Comparing 06' 380 Sundancer to 05' 390 Sundancer

Outlaw Dave

Member
Apr 30, 2018
51
SoCal - Long Beach
Boat Info
2007 38 Sundancer
Engines
8.1's
Hello all,

I am looking at each of these boats and looking for differences and comparing which would be the best choice/value, they are very close... I am aware of the beam/length/capacities differences as well as pricing differences (in most cases).

Looking for owner in-site... looking to make a purchase later in the year...
 
Can't see where you are located, makes a response a little harder - long distance, the 380 is probably the biggest boat you want with gas motors, the 390/400 has a full hardtop instead of the "half" one on the 380 - likewise, cockpit air is available on the 390/400 too - if your going to carry a dinghy, the 390/400 has a bigger platform and, more importantly, some come with lifts. So, longer range cruising in the ocean on a year round basis in a warmer climate, go with a Diesel 390/400 - If your in a lake or just sticking to coastal cruising, consider the 380.
 
Ive found that the 390 has handled rough water considerably better. Just depends on what and where you are using it. Ive seen a lot of 390s on lakes and I think that it is a much nicer looking boat than the 380 but its personal preference. More room everywhere with the 390 but the 380 will help you out just a bit more in gas.
 
I have the 2006 38 and haven't been on a 2005 390 to specifically compare. Suffice to say the 390 is going to be bigger everywhere. The 38 also has a 21 degree deadrise compared to the earlier 380 and 390 which have 19 degrees IIRC.

From the boat test reports I compared the 2006 38 to the 2006 40 (aka 2005 390) and from memory the fuel consumption was slightly better at cruise on the 38 despite the 21 degree deadrise - but nothing to lose sleep over.

Centre transom door on the 38 is one of its ideosyncrycies - you'll either love it or hate it. I love it, not because of it being in the centre, but it allows the admiral and I to sit on each side of the boat and look back at the water view. The 390 has a hardtop that extends back further, but that was a moot point for us as we had an extensive bimini fitted which provides more extensive cover than the 390 offers anyway. The the slant back covers generally compromise Searay boats in the cockpit area with the curtains dropped down. A custom bimini in our 38 opened this area up to a more usable space.

Length of the 390 seems to be most obvious in the galley and would also have more room to move around in the bilge for maintenance. Although I am over 6 foot and 125 kg's and I seem to get to most places in the 38, although I ususally end up being a blood donor.

I like the syling of the 2006 38 with the more modern looking triple windows in the galley and salon area which also provides much more internal light and views of the water.
 
Thank you all very much for your insights...lots of points for me to consider.

The length of the hard top for me is not a factor as I will also be extending the existing bimini quite a bit. The boat I just sold (330 Chaparral Signature) had a center transom door so that doesn't bother me a bit either... I do like the extra beam and subsequent room on the 390 but need to weight the cost benefit of that...

Jaggernaut1, do you have more pics of your extended bimini you can share?
 

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