2003 and 2004 342 Fiesta Vee: any differences?

Volkl1996

I had to walk away from a contract on a 2003 342 Fiesta Vee post survey/sea trial. I have found a 2004 that looks to be in good condition. It's a bit of a drive for me to go see the boat so I have already negotiated a price with the broker. I plan to go see it next week.

I've searched online and  can't 't find anything that list the differences between the two years. I'm assuming they're identical except for the year?

Black_Diamond

I believe in 2004 the transom was moved back, more room in the engine room!

LaRea

The hull/transom change was an 02-03 change.  I'm not aware of any changes between 03 and 04.  I've been on an 06 that, from memory, was identical to my 03 except for fabrics and electronics.

raybo3

DB is correct the 2002 and 2003 where the same. 2004 the transom was moved back and much more room in the engine compartment. Much easier to work on the motors.

Dream_Inn

Yes, 2004 is where the transom was changed.  Have buddies that one had the 03 and the other had the 04.  2004 was significantly better to work in the engine room.

Volk, is the boat in MD?  If it is in my direction (maybe at my marina - lots of Rinkers here), I'd be willing to take a peek at it for you.

Volkl1996

Dream_Inn said:

Yes, 2004 is where the transom was changed.  Have buddies that one had the 03 and the other had the 04.  2004 was significantly better to work in the engine room.

Volk, is the boat in MD?  If it is in my direction (maybe at my marina - lots of Rinkers here), I'd be willing to take a peek at it for you.

Thanks for the offer. The boat is in Virginia.

The 03 I walked away from had the moved back transom.

holscher2438

Volk- Where in VA is this Rinker?  I may be able to help out as well depending on location.

Wildboating

Interesting, this is the first I have heard of an 04 having a different transom.  My 03 certainly has a lot or room in the bay.  Maybe we can get a confirmation from Al.

Black_Diamond

The transom where the drives mount moved back a good 12-18".  I probably have <8" between the firewall and the front of the engines on my 2003.

Volkl1996

I'm reconsidering the 340. It went under contract (not with me), hull is great/sound/solid, one engine needs to be replaced, prospective buyer could not afford. Seller dropped the price to $25K as is. I'm guussing up to $10K to replace the engine with a Jasper long block. 

MDboater

What would happen if the horsepower of the new engine is higher than the one you aren't replacing?  For example, if you put in a 6.2 L motor with 320 or 350 HP?

pault1216

I am getting ready to look at a '03 342. One reason I picked it was (I thought) that it had the change in the engine bay room. Now I am a little confused if the change was made in '03 or '04?  -Paul

Liberty44140

I believe the change in engine room size is very obvious in pictures. If there is room in front of the engine for you to stand then it's extended, if you can not even get your body in front of the engine it's not extended. 

pault1216

No room....darn it! Just checked the photos.

Handymans342

Well if you get a 342 with diesels you want have to work on the motors. LOL

Volkl1996

MDboater said:

What would happen if the horsepower of the new engine is higher than the one you aren't replacing?  For example, if you put in a 6.2 L motor with 320 or 350 HP?

I'm not sure, I'd replace it with the same engine though.