1983 Sea Ray Sundancer 270 : Good deal?

[Airwhale]

Hey everyone,
I'm considering buying a 1983 Sea Ray sundancer 270 for $5000 for use as a live-abord. (Rents in the bay area are getting so expensive!) It currently needs a new shifter cable, and has two brand new engines (although one needs to be dropped in still), a tile floor, new transom seals and zincs, and everything looks to be in working order. I'm worried about the comfort of being in the boat... I have allergies, so the carpeted ceiling and walls worries me a bit. I am also worried about the comfort of sleeping on in the cushions that come with the boat, although I am told that the Froli system or just cutting some memory foam mattress toppers helps.
Anyway, any thoughts? Is this a good deal? Has anyone tried to de-carpet these things and replace it with some type of paneling?
I'd probably want to jump on this tomorrow, so any quick comments would be very appreciated!

 

[mwph]

1. Welcome to CSR.
2. Live aboard on a 270... Sell everything you own but your clothes. Then sell 80% of those.
3. Before you worry about new engines, focus on what will be important... water systems, fridge, sump drains, pumps....
4. Allergies - the cabin of a 270 will likely become a tight, damp & odor trapping place.
5. Removing & replacing the carpeted areas - get it done before you "move in".

You asked for quick comments, so there ya go.

 

[JimG]

I would expect the new engines would be worth $5,000!
Adding memory foam definitely helps... I sleep better on the boat than at home!
Ripping the carpet off the ceiling will be a job... it's glued on so that leaves a mess. Paneling would be difficult because there's nothing to nail is to... you might be able to glue it on, but there is no (or very few) flat surfaces! I've seen some that were painted with a Rhino-Lining like product.

Good luck and welcome to CSR!

 

[Molson]

IMO, a 270 would become really small really fast as a liveaboard!