Sea Ray 330 Sundancer (1995-99)

Built 1995–1999 by Sea Ray Boats

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About the Sea Ray 330 Sundancer (1995-99)

Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.

Illustration of a Sea Ray 330 Sundancer (1995-99) — **Illustration, not a photo of this model.** AI-generated illustration of a typical express cruiser.

Built: 1995–1999
Builder: Sea Ray Boats
Length: 35.83 ft
Beam: 11.42 ft
Draft: 2.08 ft
Displacement: 11,200 lb
Hull / keel: planing
Propulsion: inboard
Fuel: 225 gal
Water: 40 gal
Holding: 28 gal
Water heater: 6 gal · AC + engine · standard
Generator: factory option
Bow thruster: not fitted
Stern thruster: not fitted
Steering: mechanical

Tank capacities — where the figures come from

Fuel 225 gal
“Fuel Capacity 225 gal / 851.6 L” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com · “usable fuel capacity of 214 gallons” — review (1995-1999), boatreviewbank.com

Sea Ray's 1998 spec sheet (a scan posted by a dealer; its 35'10" length with pulpit matches this model) gives 225 gal; a review's 214 gal is usable fuel.
Water 40 gal
“Water Capacity 40 gal / 151.4 L” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com
Holding 28 gal
“Holding Tank 28 gal / 106 L” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com · “a 28-gallon holding tank” — search excerpt (1997), boattrader.com

From the builder's 1998 spec sheet; a 1997 listing agrees.
Water heater 6 gal · AC + engine · standard
“Pressure Water System & 6-Gallon Water Heater w/Exchanger” — builder (1998), rnr-marine.com

In the Technical section of the 1998 features and standard equipment list.

Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.

Thrusters and steering — where this comes from

Bow thruster not fitted
“Features and Standard Equipment ... 1998 330 Sundancer Options/Accessories (full lists; no thruster listed)” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com

The 1998 builder spec sheet's complete standard and option lists include no bow thruster.
Stern thruster not fitted
“Features and Standard Equipment ... Options/Accessories (full lists; no thruster listed)” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com

No stern thruster in the 1998 standard or option lists.
Steering mechanical
“Heavy-Duty Mechanical Steering / Tilt Steering” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com · “Hydraulic Steering w/Tilt Wheel (V-Drives Only)” — brochure (1998), rnr-marine.com

The 1998 builder spec lists heavy-duty mechanical steering with a tilt helm as standard (Sea Ray doesn't say whether cable or rod); hydraulic steering with a tilt wheel was a factory option on V-drive boats. Other model years weren't checked.

Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.

Sources disagree on engines[MerCruiser sterndrive].hp, hp of 7.4L sterndrive — left blank rather than guessed.

Updated 310/330 Sundancer with a redesigned 17-deg modified-V bottom. Hull length 33.5 ft; draft 2.1 ft (inboards) or 3.0 ft (I/Os). Side decks are slender. Whether this specific hull is cored was not confirmed in sources read.

Engines fitted

MerCruiser 5.7L Alpha One sterndrive — 235 hp, gas, twin standard
Listed as the standard (base) package.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com
MerCruiser 5.7L / 5.7L EFI Bravo sterndrive — 250 hp, gas, twin factory option
Bravo One or Bravo Three drives.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com
MerCruiser 7.4L Bravo sterndrive — 300 hp, gas, twin factory option
Fastest package (high-20s cruise, 35+ knots top per HMY). HMY main text rates it 330 hp; see disputed.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com · hmy.com
MerCruiser 7.4L V8 V-drive inboard — 310 hp, gas, twin factory option
The package most buyers chose (simpler, more reliable than sterndrives); mid-20s cruise. A 1995 boat for sale has twin 310 hp 7.4 V-drives.

Sources: hmy.com · walstrom.com · boatreviewbank.com
MerCruiser 5.7L V-drive inboard — gas, twin factory option
Listed by one review site; its 300 hp rating for a 5.7 could not be confirmed.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com
MerCruiser D7.3L diesel Bravo Three sterndrive — 250 hp, diesel, twin factory option
Diesel sterndrive option.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com
MerCruiser D4.2L diesel Bravo Two sterndrive — 200 hp, diesel, twin factory option
Diesel sterndrive option.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com
Volvo Penta KAD32 DP — 216 hp, diesel, twin factory option
Volvo diesel sterndrive option.

Sources: boatreviewbank.com
MerCruiser V8 sterndrive — gas factory option

Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.

