platform was not considered when specifying dimensions.

Because of this, and with the standard swim platform, its overall length was 35 feet 6 inches, while its beam was 11 feet 5 inches.

The claimed weight of the boat was 13,200 pounds dry and 15,000 pounds when fully loaded. Considering the weight of a triple-axle trailer, you could expect the gross weight to be close to 18,000 pounds.

The Sundancers built after the Millennium were known for their modern, sleek deck designs, and the 320 was no exception.

It utilized a stylish cockpit that was engineered with entertaining and socializing in mind.

Its aft section was fitted with a wrap-around, U-shaped lounge with filler cushions, a deck table, and an entertainment center with a wet bar. This area offered a perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining.

Cozy and practical, its twin helm seat came standard with a storage base and flip-up bolsters. You could also find a port-side companion seat located in front of the wet bar.

Just like any other Sundancer in this class, the 320 was also designed with a fixed windshield. This means you could only reach the foredeck through the fairly narrow side deck.

Through the deck door, you could access the swim platform, which came standard with a built-in reboarding ladder.

Despite its moderate size, it could accommodate a lightweight dinghy with ease.

Storage compartments included a transom accessory and storage compartment, side-panel storage, under-seat storage units, and more.

According to the operator’s manual, the key features of the deck and cockpit were as follows:

• Anchor
• Anchor chute
• Anchor chain/rope storage locker
• Navigation lights
• Windlass
• Deck hatch (emergency exit)
• Sun pad (opt)
• Skylights
• Sliding cabin door
• Helm seat with a companion seat
• Port side companion seat
• Aft wrap-around seat
• Windshield
• Cockpit entertainment center
• Wet bar
• Sink
• Insulated ice chest
• Cockpit refrigerator (opt)
• Engine hatch
• Side panel storage
• Transom door
• Transom accessory & storage compartment
• Bilge blower
• Garboard drain
• Swim platform
• Reboarding ladder
• Fresh water tank
• Generator (opt)
• Air conditioner
• Beverage holders
• Snap-in carpet
• 12V accessory outlet

The Sea-Ray helm came standard with a plethora of gauges and advanced electronics, including:

• Gauge panel (Tachometers, Speedometer, Oil pressure, Quad gauges, Fuel gauges)
• Depth sounder (opt)
• Compass
• Switch panels
• Engine gear shift & throttles
• Searchlight controls
• 12-volt receptacle
• Systems monitor panel
• Kick panel access panel
• Stereo remote
• Horn
• Automatic fire extinguishing system
• Marine VHF transceiver (opt)
• Radar (opt)
• Bow thruster controls (opt)
• Radar (opt)

Cabin

At first glance, the Sundancer 320 was very similar to the 340.

However, the former had noticeably smaller interior space, which also meant a much smaller mid-cabin.

This area housed a standard L-shaped seating lounge that could be converted into berths for two.

The salon and the galley were also less spacious but were still comfortable enough for a weekend trip.

It was designed with luxurious features and finishes including high-quality upholstery, cherry wood cabinets, and plenty of convenience amenities.

Without the need for completeness, the most important of which were as follows:

• V-berth double bunk with storage
• V-berth hanging locker
• V-berth privacy curtains
• TV/VCR combo
• Storage cabinets
• Galley sink
• Galley refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave oven
• Salon sofa with storage below
• Dining table
• Telephone jack
• Storage cabinet
• Mid-berth privacy curtain
• AC/DC distribution panel
• Stereo cabinet
• Head (sink and toilet)
• Mid-stateroom conversation pit (converts to double berth)

Engines

The 2002-2007 Sundancer 320 could be ordered either with twin Volvo diesel or V8 MerCruiser gasoline engines, which delivered 500-750hp.

To be more precise, the available engine packages were as follows (in the 2006 model year):

Twin Gasoline Sterndrives:

• T-MX 6.2 MPI Bravo III MCM
• T-MX 6.2 MPI Horizon Bravo III
• T-350 Magnum MPI Bravo III MCM
• T-350 Magnum MPI Horizon Bravo III MCM
• T-496 Magnum MPI Bravo III MCM

Twin Gasoline V-Drives:

• T-VD-350 Magnum MPI MerCruiser
• T-VD-350 Magnum MPI Horizon
• T-VD-MX 6.2 MPI MerCruiser
• T-VD-MX 6.2 MH Horizon MPI MerCruiser

Twin Diesel Sterndrive:

• T-Volvo D4-260/DP
• T-Volvo D6-310/DP

In the early years, the 320 came standard with T-5.0L MPI Bravo III (2x240hp) sterndrive engine package, which was dropped due to its poor performance and unpopularity.

