48 DA Owners Club

Captsteve427 said:
Thanks for the feedback guys.... although they had the smaller engine in the 2005 48Sd spec pamphlet, Sea Ray told me that none of the boats were ever built with them in it.

My search for a 48 SD continues. I'm going to look at a local 06' tomorrow, which has 1200 hours, but the owner recently had both after coolers and heat exchangers replaced!

Then there's another 06' in Florida with 1250 hours, but was in fresh water from 06 to 2015 (900hrs). It recently had the after coolers and heat exchangers serviced/cleaned and put back together without any parts required, since it was in fresh water for so long, it didn't have any issues, even with 350 hours of salt water use over 4-years.

Both boats are similar in list price, options and condition. leaving out the cost to drive the Florida boat back to NY out of the equation, I would like to know which of these boats would be more appealing to you 48 SD owners, if you were shopping?

My mindset is.... a saltwater boat, which has low hours on it, is not always the better option, than one with more hours and service records, when taking marine age into consideration.

One other thing..... how many hours is close to too many on an Onan 11.5kw diesel generator?

Steve
Click to expand...
Steve, one other thing to be aware of that I think I'm going to have to deal with. I'm not sure it's my problem but my starboard side started vibrating really bad as I was pulling into my marina the other day. I dove under the boat and everything underneath looks great so I'm narrowing it down to my torsional coupler. I hope this isn't the problem but already preparing myself for the worst. Check out the thread on the ZF286IV and Cummins 8.3 torsional coupler issues:
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/zf-transmission-failure-of-coupling-48-dancer.33004/page-3
 
jeffrey vargas said:
Steve, one other thing to be aware of that I think I'm going to have to deal with. I'm not sure it's my problem but my starboard side started vibrating really bad as I was pulling into my marina the other day. I dove under the boat and everything underneath looks great so I'm narrowing it down to my torsional coupler. I hope this isn't the problem but already preparing myself for the worst. Check out the thread on the ZF286IV and Cummins 8.3 torsional coupler issues:
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/zf-transmission-failure-of-coupling-48-dancer.33004/page-3
Click to expand...


Are you seeing fine black dust around the vents where the transmission connects to the engines? This is a tell tale sign of the "pucks" failing. The good news is it doesn't mean the deck has to be removed. I have seen these replaced with out removing the deck
 
Zach312 said:
Are you seeing fine black dust around the vents where the transmission connects to the engines? This is a tell tale sign of the "pucks" failing. The good news is it doesn't mean the deck has to be removed. I have seen these replaced with out removing the deck
Click to expand...
Zach, I've been checking for the black dust at the top and bottom of the bell housing and there's a little fine dust but not what I wold expect to see in a failure. I have to investigate more. I've seen the A Frame contraption one of the users posted to do this without removing the deck. Do you have any additional information to share on how this can be done without deck removal? At this point I'm praying for a bent shaft or something easy like that! lol...I have to get back to the boat and investigate more. Anything else I should look for that comes to mind?
 
Sorry for the BUMP..... but looking for feedback from last weeks post on this topic....

Thanks for the feedback guys.... although they had the smaller engine in the 2005 48Sd spec pamphlet, Sea Ray told me that none of the boats were ever built with them in it.

My search for a 48 SD continues. I'm going to look at a local 06' tomorrow, which has 1200 hours, but the owner recently had both after coolers and heat exchangers replaced!

Then there's another 06' in Florida with 1250 hours, but was in fresh water from 06 to 2015 (900hrs). It recently had the after coolers and heat exchangers serviced/cleaned and put back together without any parts required, since it was in fresh water for so long, it didn't have any issues, even with 350 hours of salt water use over 4-years.

Both boats are similar in list price, options and condition. leaving out the cost to drive the Florida boat back to NY out of the equation, I would like to know which of these boats would be more appealing to you 48 SD owners, if you were shopping?

My mindset is.... a saltwater boat, which has low hours on it, is not always the better option, than one with more hours and service records, when taking marine age into consideration.

One other thing..... how many hours is close to too many on an Onan 11.5kw diesel generator?

Steve
 
jeffrey vargas said:
Zach, I've been checking for the black dust at the top and bottom of the bell housing and there's a little fine dust but not what I wold expect to see in a failure. I have to investigate more. I've seen the A Frame contraption one of the users posted to do this without removing the deck. Do you have any additional information to share on how this can be done without deck removal? At this point I'm praying for a bent shaft or something easy like that! lol...I have to get back to the boat and investigate more. Anything else I should look for that comes to mind?
Click to expand...
Zach312 said:
Are you seeing fine black dust around the vents where the transmission connects to the engines? This is a tell tale sign of the "pucks" failing. The good news is it doesn't mean the deck has to be removed. I have seen these replaced with out removing the deck
Click to expand...

You don’t need to remove the deck. I did my 2008 48DA. There was room forward to jack up the engine in place and separate the transmission and move it forward to give just enough room to replace both couplings halves. I replaced the original “puck” type with a Vulcan coupling recommended by ZF.
 