Generator

factory option

“Generators - Remote Start w/Muffler, Freshwater Cooling, Fuel Filter & Seawater Strainer (options/accessories)” — builder (1998), rnr-marine.com

Option list from the 1998 builder sheet only; earlier years of this generation not checked against a builder document.

Westerbeke — 4.5 kW, gas factory option
US 120V/60 Hz; export 220V/50 Hz boats listed a 3.5 kW Westerbeke gas set.

“120V/60 Cycle 4.5 kW Westerbeke Gas” — builder (1998), rnr-marine.com
Westerbeke — 5 kW, diesel factory option
US 120V/60 Hz; export 220V/50 Hz boats listed a 4.0 kW Westerbeke diesel.

“120V/60 Cycle 5.0 kW Westerbeke Diesel” — builder (1998), rnr-marine.com

Generators are often replaced or added — check the unit's own plate before ordering parts.

Manuals and brochures online

Document Sea Ray Documents & Manuals library (spec sheets and owner's manuals searchable by model and year) — searay.com

Hosted by the builder or an owners' association; they own the copyright.

Known problems for this model

Possible wet balsa core (mid/late-90s Sea Rays) hull
Sea Ray used balsa coring in many hulls of this era and surveyors report rotted or delaminated cores, often from unsealed through-hull or accessory holes; get a moisture survey.
yachtsurvey.com · clubsearay.com

Engines & parts

MerCruiser 5.0 (305) / 5.7 (350) V8 gas parts: good

Factory standard engine — you entered “MerCruiser 5.7L Alpha One sterndrive”

GM small-block Chevrolet base engines, so internal parts are everywhere. Marine exhaust manifolds and risers for 1983–2002 small blocks are sold by many aftermarket makers (Sierra, Barr, Osco and others) through Power Boat Supply, Hardin Marine, Basic Power Industries and similar stores; Mercury sells genuine parts through dealers.

Parts sources: Power Boat Supply, Hardin Marine, Basic Power Industries

Common problems (2)

Manifold/riser failure and water in cylinders exhaust
Cast-iron manifolds and risers rust internally or their gaskets fail, letting water back into the cylinders; small amounts cause hard starting and rough running, large amounts hydrolock and wreck the engine. Service roughly every 7 years in fresh water and about 5 in salt.
powerandmotoryacht.com · forums.iboats.com · justanswer.com
Overheating from scaled manifolds cooling
Rust and scale inside the manifolds restrict cooling flow and cause overheating under load.
powerandmotoryacht.com

Maker’s service schedule (8)

Engine oil & filter change	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Most four-stroke outboards and sterndrive engines require an oil change either annually or every 100 hours of operation.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Fuel filters & water separator	100 hrs or 1 yr	“The fuel filter on your engine should be inspected or replaced per the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, usua” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Raw-water pump impeller	300 hrs or 3 yrs	“How often should my seawater pump impeller be serviced? Every 300 hours or 3 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Spark plugs inspect / replace	300 hrs or 3 yrs	“How often should spark plugs be changed? Every 300 hours or 3 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test closed (freshwater) cooling only	5 yrs	“How often should coolant be changed on engines with closed cooling? Every 5 years.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Transmission fluid change sterndrive gear lube	1 yr	“Gearcase lubricant in outboard and sterndrive lower units should also be changed annually or at the service interval spe” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Lubricate steering linkage and check power-steering fluid sterndrive	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Mercury Marine recommends lubricating the steering linkage and checking the power steering fluid level in ... MerCruiser” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Check power trim fluid level sterndrive	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Power trim and tilt fluid level should be checked annually or every 100 hours.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com

Service part numbers (6)

Oil filter	Mercury Quicksilver 35-866340Q03	“Part number: 866340Q03 ... for MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines except V6 engines with the oil filter mounted o” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com · “Includes: Oil Filter Oil Filter 866340Q03 Fuel Filter 802893Q01 ...” — dealer, midnightmarine.net
Fuel filter carbureted engines (Rochester 2-/4-barrel, MerCarb 2-barrel): filter inside carburetor fuel inlet	Mercury 53336T	“For use on MerCruiser 3.0L, 4.3L, 5.0L , 5.7L and 7.4L engines with Rochester 2- and 4-barrel and MerCarb” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Fuel filter MPI engines with Gen III cool fuel module (filter page: 2004 and newer; kit page: 2002 and newer)	Mercury Quicksilver 35-8M0093688	“Fits 2004 and newer Mercury/MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines with Gen III (3) fuel cooler” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Raw-water impeller Bravo sterndrive and inboard engines with engine-mounted sea water pump (2-piece plastic pump per Mercury)	Mercury Quicksilver 47-59362Q01 Also: Sierra 18-3087	“For MerCruiser engines with engine mounted, 2-piece, plastic sea water pumps.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com · “Water Pump Impeller 59362Q01” — dealer, midnightmarine.net
Thermostat standard cooling, 160 F	Mercury Quicksilver 807252Q5	“Thermostat 807252Q5 is for V6 and V8 MerCruiser engines ... made by General Motors (model year 1987-2016)” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
100-hour maintenance kit (oil filter, fuel filter, drive seals) MPI engines with Gen III cool fuel module (2002 and newer)	Mercury 8M0147053	“Mercury 8M0147053 MerCruiser 5.0L, 5.7L, 6.2L, 8.1L and 8.2L V8 MPI ... 100 Hour Maintenance Kit” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

