Looking for info on a 1998 Silverton 310 Express Cruiser

[Restless1002]

We are looking at a 1998 Silverton 310 Express and have not been able to find a lot of info regarding owners satisfaction, or disatisfaction with this cruiser. We like the 11.6 beam and general layout of the boat. Overall the hull appears to be in very good condition; but, having no experience with this specific model we would appreciate any opinions regarding handling in rough waters. Regarding stability, does anyone know the actual deadrise (info online has been conflicting)? Naturally, if purchased we would conduct a full survey and sea trial, but are looking for any information from owners, or friends of owners, regarding known issues (i.e. stringer, engine, outdrive, hull integrity) prior so we are prepared with our questions in advance.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Looking for info on a 1998 Silverton 310 Express Cruiser

Hi, restless- welcome to iboats.

Silvertons are decent boats and seaworthy enough, but aren't generally considered 'big open water' runners. A friend has a 34' flybridge convertible that he considers a fine all-weather 'bay boat'. It's certainly capable of ocean running, but it isn't an 'all conditions' battlewagon like a Bertram, Trojan, Blackfin, Hatteras, etc.

Deadrise will not be extreme, probably similar to my boat (17 deg at the transom). In general, express cruisers like mine and that Silverton, are built on planing hulls that are made to be fuel efficent and pretty fast in good to moderate sea conditions. I have no fear of getting caught in some fairly bad stuff, but wouldn't purposely take it out in that kind of weather. It isn't pleasant for me or the passengers. Would like to know more about where you do, or intend to do, your boating.

Seriously, in most cases issues with things like stringers or hull integrity depend more on how the boat was cared for, so I think the survey/sea trial will tell you what you need to know.

How is this particular boat equipped mechanically? What size and brand of motors? What make of outdrive? If it's late-90's Mercruiser or Volvo-Penta mated to a GM-based engine you should be fine. I personally would walk away from any other brand of I/O, and do the same of any brand of I/O mated to a Ford engine.

Fill in the blanks for us, Restless.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Looking for info on a 1998 Silverton 310 Express Cruiser

Look into the specific forums for Silverton owners. There is a link at the bottom of this forum for owners groups and search online and talk to other Silverton owners and get their opinions. As far as the engines, you may also find them filled with Crusader engines, which should be fine as well.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Looking for info on a 1998 Silverton 310 Express Cruiser

As far as the engines, you may also find them filled with Crusader engines, which should be fine as well.

That's possible. OP mentioned 'outdrives' in his list, so I assumed run of the mill I/O's.

 

[Restless1002]

Re: Looking for info on a 1998 Silverton 310 Express Cruiser

Thank you JoLin, glad to be part of the community. The 310 Silverton has 5.7 Merc twin I/O's, and I agree at 32' LOA and 9200 displacement, the boat was designed for fuel efficiency vs a heavier cruiser with big blocks. We cruise Lake Erie and the Niagara River, so we do need something that can handle the cop of the river and heavy boat traffic as well as feeling stable while cruising the lake. We tend to error on the side of caution regarding the weather, but the winds can kick up quickly, hense the question of deadrise. Thank you for the information, if the Silvertonn is in the 16-19 deg range, that should be good for the type of waters we navigate. I did see one spec at 12 deg, which didn't seem correct, so I thought I would see if anyone had other information. Truly appreciate the information.
Firemann, thank you for suggesting the silverton owners forum. There is a fee to join, so if we decide to move forward on this boat, we will certainly do that. I did check to see if there was any info available, but didn't see much on the 310 for public viewing.
I did find a couple camplaints regarding fuel tank errosion on the 94, 95 models. Not sure if the mfg made any changes in the tanks for later models, but couldn't find anything regarding that issue in the 98. If anyone knows of anything, please advise.