The long search and negotiations are over and today I joined the club as the proud owner of a 2002 410 Monaco Edition Sundancer with twin Caterpillar 3126's. Thanks to the folks here who gave me some valuable information during the process, but most of all to Frank Webster who took the time to examine a ton of pictures, go over things he saw in them, spending a lot of time with me on the phone walking me through everything, putting my mind at ease about the move to diesels, and providing me with a list of dozens of great questions to ask during the inspection, survey, and sea trial. Not only did his insight help with the initial inspection, but also with great things to ask during the survey, and lastly to negotiate after the survey. I can't thank him enough.
Here she is:
I don't think you can go wrong with either boat especially powered with diesel. The advantage to the 400 from my aspect is the cockpit floor extension aft of the transom door which makes stepping from the boat to the dock much more convenient and safer. The 410 does not have this and you have to step down to the swim platform when going out of the transom door. Regarding the port step - I find it is not an inconvenience as it really doesn't restrict egress to and from the transom door. I do, however, like the hardtop 410 as the canvas top on both the 400 and early 410's is maintenance and expensive item.
but rather just to tell you how much we enjoyed this boat. In my opinion, it is one of the greatest layouts Sea Ray has developed. We liked the 400DA as well, but after getting onto a 410, we said "wow." Just a few minor differences that really pushed us to the 410 over the 400--both in the cockpit and the cabin. That said... different strokes for different folks. I don't think you can go wrong with either boat. Good luck!
