WTB Sea Ray 370DB Sedan Bridge

One with Cummins engines and the lower helm. Found one with Cummins, but no lower helm, and a few with lower helm, but gas engines. Now the question--to convert gas to Diesel is very costly, but how about adding a lower helm to a 370DB that already has the Cummins engines in it?

What's the appeal of the lower helm? If it's accessibility, maybe a 400DB would suit your needs better? If it's comfort, it would be easier to air-condition the bridge than it would be to add a helm.

I agree, you can find a 400 Sedan the way you want it for less than you would invest in a 370 upgrade.

Ok, since you asked, here goes. Boat has varied uses. Sight Seeing, 4th of July fireworks up the river, Blue Angles air show, 24 miles to the pass to get into the Gulf to fish, than out 24 miles and back and forth to fishing holes, all kinds of weather. Family group up to 20 with 9 great-grand children here in the Compound. Of course not all go at same time but--
Want to run in A/C environment and sometimes down in the Salon where the family is hanging out and playing cards etc as we run a couple hours to get to fishing. The fly bridge is great for viewing events as described, as well as navigation/piloting advantage, A/C not a requirement for bridge, but is for the rest of the boat. The Bayliner 3788 meets requirements but cockpit area is small for fishing.
Looked at a Sea Ray 370DB today but gas engines and no lower helm. It was close by and first chance to get an idea of what the boat is as far as configuration, under deck accessibility, stability at the dock. I forgot to add, budget 65k.
Missed one at 29900 earlier this month with the Cummins, but no lower helm. But since it was an option, at that price I could have added one. There is one with Cummins in MD for 55K but no lower helm and cost 10k to get it home. If I could find one somewhere around the Gulf Coasts that would help. Thanks for your input. Will check out the 400.

Adding a lower helm is no quick and easy job. Remember these boats are built around all of their components, meaning there are no "kits" to add items such as a lower helm.

Now if you want, you could buy the materials (steering, throttles, gear shift, gauges, etc) and have someone craft a lower helm, once they get done cutting up your interior. Then you will have a makeshift arrangement that will look just that.

CaptRonn said:

Adding a lower helm is no quick and easy job. Remember these boats are built around all of their components, meaning there are no "kits" to add items such as a lower helm.

Now if you want, you could buy the materials (steering, throttles, gear shift, gauges, etc) and have someone craft a lower helm, once they get done cutting up your interior. Then you will have a makeshift arrangement that will look just that.

Click to expand...

Thought maybe it wouldn't be so difficult since it was an option, but your observation is probably correct in that the interior construction is quite different.
Since the 400 has been suggested did it come with a lower helm?? I'll have to see what I can find.
Just found in a book that the 310 Sport Bridge had lower helm and Cummins as option. Anyone know anything about them?
Thanks

Yes it did. It wasn't common though.

fighterpilot said:

Thought maybe it wouldn't be so difficult since it was an option, but your observation is probably correct in that the interior construction is quite different.
Since the 400 has been suggested did it come with a lower helm?? I'll have to see what I can find.
Just found in a book that the 310 Sport Bridge had lower helm and Cummins as option. Anyone know anything about them?
Thanks

Click to expand...

Very few 400 SB had the lower helm.

And a diesel 400SB is well above what you are budgeting for.

The 310 Sport Bridge is the boat I referenced you previously. I mistakenly called it an AJ because the 2 that were sold here were only used for fishing.

This boat also has an open cockpit and salon so it doesn't seem to fit your criteria.

As far as the lower station is concerned, that was a very expensive option since it requires separate several separate molds for the dash area. I never saw a lower station on a bridge boat ordered and sold on the Gulf coast. That probably means you will have to run one down here from up north or have it shipped if you can find one.

You might have better luck with a 1987-1990 43/44 Convertible.........all diesels has 3208 Caterpillars and a few had lower stations.

Very good information. Appreciate it. Got a quote to ship a 370 from Md. to Pensacola. Can leave the flybridge on, but height requires two escorts etc. 10K. Running down the coast from there and around into the Gulf, than up to PNS is about 2000 miles. Hate to start out with new, somewhat unknown boat and ought to hire a captain to go along. Fuel, Captain, food, etc.--more $$$$$. That boat is 56K to start with. The one in Biloxi was an estate sale and sold. Asking price was 29900 with Cummins engines. At that price I could have got along without the lower helm for a while. Willing to pay twice that if can find one along the gulf area with cummins and a lower helm, but that is doubtful.

I once had a Stamas 32 sport fisherman. That would be good if could find one with Cummins. Two on the market but with Yanmars. I have had two boats with Yanmars. The 4 cyl. not bad but the 6LPA had problems. Again the boat with the 4cyl. is up North. The 6cyl one is in Tx. which is doable but for the engines.

Again, thank you for your input. Most appreciated.