Joe Shleb
New Member
- Dec 22, 2020
- 9
- Boat Info
- Currently Boatless - seriously looking
- Engines
- Boatless
Hello - new to the forum.
I've been getting more and more interested in Sea Rays over the past year, and currently have my eye on a well equipped 450 Sundancer, w/twin cats. I have experience with both power and sailboats, including a 42' Uniflite twin diesel. This will be my retirement travel/adventure boat and part time residence. So, I thought I would solicit comments from current Sea Ray owners, regarding your opinions on the suitability of a 450 Sundancer (or similar size Sea Ray), as a long distance voyager that can adequately meet the changeless of:
1. Open water sea conditions (sea kindliness or lack thereof).
2. Long-term, comfortable livability
3. Vessel and systems reliability - in general - assuming that scheduled maintenance and periodic inspections are performed.
4. Does it make sense to run a 450 Sundancer on long trips (1,500-3000 miles+- port hopping), as opposed to a purpose-built trawler - all else being equal - except fuel burn and associated operating expenses.
There would undoubtedly be times when I would definitely want to utilize the available power and get up and boogie, however, I also expect that much of the hours of operation will be at slower speeds, in the 9-11.5 knot range. Should I be looking at a different boat type? Or would a Sundancer meet my long distance/long-term travel needs, without sacrificing comfort and safety? Mainly, I'm wondering if there are any stand-out reasons why I shouldn't be considering the 450 or similar type boat, for the intended use I have explained above.
Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.
I've been getting more and more interested in Sea Rays over the past year, and currently have my eye on a well equipped 450 Sundancer, w/twin cats. I have experience with both power and sailboats, including a 42' Uniflite twin diesel. This will be my retirement travel/adventure boat and part time residence. So, I thought I would solicit comments from current Sea Ray owners, regarding your opinions on the suitability of a 450 Sundancer (or similar size Sea Ray), as a long distance voyager that can adequately meet the changeless of:
1. Open water sea conditions (sea kindliness or lack thereof).
2. Long-term, comfortable livability
3. Vessel and systems reliability - in general - assuming that scheduled maintenance and periodic inspections are performed.
4. Does it make sense to run a 450 Sundancer on long trips (1,500-3000 miles+- port hopping), as opposed to a purpose-built trawler - all else being equal - except fuel burn and associated operating expenses.
There would undoubtedly be times when I would definitely want to utilize the available power and get up and boogie, however, I also expect that much of the hours of operation will be at slower speeds, in the 9-11.5 knot range. Should I be looking at a different boat type? Or would a Sundancer meet my long distance/long-term travel needs, without sacrificing comfort and safety? Mainly, I'm wondering if there are any stand-out reasons why I shouldn't be considering the 450 or similar type boat, for the intended use I have explained above.
Thank you in advance for your comments and suggestions.
Last edited: