Thinkin" about a Sundancer 400, Late 90's

Welcome Wild Rover.

The late 90's 400DA or the early 90's 410DA (same basic boat) are great choices. CAT diesels. Great handling characteristics, fuel economy, reliability.

With a little training from me and a Women on the Water class by MarineMax, the Admiral had no problem taking ours out completely by herself. Full disclosure, she had some prior experience on our twin engine Fountain but the 410DA was the first cruiser she ever drove.

Read up on Frank Websters post regarding the CAT 3116 & 3126's.

Read up on the posts related to Vitracore interior.
Thanks Brett, encouraging. Will look at Frank Webster's post. I also posted on boatdiesel.com which is VERY technical--but as I learn more about diesels, I find myself understanding more and more
 
Big fan of the 98-2002 SR's....especially in the length range you're looking at.

For where you're looking to boat, I would only consider a diesel driven vessel.
Agree FF--thanks
 
Just sold my 2000 400DA a couple of months ago and really miss it; not that I don't really love the boat I have now. I can say some authority that the 390 through 450 series in the 96 through 2002 years was probably the best hull Sea Ray built. The 400 if built at the Merritt Island plant was a solid FRP layup without coring and the most desirable. Very few down sides in what you are looking for (late 90's 400) especially with the Cat 3116 diesels. These boats are getting long in the tooth so expect to replace air conditioners, refrigerators, battery charger, electronics and the like but as far as engines, generators, and drive train it's as solid as they get if well maintained. Thumbs up on the 400DA
Thanks tt, very helpful--will definitely check on plant where built
 
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the models suggested above. I agree that the 450 is more room and the aft cabin is a bit more comfortable for a couple. The 410 is fine but for a long weekend guest couple the 450 offers a bit more space. I would suggest you look at the 400 and 410. The major difference is the 410 has access to the head directly from the master while the 400 you have to leave the master to get to the head. That alone steered me to the 410s.

All have CAT 3116 or 3126 engines which give a very reasonable cruise gph.

Enjoy the search!! Good Luck.
Thanks Alegria, I was wondering about the difference between the two--will check out the 410 as well
 
Also live in CT and bought a 1997 400DA last fall. Haven’t been on the water with it yet as I am having it refurbished at Norwalk Cove Marina over the winter. Has the 3116 diesels as I also enjoy trips to Montauk, Block Island and the Vineyard. Perhaps NYC too this year.

New canvas on it now, new cockpit interior, new electronics, woven PVC carpeting in the cockpit, new bow cushions that the back pops up on front. Norwalk Cove is also a licensed Caterpillar service center so they are going over the engines and generator. Boat has 500 hours on the engines. Bought it last fall in Annapolis, MD and had it trucked up.

Will be keeping it at Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook CT this year.

John

If you want to check it out anytime just let me know.
Very generous offer John--will certainly keep it in mind. Would love to know how you like it. If I find the boat of my dreams, I would probably keep it somewhere between Mystic and Niantic in eastern CT. Best of luck in your new venture!
 
OP hasn't been back. He must have been overwhelmed with the feedback :)
Who the heck is OP? Ohhh--ORIGINAL POSTER! That's ME!--Sorry, went on a weeks vacation and came back to these wonderful responses!! Thanks to all for wonderful feedback--Wild Rover
 
Wild Rover good luck on your search. I bought mine April 2016, best boat I've owned. Easiest boat to handle I've ever had. I posted and got a lot of info on the 400/410 Sundancer thread back in winter 2015. I would read through that as well. Some differences between the 400 and 410 that most never notice but made me go with the 99' 400 are the cabinets. More storage over sink and stove on 400 vs. more storage over couch on 410 (personal preference that's all). The forward head as mentioned above. Mostly it's just the wife and I so the separate door in the master took away counter space in the head which we wanted more than the door (again personal preference). This one is just me, but for some reason I didn't want the see through hole in the back of the companion seat. All boats mentioned above are great boats and in my opinion you can't go wrong with any of them. Good Luck
 

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