Captsteve427 said:
Sorry for the BUMP..... but looking for feedback from last weeks post on this topic....

Thanks for the feedback guys.... although they had the smaller engine in the 2005 48Sd spec pamphlet, Sea Ray told me that none of the boats were ever built with them in it.

My search for a 48 SD continues. I'm going to look at a local 06' tomorrow, which has 1200 hours, but the owner recently had both after coolers and heat exchangers replaced!

Then there's another 06' in Florida with 1250 hours, but was in fresh water from 06 to 2015 (900hrs). It recently had the after coolers and heat exchangers serviced/cleaned and put back together without any parts required, since it was in fresh water for so long, it didn't have any issues, even with 350 hours of salt water use over 4-years.

Both boats are similar in list price, options and condition. leaving out the cost to drive the Florida boat back to NY out of the equation, I would like to know which of these boats would be more appealing to you 48 SD owners, if you were shopping?

My mindset is.... a saltwater boat, which has low hours on it, is not always the better option, than one with more hours and service records, when taking marine age into consideration.

One other thing..... how many hours is close to too many on an Onan 11.5kw diesel generator?

Steve
Click to expand...

Afternoon Captain Steve, Ive learned that you need to analyze each vessel differently. Ive seen low hour boats with a great maintenance schedule along with high hour boats with a similar schedule. Both are good options and lower hours will dictate a high price. I don't think there is a blanket statement. When looking for my 48Da the most important factor was the prior ownership. How was the boat used, taken care off and the maintenance schedule. Also the length of ownership. meeting the owners also gives a sense of character which translates to the care they put into the boat. Shoot for the lowest hour boat with the best maintenance schedule.
The majority of the brokers I've dealt with don't know the condition of the boat and typically tell you what you want to hear so they can get you to come down. When dealing with a boat far away I ask for more pictures or even a video. Let them work to give you a comfort factor before you spend the time and money to visit the boat.
I did look at a few boats in Florida and 3 out of the 4 were not cared for. I was patient and found a great 2007 48da in Connecticut. It was one owner that custom ordered the boat back in 2006. 40 hours per year in the Northeast is average use and she was well cared for. it didn't have the hydraulic lift but I was willing to sacrifice this for a great boat.
I see you are in NY and I would wait for north east boat with lower hours and the right maintenance schedule. They will come up as there are a lot of trades from the boat shows. I recommend you call Marine Max and have a salesman look for you. There are plenty of 48 da the never hit the market. Good ones go quickly and you need the inside information. If you are in LI call Mike Lennon at the Huntington location.
 
Having a good salesman from MarineMax searching for you is a good way to go.
I had luck doing it that way for my 410.
MarineMax has brokered, bought and sold a lot of SeaRays and good salesmen know the boats pretty well.
They have access to information about incoming inventory all over the country.
My guy was from a New Jersey location and he found me a boat that fit my needs coming in on a trade up in Westbrook Ct.
If you can find a local guy who is recommended by another satisfied customer you’re in even better shape.
 
Rocket said:
Afternoon Captain Steve, Ive learned that you need to analyze each vessel differently. Ive seen low hour boats with a great maintenance schedule along with high hour boats with a similar schedule. Both are good options and lower hours will dictate a high price. I don't think there is a blanket statement. When looking for my 48Da the most important factor was the prior ownership. How was the boat used, taken care off and the maintenance schedule. Also the length of ownership. meeting the owners also gives a sense of character which translates to the care they put into the boat. Shoot for the lowest hour boat with the best maintenance schedule.
The majority of the brokers I've dealt with don't know the condition of the boat and typically tell you what you want to hear so they can get you to come down. When dealing with a boat far away I ask for more pictures or even a video. Let them work to give you a comfort factor before you spend the time and money to visit the boat.
I did look at a few boats in Florida and 3 out of the 4 were not cared for. I was patient and found a great 2007 48da in Connecticut. It was one owner that custom ordered the boat back in 2006. 40 hours per year in the Northeast is average use and she was well cared for. it didn't have the hydraulic lift but I was willing to sacrifice this for a great boat.
I see you are in NY and I would wait for north east boat with lower hours and the right maintenance schedule. They will come up as there are a lot of trades from the boat shows. I recommend you call Marine Max and have a salesman look for you. There are plenty of 48 da the never hit the market. Good ones go quickly and you need the inside information. If you are in LI call Mike Lennon at the Huntington location.
Click to expand...
There is no one better than Mike Lennon at MarineMax. He found me a 48DA in 2017, before it came on the market.
 
Hi Guys, we are in the market for a 2005-2011 48 dancer. We are going back and forth between a shaft and a pod boat. Pod seems cool but more maintenance issues. We sea trailed a 2010 yesterday and in the bow locker we discovered about 200# of sand bags. Do these boat need ballast ? The boat had auto trim tabs so wondered why the owner though it needed more weight in the front. He did have a large dinghy but that should not have through the weight off that much ? Should we stick with a shaft boat ?

