1988 390 Express

Snapon24 · Sep 16, 2018

Hi Im looking at purchasing a 1988 390 express. Twin 3208 Cats with 1600hrs. Needs work mainly cosmetic and on the interior . Right side as you walk down stairs is all rotted under guages, few more spots inside where water leaked in and stained. All around the outside the wood is gone so it would all need replacing. Are there any parts of this boat in particular that must be checked for rot or other issues? Common problems? Stringers? Fuel tanks? Any info is appreciated. Thanks

NorCal Boater · Sep 17, 2018

Yes, the boat needs a thorough, professional survey. Just based on what you told me I would pass and keep looking. The late'80s to early '90s 390 Expresses are great boats and finding one with the Cats is even better. But based on what you have described the boat appears to be neglected. It makes me wonder what else will be found and these boats were known to have some stringer issues.

Find a professional Marine Surveyor before you go any further and don't be afraid to pass. Yachtworld lists 13 currently for sale from $22K-$60K in the NE US. And I am sure there are a few on Boat Trader.

Jeepers · Sep 17, 2018

Water leakage could have been repaired a decade ago. Makes one wonder about the maintenance on the Cats.

Ken Wolkens · Sep 17, 2018

As a 390 owner I'd say pass on a boat that's rotten from the dash board down. All that water ended up in the bilge in the cabin.

Here's a couple days worth of reading for you on dealing with a rotten 390: http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/a-florida-based-1987-390-express-restoration.37697/

Snapon24 · Sep 17, 2018

My friend is the one selling it and it was uncovered and neglected for years before he got it. Runs great and hes been using it as is the past few years. Hes offering me a crazy deal on it, thats the only reason i was considering it. I can replace all the rotted plywood with the versatex pvc stuff but its what i cant see that scares me once i get into it. I dont mind a fixer upper but im not looking for full restoration.

JVM225 · Sep 17, 2018

There’s still a lot of nice 390’s out there. They were popular boats. You may want to look around a bit for a better example before jumping into:what sounds like a project boat. You may pay more up front, but save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the long run.

1988 390 Express

Snapon24

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NorCal Boater

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Jeepers

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Ken Wolkens

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Snapon24

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JVM225

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