Official 370 Sundancer thread

Great post...

We currently have a 2001-290da and we are in the marker for a 370da, 1995 (later year 1995)-1997. Mainly for two reason on why these years models. The taller radar arch (1998 and up) will cause an issue on the lakes we slip at. We have one fixed railroad bridge, and with the taller radar arch, we would have an issue and be stuck on only half of the lakes. Also, these years currently fit our budget for a boat payment.

With this being said, we looked at the 340, but I don't like how tight the engine compartment is, it reminds me of our current engine compartment. Also, we do like it has a separate shower and state room.

Can anyone suggest anything that I should keep an eye out for on these year models that were perhaps a trouble area, or wear out?

We do know the 370da we are looking for must have a gene, as well as ac and heat. I would also like to go with closed loop cooling as well. This would make life easier when it comes to winterizing the boat. Any other options that someone might suggest that we should put on our must have list?
 
In 1995 did they offer a closed loop cooling option for the motors? I can't find it as an option on the specification sheet. Also, for those who have a 1995, how do you like the swim ladder that is on the boat? It seems like the metal handle that is always exposed up on the swim platform looks like a toe stubbing device. Also, on our 2001 with have the newer windlass, how do you like your windlass on the 1995. They seem to be a lot more bulkier and taller then what we currently have on our boat.
 

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I have never found the ladder to be a problem, in fact the design is very simple and rugged. The sectional ladders that store under the hatch can not be accessed if you have something stored on the swim platform like a dingy.

I think closed cooling could be ordered by the dealers even though it is not in the spec sheet as an option. My boat came orginally with raw water cooling but was converted to a full closed system when the engines were long blocked two years before I bought it (2002)

The Good windlass is an all rope windlass that works very well and is easy to have repaired by the manufacture if you have any problems.
 
Poormonkey, I'm not sure when some of the equipment mentioned above became standard or optional but the things that I think make a big difference would be: wood interior, central vac, big motors (380hp Horizons or at least fuel injection), Auto pilot Auto pilot Auto pilot, Radar. Most, if not all of the boats I've seen have had closed cooling systems. The only thing I was disapointed with on my boat was that the 380hp Horizons have antifreeze in the engine block and heat exchanger but the exhaust manifolds, risers, and elbows have sea water in them. Most closed systems have antifreeze in the manifolds and the sea water only hits the risers and elbows. I was told they did it that way because of the extra heat the higher hp engines make. The other thing to watch out for is the 380 Horizons had a problem with reversion which was caused by the overlap in the cam timing that destroyed hundreds of engines. Look for the updated exhaust system with the water lift muffler vs. the long horizontal type. I hope this helps, Mark
 
I agree with JL....the swim ladder mounted UNDER the platform is a plus.....and has never been a problem.

Although the Good 500 windlass lacks the ability to have any chain......it can easily be replaced with the new Good 850 windlass that is both rope & chain.


That is going to be a project for me this winter.
 
Poormonkey, I'm not sure when some of the equipment mentioned above became standard or optional but..... I hope this helps, Mark

It's amazing to have seen the wide range of equipment on these boats. I guess as the model got older and the price went up, more became standard.

On the mechanical side, definitely fuel injection (starts every time) and the water lift mufflers (the log type had some problems with water ingestion due to the timing overlap on the valve train on the bigger engines). The tan dash was an option to the end and cuts down on the glare.

Central vac, and the wood laminate inside the cabin. With the laminate watch for some "peeling". When they first came out, I understand the glue wasn't strong enough. I did see a cherry interior that was pulling up at the corners. I'm partial to the maple interior - Sea Ray Mark and I have it and I've only seen two other boats with it. After all this time, I think it still looks fresh.

There was a thread here earlier in the summer that revealed a potential problem with one of the cockpit hatches. On the starboard side, a leak under the arch seam caused the floor in the side hatch to rot out. Check all the hatches to see if they latch tight and have no water intrusion.

All in all, I would have to say this was a great design and well thought out. Oh, and one last thing - get rid of that Glomex TV antenna!

Gene
 
My Glomex never worked but I have decent cable TV at the marina so I never needed it. Only problem was it looked like crap from the sun beating it up. I bought a can of white spray paint made for vinyl and put a couple of coats on it. It looks like brand new now but it still doesn't work. Mark
 
I painted mine too. And two months later, I tossed in the trash after transferring a Shakespeare unit from my old boat.

Gene
 
There is a lifetime warranty on the glomex antenna, If you call Imtra us distributor they send you a new one.

this from there web site:
I have a Glomex marine TV antenna and amplifier system on my 34' Sea Ray. The system performs great; however, the antenna dome has become extremely dirty and black almost like it's covered in mold. What should I attempt to clean it with? I don't want to damage it or compromise it's performance. Fantastic spray cleaner or ZEP products (a bleach) appear to have no effect on cleaning it. I believe the Glomex antenna has a life time warranty stamp on it. I would ask to replace it if I cannot clean it simply because it's appearance is so bad. Thank you.


Please call us at 508-995-7000 for a Return Authorization number, then send your antenna to Returns, Imtra Corporation, 30 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745. We will evaluate your antenna and send you a new unit under Glomex's lifetime warranty if it qualifies. We have seen this type of discoloration on some antennas that were made of an older inferior material. Glomex now uses a more UV resistant material.
 
Gene,
370Sundancer.com, Yep. Today, on my way home from a business trip to St. Louis I smacked myself on the side of the head when I realized it.
 
Gene,
370Sundancer.com, Yep. Today, on my way home from a business trip to St. Louis I smacked myself on the side of the head when I realized it.

:thumbsup:

The site is now about 3/4 done with over 125 pages up for model years 95 to 99 and over 1400 photos. I am in the process now of going back through the database to get the rest up and find a better template for better navigation from one photo to the next.

I gotta admit, not bad for a $20 investment and a little time. So much easier than the hand coding I had to do in '98! A few more days and I'll be in a position to take photos from anyone who wants to put up a page on their own boat. I'm sure there's few up there now that belong to members here.

Gene
 
The transom shower on a 1996-370da. I see only one faucet knob. Is it just cold water? Or hot and cold? I couldn't figure it out by just looking at a picture. Anyone know?

Has anyone ever gotten a quote to have a gene installed on this boat if it didn't come with one originally from the factory?
 
poor...... Its a single lever Delta faucet.....both hot and cold water with a 6' hose with a shower head. It ideal for rincing off after a dip in the water.


As far as a genny install.........they will vary. A few years back I had a used ( less the 100hrs ) 5K Westerbeke installed on a 1991 310DA we had...... complete package was $5K.

It was a great addition ......
 
Poor, you can buy a replacement clear plastic handle for that faucet at Lowes or Home Depot. Take the old one with you to match up how it attaches to the stem of the faucet. Mark
 
Hello!
I am new on this site and I am very happy to be with all of you. Excuse my english because I am from Quebec, Canada.
I have a Sea Ray 37 1996.

Robert.

P.S.: Where can i find a transom door for my boat or is it possible to have the dimmension of this door?

Thank you!
 
Robert, welcome to our thread. I'm sure you'll find the people here to be friendly and helpful. What happened to your transom door? I think it would be a tough item to replace unless you make one out of 3/4" starboard or something. I think that's what Sea Ray used on the 330DA.
 

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