Thanks !
 
I looked at pods and decided to stay with the old school tried and true method of boat building. Our 48 Sundancer is the best handling and running Sea Ray we have ever owned. If you are considering pods for the handling you do not need them on this boat. After a short learning curve you will be able to put the boat anywhere you want it to go.
 
rwvw415 said:
I looked at pods and decided to stay with the old school tried and true method of boat building. Our 48 Sundancer is the best handling and running Sea Ray we have ever owned. If you are considering pods for the handling you do not need them on this boat. After a short learning curve you will be able to put the boat anywhere you want it to go.
Click to expand...

I would totally agree with this statement
 
As a new owner of a 48DA (and having owned many other inboard boats as well), I can attest that this boat does not need pods. Handles and rides like a dream and the minor increase in speed is not at all worth the additional maintenance and issues associated with Zeus. Buy it with shafts (like the others said!).
 
I was debating on a 2010 54' with pods and a 2008 48' with shafts. The decision was easy after doing research on the early version of the Zeus pods. The '48' is a great boat and a few $100K less.
 
I am planning on listing my 48 Sundancer at the end of the year and would like your thoughts about brokers, do they add a value to the process of if I should sell the boat myself? Would you rather deal with a broker or with the seller direct?
 
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rwvw415 said:
I am planning on putting my 48 Sundancer on the market at the end of the year and would like your thoughts about brokers, do they add a value to the process of if I should sell the boat myself? Would you rather deal with a broker or with the seller direct?
Click to expand...

I’d start with Boattrader and list it yourself for a short time to see what bites you get if you’re not interested in giving up a portion of the proceeds. That being said, for a 48’ boat, there is a lot involved from start to finish in a sale (sometimes) including survey, etc. Also, you’re dealing in real dollars on a boat this size, not someone with a stack of cash. Finally, think about it - a buyer’s broker isn’t going to bring his/her buyer to you [most likely] because there is nothing in it for them. All that being said, 48DAs sell, so you may get lucky and get a buyer with a seamless transaction! Can’t hurt to try! I’d try it....I’ve personally been lucky selling boats on my own over the years with very little issues. Heck, I hung a for sale sign on my 32’ back in the day and a lady rowed up in a kayak while I was washing her and said she’d like my boat, came back with her husband in an hour and the boat was gone in a couple of days - all cash deal, no survey! It happens! Good luck.
 
rwvw415 said:
I am planning on listing my 48 Sundancer at the end of the year and would like your thoughts about brokers, do they add a value to the process of if I should sell the boat myself? Would you rather deal with a broker or with the seller direct?
Click to expand...


480 DANCERS ARE IN DEMAND' ESPECIALLY LOW HOUR FRESH WATER BOATS. LIST ON BOAT TRADER AND BE REALISTIC ON THE PRICE. I SOLD MY 33', 36' AND 42' ALL ON CRAIGS LIST.
 
I sold my 34, 38 and 39 Sundancer on my own. I worked with the buyer on haul-out, survey and financing on them all. I sold the 39 on Boat-trader in less than 30 days. If you have a knowledgeable buyer it's not difficult. I myself would prefer to buy direct from a seller as every time I speak with a broker I feel like they're either hiding something or know nothing about the boat. I do have the market on my side in my geographic area as there aren't many Hardtop 39's in the area and finding a clean 48 took me over a year.
 
I’ve never used a broker to sell because I’ve been lucky and my boats have sold very fast.
If I felt I needed more exposure, or the boat wasn’t getting any interest, I wouldn’t have had a problem selling through a broker.
As a buyer shopping for my current boat I got to a point where I was only looking through brokers.
I started out looking at FSBO’s and Brokers listings but as time went on and my disappointment and frustration grew I became reluctant to look at FSBO boats.
I found that many private parties aren’t realistic about the condition or associated value of their boats.

A few of the things that seemed to impact their opinions about price or condition the most were:

1. An item that doesn’t function properly, or at all, never bothered them so it shouldn’t impact value.
2. A modification they made to meet their specific needs should always add value, never subtract from it.
3. They maintained it with “an open checkbook” means that anything they paid to have done was top notch.
4. It’s a boat and all boats smell like that..
5. They looked at “what they’re going for” on Yachtworld Or Boattrader but can’t differentiate between asking and selling price or see that an ad has been posted for an extremely long time.
6. They “have to get” xxxxxx because that’s what they owe the bank.

If you can be honest with yourself about your boat or willing to accept some feedback from a truly knowledgeable friend or acquaintance before listing and determining a price then start out by trying to sell it on your own.
If you find you aren’t getting much action then you can always re-evaluate and/or bring a broker in to the mix.
 
Guys, looking to step back into a Sea Ray again. Looking at a 2006 48 Sundancer down here in Miami only 650 hours on her 2 owner. What top items should I be looking at on this boat?
 
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