380DA vs Cruisers 3870

• Nov 18, 2017

• #1

Fly'n Family

Active Member

Sep 19, 2013

812

TX / CO

Boat Info

2008 Meridian 341
2004 Boston Whaler Sport 130 w/40 hp Merc

Engines

6.2's

Looking at the two referenced boats, both 02's. Wife loves the two private cabin and two head layout of the Cruisers. Admittedly for our situation, I do as well. Also really like the huge swim platform. Seemed the interior quality and workmanship was as at least as good on the Cruiser, maybe better than the DA.

Always been a SR guy, so I don't know much about Cruisers other than what I can find online.

Has anyone owned and operated a Cruisers? Has 496 8.1 420hp Crusaders with 350 hrs - don't know much about Crusaders, but everything I've read online seems very favorable.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

• Nov 18, 2017

• #2

Air O'Nautical

Well-Known Member

Feb 5, 2008

2,316

Port Saint Lucie Florida

Boat Info

1995 400EC. Raymarine E80, Tridata, 4kw dome, Garmin 943

Engines

2013 7.4L Mercruiser Blue water.
Hurth straight shaft 630's,
Westerbeke 7.0 BCG

Few years ago I had the pleasure of spending a full day delivering 3870.
Pretty boat. I did think it rode a bit rough in bigger waves.

 

• Nov 18, 2017

• #3

Bop

Active Member

Sep 3, 2013

300

Georgian Bay/Lake Huron

Boat Info

2001 410 Express, Highfield DL350 w/40hp Yamaha

Engines

Cat 3126

I have owned both. I think Cruisers is better quality than SR. I know I'll get blasted for that on here lol. The 3870 is a great layout. Resale the SR will be higher though.

The Crusaders are great motors as well. They have much better setup for access to the maintenance items especially water pump/impellers vs. Mercruiser.

 

• Nov 18, 2017

• #4

Fly'n Family

Active Member

Sep 19, 2013

812

TX / CO

Boat Info

2008 Meridian 341
2004 Boston Whaler Sport 130 w/40 hp Merc

Engines

6.2's

Thanks guys, I certainly appreciate your input.

For the record, it will be on a freshwater lake, so hopefully if we go through with this it's size and weight will reduce any rough rides.

It's been more than two decades since I've owned something other than a Sea Ray - kind of nervous at the thought of another brand.

 

• Nov 19, 2017

• #5

JVM225

Well-Known Member

Apr 8, 2008

6,560

New York

Boat Info

2002 410 Sundancer, Monaco Edition.

Engines

3126 Cats.

If you like the Cruisers you may want to take a look at the Regals too.
I started looking at 380’s of the same vintage as you are looking before changing the search to 410’s. When I was still in 380 mode I seriously considered the Regals too. They are nice boats.

 

• Nov 20, 2017

• #6

NotHerDecision

Well-Known Member

Jun 28, 2016

2,173

Houston, Texas

Boat Info

2001 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer
2014 Seadoo 155 LTD
2105 Seadoo 130 SE
2013 Mercury Dinghy

Engines

Cummins 6CTA 8.3L

I’m not employed by either manufacturer but my opinion is this. If you are looking for the 2 stateroom layout, you will be hard pressed to beat a 410 in express format or sundancer. These can be had with diesels for
Reasonable cost and are abundant in supply. I have to say Sea Ray and their support after the sale is fantastic. They have older parts and drawings and seem willing to help. This forum is worth 1000’s of dollars to me. Lastly the resale on Searay is proven.

Josh