MerCruiser 7.4 (454) V8 gas parts: good

Factory optional engine — you entered “MerCruiser 7.4L Bravo sterndrive”

GM big-block base; Marine Engine Depot and others sell 7.4 L engines and parts, and cast-iron riser kits run a few hundred dollars. Manifold and riser replacement is the main recurring expense.

Parts sources: Marine Engine Depot, Power Boat Supply

Common problems (2)

Manifold and riser corrosion exhaust
As with other gas marine V8s, internally rusted manifolds and risers can let water into the engine; periodic replacement is standard practice.
powerandmotoryacht.com
Rough running and won't rev under load fuel
Common troubleshooting threads trace this to fuel delivery (filters, pump, carburetor) or ignition timing problems.
justanswer.com · youtube.com

Maker’s service schedule (8)

Engine oil & filter change	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Most four-stroke outboards and sterndrive engines require an oil change either annually or every 100 hours of operation.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Fuel filters & water separator	100 hrs or 1 yr	“The fuel filter on your engine should be inspected or replaced per the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, usua” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Raw-water pump impeller	300 hrs or 3 yrs	“How often should my seawater pump impeller be serviced? Every 300 hours or 3 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Spark plugs inspect / replace	300 hrs or 3 yrs	“How often should spark plugs be changed? Every 300 hours or 3 years, whichever comes first.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test closed (freshwater) cooling only	5 yrs	“How often should coolant be changed on engines with closed cooling? Every 5 years.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Transmission fluid change sterndrive gear lube	1 yr	“Gearcase lubricant in outboard and sterndrive lower units should also be changed annually or at the service interval spe” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Lubricate steering linkage and check power-steering fluid sterndrive	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Mercury Marine recommends lubricating the steering linkage and checking the power steering fluid level in ... MerCruiser” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Check power trim fluid level sterndrive	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Power trim and tilt fluid level should be checked annually or every 100 hours.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com

Service part numbers (4)

Oil filter	Mercury Quicksilver 35-866340Q03	“Part number: 866340Q03 ... for MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines except V6 engines with the oil filter mounted o” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com · “14957 FILTER, Oil (1 required per assembly) ... 35-866340Q03 - Oil Filter” — dealer, marineengine.com
Fuel filter carbureted engines (Rochester 4-barrel): filter inside carburetor fuel inlet	Mercury 53336T	“For use on MerCruiser 3.0L, 4.3L, 5.0L , 5.7L and 7.4L engines with Rochester 2- and 4-barrel and MerCarb” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com
Raw-water impeller Bravo sterndrive / inboard with pre-2000 engine-mounted plastic sea water pump	Mercury Quicksilver 47-59362Q01 Also: Sierra 18-3087	“For MerCruiser engines with engine mounted, 2-piece, plastic sea water pumps.” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com · “Included water Pump Impeller 59362Q01 fits Pre-2000 plastic seawater sea pumps. WILL NOT work on newer (2000+)” — dealer, midnightmarine.net
Thermostat standard cooling, 160 F	Mercury Quicksilver 807252Q5	“Thermostat 807252Q5 is for V6 and V8 MerCruiser engines ... made by General Motors (model year 1987-2016)” — manufacturer, mercurymarine.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Volvo Penta KAD / KAMD / AQAD (KAD32–KAD44, KAD300) parts: limited

Factory optional engine — you entered “Volvo Penta KAD32 DP”

Turbo plus clutch-engaged supercharger (compressor) engines used with sterndrives (KAD) and inboards (KAMD). Parts come through Volvo dealers and used-parts sellers; supercharger clutch and control parts are the costly items.