This was no surprise since big-block engine configurations were significantly more popular.

Covered with an electrically actuated engine hatch, these power mills were planted under the rear lounge.

To the annoyance of the mechanics, this compartment was one of the smallest and tightest engine bays in the entire Sea Ray cruiser line.

Engines were installed in a very tight spot in the engine room, especially with a V-drive system.

On top of that, the presence of an optional generator only made things more overcrowded in there.

Performance

Even though its performance was not as smooth as its larger brother’s, the Sundancer 320 still offered comfortable and predictable handling on calm waters and a light chop.

However, since its engines were mounted far back in the hull, the hull was prone to raising its bow slightly higher than optimal.

But the boat’s weaknesses were more evident in rough waters. Due to its short hull, it became very bouncy on waves of 3 feet or more.

With the most powerful engine packages, the boat topped out at 35-37 mph while its most comfortable cruising speed was in the ballpark of 24-28 mph.

Powered by the twin 350 Magnum V-drive engines, the boat cruised 24 mph at 3600 RPM while burning 24 gph.

Therefore, its fuel economy averaged around 1 mpg under ideal conditions.

This means its 190-gallon usable fuel capacity gave her roughly 190 miles of range.

Problems

Based on our research, the most common problems with the Sundancer 320 (first gen.) were as follows:

• Small mid-cabin (compared to the 340)
• Short and firm front berth
• Narrow side deck
• Lack of walkthrough windshield
• Very small bathroom sink
• Very tight engine compartment (one of the tightest in the Sundancer series)
• Poor rough water performance (anything over 3’)
• Non-responsive handling at idle speed

Sea Ray Sundancer 320 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main factory specs of the 3^rd generation Sea Ray Sundancer 320 (2002-2007):

Dimensions

Overall Length w/std. swim platform	35’ 6”
Beam	11’ 5”
Draft (Inboards)	43”
Draft (Stern Drive Down)	33”
Draft (Stern Drive Up)	33”
Dead Rise	21°
Keel to top off spoiler	12’ 3”
Waterline to top off spoiler	9’ 6”
Spoiler to top off mastlight	23”

Weight and Capacities

Dry weight	13,200 lbs.
Fuel capacity	200 gal.
Usable fuel	190 gal.
Water capacity	40 gal.
Holding tank	28 gal.

Engine Specs (2006)

 

Engine	T-6.2 MPI Bravo III	T-6.2 MPI Horizon Bravo III	T-350 Magnum MPI Bravo III	T-350 Magnum MPI Horizon Bravo	T-496 Magnum MPI Bravo III	T-350 Magnum MPI	T-350 Magnum MPI Horizon	T-6.2 MPI	T- 6.2 MH Horizon MPI	T-Volvo D4-260/DP	T-Volvo D6-310/DP
No. of Engines	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Total HP	640	640	600	600	750	600	600	640	640	498	596
Disp. (L)	6.2	6.2	5.7	5.7	8.1	5.7	5.7	6.2	6.2	3.7	5.5
Cylinders	V8	V8	V8	V8	V8	V8	V8	V8	V8	I4	I6

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways – Looking for a Sea Ray Sundancer 320 For Sale?

Sea-Ray marketed its 1^st generation Sundancer 320 from 2002 to 2007. After 10 years of hiatus, this model came back with an entirely new body and features.

Unlike its modern successor, the 2002-2007 model featured a classic cockpit and cabin layout. Thanks to its popularity, you can still find many of them in marinas.

If you are considering buying one of these classic cruisers, you may find many Sundancer 320s for sale on eBay, Craigslist, or classified boat sites.

Depending on the year, condition, engine package, and features, you can expect asking prices anywhere between $50,000 and $120,000.

However, if you want to invest in a used mid-cabin Sea Ray cruiser, you should strongly consider the 340 instead.

This 34-footer is not only roomier, with a significantly larger mid cabin, it also offers a better handling overall than the 320.

Due to their similarities, these cruisers have very similar running costs and asking prices. Consequently, the 340 seems to be a far more sensible choice.

You can’t go wrong with one!