Upgrade time - 315 or 3388?

[Big_Ben]

Hello,
It hurts me but as the family grows it might be time to upgrade the 242 to a larger boat. I want to stay under 35’ LOA as that is slip length

Anyone have a 315 ? They look really nice and they get my vote but have never been on one. They seem kind of rare though

The admiral votes for 3388. Looks like a lot
of boat to me ! Plus I like to try and keep
in the 20 year or newer boat theme. Is there a model that replaced the 3388 ?

Any other suggestions ? Must be under 35’ and have 2 dedicated berths as I’m done folding down the dinette table for the kids to sleep on. The know some 28’ Bayliner’s have 2 berths but I want a little bigger (to travel further in comfort and be stable).

Thanks

[ksanders]

I always loved the 3288's my self.

Very comfortable family cruising platform.

[Jeffw]

The 3388 succeeded the 3288. Floorplan is the same, except the 3388 has a separate shower. They achieved this by moving the lower helm 8 inches to the rear. Also, the 3388 has the more modern exterior styling of the Ciera line, where the 3288 is the classic motoryacht styling. The marina where we had our 3388 slipped measured the boat at 38'1" oal. I removed the bow pulpit, then installed an anchor roller. Looked much better, but only shortened the oal to just under 36'.

The 315 is definitely smaller, gas engines only in the USA, and outdrives. After having the 3388 with diesels and shaft drives, I'll never go back. I believe the last 3388's were built in '01 or '02. The gas version of the 3388 is good too, depending on how you will use it.

[Big_Ben]

Thanks Jeff and Kevin - looks like the 3288/3388 will have to be removed of my search list for now !

[Wandering38]

Giving up so easy? After shortening the pulpit, how about cutting loose the swim platform? Should put you well within the needed length.

[Big_Ben]

Lol - Agreed with some creative planning it could work - but I also want a dingy hanging off the back and start to really
explore areas and open up boating.

I’ll have to walk around the marina and see what other guys/gals have done as I’m sure I’m not the only one trying to fit 10lbs of potatoes in a 5 lb bag !

[Jeffw]

I think most marinas give you up to 3 feet leeway, might want to check it out. There's really no comparison between the 315 and 3388, two different styles. 3388 has so much more room, and no outdrives. We had a 305 also, similar to the 315. Everybody loves riding up on the flybridge, and driving from there is a dream. I'd sure try to make something work.

[Northwester]

Yes, a 3388 is a different world than the 315. More living space, better visibility driving upstairs, less maintenance expense for the underwater gear. Much easier docking and maneuverability with inboards versus sterndrives. Engine maintenance is typically more expensive with diesels. If time is a consideration then you'll need to factor in your cruising speed will be about half as fast as you are used to, and a 315 would cruise faster. MPG for the 315 will be considerably less than a 3388.

[Northwester]

[QUOTE=Big_Ben;n676347]Hello,
It hurts me but as the family grows it might be time to upgrade the 242 to a larger boat. I want to stay under 35’ LOA as that is slip length


The admiral votes for 3388. Looks like a lot
of boat to me ! Plus I like to try and keep
in the 20 year or newer boat theme. Is there a model that replaced the 3388 ?

The 3488 replaced the 3388 in 2001. LOA grew to 35' plus dinghy if I recall.