Parts sources: Power Products Systems (genuine Volvo Penta parts)

Common problems (2)

Supercharger clutch and controller faults engine
The magnetic clutch that engages the compressor fails to engage or cycles, capping rpm or causing hunting; controllers have failed repeatedly, and air leaks can mimic clutch faults.
marineengine.com · forums.ybw.com · facebook.com
Compressor oil changes engine
The supercharger has its own oil that needs periodic changing, a maintenance item often missed.
youtube.com

Maker’s service schedule (19)

Engine oil & filter change KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 100 operating hours/At least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Fuel filters & water separator KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Air filter / intake silencer KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Replace crankcase-ventilation filter KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Raw-water pump impeller KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Drive belts inspect / replace KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Check exhaust system KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered) - anti-corrosion-agent coolant	200 hrs or 1 yr	“If the freshwater system is filled with an anti-corrosion agent mixture it must be changed every year.” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered) - glycol antifreeze coolant	2 yrs	“If the freshwater system is filled with an antifreeze (glycol) mixture it must be changed every other year.” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Valve clearance check / adjust KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs	“Every 200 operating hours:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Turbocharger inspection KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs	“Every 200 operating hours:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Transmission fluid change KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered) - reverse gear	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Replace propeller-shaft seal (reverse-gear installations, workshop) KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	500 hrs or 5 yrs	“Every 500 operating hours or at least every fifth year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Transmission fluid change KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered) - DP-S drive	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 100 operating hours/At least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Transmission fluid change KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered) - DP / DPX drive	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Lubricate DP drive steering bearing KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	50 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 50 operating hours/At least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Check drive CV joint and exhaust bellows; check DP steering-cap bolt torques KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	200 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 200 operating hours or at least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Replace drive universal joint and exhaust bellows (workshop) KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	2 yrs	“Every other year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Check compressor (supercharger) oil level KAD32P, KAD43P, KAMD43P (1999 instruction book 7740088; KAD44/KAMD44/KAD300 not covered)	100 hrs or 1 yr	“Every 100 operating hours/At least once a year:” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se

Service part numbers (7)

Oil filter KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300	Volvo Penta 423135	“p.91 "KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300" block: Oil filter — 423135” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Genuine Volvo Penta Oil Filter 423135 Used on Engines Including KAD42, KAD43, KAD44, KAD300” — dealer, repowermarine.com
Oil filter KAD32	Volvo Penta 3517857	“p.90 "MD31, TMD31, TAMD31, AQAD31, KAD32" block: Oil filter — 3517857” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Suitable for: … Volvo Penta KAD32P” — dealer, ab-marineservice.com
Fuel filter KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300	Volvo Penta 21624740	“p.91 "KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300" block: Fuel filter — 21624740” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Categories: … Volvo Penta KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300 … Suitable for: … Volvo Penta KAD Volvo Penta KAMD” — dealer, ab-marineservice.com
Fuel filter KAD32	Volvo Penta 21492771 Replaces 829913	“p.90 "MD31, TMD31, TAMD31, AQAD31, KAD32" block: Fuel filter — 21492771” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Geschikt voor Volvo Penta motoren:(TA)MD30,(TA)MD31,KAD32” — dealer, bakker-ijlst.nl
Raw-water impeller	Volvo Penta 21951356 Replaces 3841697, 877061	“p.91 "KAD/KAMD 42, 43, 44, 300" block: Impeller kit — 21951356” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta 21951356, 3841697, 877061 … KAD32, KAD32P … KAD44P … KAD300, KAMD300” — dealer, repowermarine.com
Thermostat	Volvo Penta 3831424	“# Volvo Penta KAD300-A … [THERMOSTAT KIT] Part Number: 3831424” — dealer, marinepartsexpress.com · “Volvo Penta Thermostat kit 31 41 42 43 44 Series - 3831424 … KAD300-A, KAD32P-A, KAD43P-A, KAD44P-A” — dealer, marinedustrie.com
Drive belt	Volvo Penta 977542	“# Volvo Penta KAD44P-A … [V-BELT] Part Number: 977542” — dealer, marinepartsexpress.com · “Replaces Volvo Penta 977542 / KAD32P, KAD42A, KAD42B, KAD42P-A, KAD43P-A, KAD44P” — dealer, repowermarine.com

From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.

Model sources (6)

hmy.com · yachtsurvey.com · clubsearay.com · boatreviewbank.com · walstrom.com · rnr-marine.com

Other Sea Ray models

Sea Ray 270 Sundancer (1994-97, 1999) 1994–1999
Sea Ray 300 Sundancer (1994-97) 1994–1997
Sea Ray 340 Sundancer (1999-2002) 1999–2002
Sea Ray 370 Sedan Bridge 1991–1997
Sea Ray 380 Sundancer (1999-2003) 1999–2003
Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge 1996–2003

Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.