310 questions from a potential buyer

[matts997]

SJN, what you say is likely true, as exemplified by the Hunter I recently sold...it had very few hours in relation to age when I bought it (700) and I ended up having to re-power the boat a couple years ago. It was day sailed for most of its life in Lake Union and then by me in Possession Sound.

That said, although these small diesels can go 10K hours, I wonder how many of them actually do, under average or “normal" levels of maintenance? i.e., what you would typically find in a used boat. The data needed to actually look at this are probably non-existent, but I wonder if any more than half of such boats have engines that run for this long.

But--you definitely have inspired me to go take a look at this boat--an oil analysis would tell a lot.

Matt

 

[jssailem]

Matt. When I saw “4800” hours on a 23 year old boat I thought the owner used the boat moderately. 208 hours on a boat per year is not day sailing in the Puget Sound. It is like running from Gig Harbor to the San Juan’s or perhaps the Gulf Islands in Canada a couple times a year. Maybe a trip to Desolation sound during summer months. As was stated the engine is past its teen years and just hitting its stride. Get oil samples after the engine has bee run, and have them analyzed. They will tell you if there is wear on the internal engine parts. Check the engine exhaust. Run the engine. You can get a sense if the has been cared for and still has life left.

if the boat is sound, meets your desires and pocketbook, then it is worth checking out.

 

[JRT]

I'd want to know if the transmission is original and if the damperplate has been replaced to be honest. That is probably the most posted weak points in the 310. Those get some posts over the years, but I think there are just as many, like me, with zero issues. For me I do not slam my transmission hard and fast between forward and reverse, plan ahead and you won't have to be hard on the 310.

There are 3 310 in my marine and a 320, no transmission issues and no engine issues. Leaks from original coolant hoses is also a big one, but should be considered preventative maintenance, not emergency on the water. If the hoses are painted silver, they have not been replaced.