1984 390 Sedan

[Nautical Dick]

We are currently looking at a 1984 Sea Ray Sedan 390. Everybody we have talked to that owns one have been very happy with them. The common complaint is that sometimes the stringers have to be replaced. Has anybody else had this problem?

 

[moparlvr4406]

there are a couple of 390 resto threads on here
search them out and read for a couple of hours
I really want a 390 but was recommended unless it is an
absolutely pristine deisel boat...walk away...it will cost a small fortune
they are a labor of a lifetime love affair.
may still get one someday....but not soon.

 

[hottoddie]

As with any used boat hiring a good surveyor is a must. Bad stringers can be determined during a survey and may be grounds for walking away. As far as the advise of only buying a pristine diesel boat I don't necessarily agree. If the boat has good running gas motors and you only run locally and limited hours (under 100) per year and it is priced right I would prefer the gas motors. Nothing is worse than having to shell out 20-30K for major diesel repairs vs 5-10k for gas.

 

[Nautical Dick]

I understand and am very familar with the cost of replacing stringers. My questioned is has anybody had any experience with the 1984 390 Sedan and have they had to replace the stringers on them.

 

[hottoddie]

The sedan and express ride on the same hull so of course the stringers would be the same. Sea Ray did not build near as many sedans as they express so you will get limited responses re: the sedans. If you read enough on this site you will learn that most of the stringer problems are under the salon floor where the water tank has started to leak, saturated the foam under the floor and then rotted the stringers. Another area that can cause a problem is the shower drain leaking and causing similar problems. The stringers can be checked during survey by lifting the hatches in the salon floor and using a moisture meter and a couple of exploratory holes if allowed by the seller.

The more history you can obtain re: the boat the better. Has the water tank been replaced, etc? Find the boat you like and have it surveyed, paying close attention the areas of concern. If in doubt move on.

 

[K-DUB]

If you are looking for a clean 1984 Sedan I have some friends selling one over here on the East side of the state. All the stringers were re-done a few years ago and they are motivated. The boat is clean.
http://www.temptationyachtsales.com...=pp279587&sm=3&is=All&cit=true&searchtype=buy

 

[kostond]

I have a 1986 390 Sport fish but from pictures I have seen they are essentially the same boat. My boat has never had issues with stringers. I was told that the side windows forward in the small stateroom and head can be troublesome when it comes to leaks. On my boat they were removed and 'glassed over.

Great boat. Comfortable ride. Keep in mind though, these boats are quite wide and the prop pockets make them a very fuel IN-efficient boat. I have Volvo-Penta diesels and I barely get 0.8 mpg. Engines run like a top too.

Hope this helps
Nick K