1993 44 Sundancer???

Pyrojodge

Pyrojodge

Well-Known Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
May 1, 2011
4,248
Lake Erie Ohio
Boat Info
1989 Sea Ray 340 DA
Engines
twin 454 Mercs
What can anyone tell me about a 1993 44 Sundancer? I was out today running around in the cart and happened upon one. It has the [FONT=Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cummins 6BTA 300hp diesels with under 330 hrs... It has a Westerbeke 8kw with 160hrs... Now the inside is rough and the outside is rough. The gel coat is in bad shape and she's very very dirty. NO nicks or dings though. There is a radar array on the arch but most if not all of the electronics are gone. As a whole the boat seemed solid. I am curious on how this jewel was left to die? What do you guys think about the info given?[/FONT] She's going to need a lot of work new canvas, upholstery, carpet, anchor, paint, and electronics. The positive is I can start new and make it how I want it! God, why do I have to be curious and explore all the dang time..:smt100.. Any way what can you tell me? I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow when I have better daylight!!!
 
Jason,

From what I understand, that model would have been built with a "cored" hull. This is usually ok as these boats were well built, but if a seal on any through hull fitting has allowed water into the core it could be big trouble. You will want the hull to be sounded by a knowledgeable professional.
 
Jimmy,

Thanks man, She's been sitting on the hard for a very very long time... I plan on a full hull and engine survey if I can't talk my self out of her. I just fell in love with the extra room and the layout. I think the fwd bunk in this boat is bigger then mine!!! I like the separate shower as well...
 
You do have the disease...
 
HUMPH said:
You do have the disease...
Click to expand...

HELP ME KEN!!!!
2rhqn1x-1.gif
 
Welcome back Jason...it has been a long...I mean a week.

You've got it bad! New job...New Boat! Giddy-up!

Mark
 
Jason, I was real hot on getting a 42/44 Dancer several years ago and almost bought a 1992 in Florida but I discovered it had a termite problem upon survey. I think they're an awesome boat but I was never a fan of having a 300hp diesel in a 44' boat. I was always looking at 1990 to 1992 because most of them had 375hp 3208 Cats but starting in 1993 up to 1995 it seems like every single one had the smaller engines. Nothing worse then having an under powered boat but I would check with others on this site to see what they think about that particular set up. I never ran one but I thought the numbers just didn't add up. Mark
 
I am the same way Jason with always looking. The 440 is a awesome boat and what I would look to move to in the future. My girlfriend keeps her eye on a friends 450 but I like the 440 cause I like the older look. It is a big job taking on a project like that and can get expensive. That is how and why I purchased my 350. Mine was only cosmetic because the boat had already been gone through with everything replaced in 05. Me personally I would want the 3208 Cat motors but I am a CAT guy anyway. Best of luck and see if you can get us some pics of this diamond in the ruff!
 
The 440DA hull is a great boat. The interior and layouts are dated and that affects value, no matter how new the upholstery is. The 300 hp 6BTA's are good engines adequate power, but these engines don't like to be overloaded. The 440DA is heavy and is no powerhouse and these engines are not high torque diesels. If a previous owner tried to run faster than 300 hp Cummins allowed at recommended cruise, you could be in for some engine work, as well as a boat that is an 18 to 20 kt cruiser.

Be careful.........canvas, vinyl, soft trim, etc are expensive and hard to do on your own without experience and training. The hull is cored, although, the 440Da was never known to be a "wet " boat, and don't even consider this without paying for a full engine survey by a Cummins servicing dealer.

Good luck with it...........
 
I know of one that is in pristine condition that can be had for a song...... PM me for details, its a pretty good friends boat.
 
fwebster said:
The 440DA hull is a great boat. The interior and layouts are dated and that affects value, no matter how new the upholstery is. The 300 hp 6BTA's are good engines adequate power, but these engines don't like to be overloaded. The 440DA is heavy and is no powerhouse and these engines are not high torque diesels. If a previous owner tried to run faster than 300 hp Cummins allowed at recommended cruise, you could be in for some engine work, as well as a boat that is an 18 to 20 kt cruiser.

Be careful.........canvas, vinyl, soft trim, etc are expensive and hard to do on your own without experience and training. The hull is cored, although, the 440Da was never known to be a "wet " boat, and don't even consider this without paying for a full engine survey by a Cummins servicing dealer.

Good luck with it...........
Click to expand...

I'm with Frank on the engines. My uncle has the 315 cummins in a 43' Carver that tips the scales at 29,000 pounds, and it runs great with those motors. It's not a speed demon, but it'll get up to 30mph, and how fast are you supposed to go in a boat that big? As long as the engines check out, I'd have no issue with running them in a 44 Ray.
 
Thanks everyone!!!! Yes, I know the interior is dated but I can make it how I want it (which I am excited about). The V-birth is Huge which has been a large reason that I haven't found any others that I like! Frank, Thanks for the info on the engines. From what I could read last night the cruise is in the 20 knot range with WOT at 24 knots. I cruise now at around 20knts so its not big deal to be slower then a new boat. The reason I like the boat is if I can get it for a basement price then build her up the way I want her then she'll be golden. I understand the costs involved in upholstery and canvas plus everything else. Luckily I have wonderful friends that I can cash in some favors with. I also have a good buddy that is a certified cummins mechanic. I think it would be a good learing experience to rebuild them top to bottom. I know they are low hours but I have a feeling that this poor girl was neglected. I would want them gone over with a fine tooth comb from a marine cummins surveyor. Like I said I'll head over in a bit and get some photos...

Ray, Thanks for the lead man... I appreciate it. I really don't want to give up Aftica (sure get her in great shape and move on) but If this pans out at an acceptable price then you gotta do what you gotta do!
 
OK, Have some more info for you guys... She's been on the hard since 2001. she's been out side since 2008. The owners had her in cold storage until 2008 when they didn't pay for storage and the marina moved her outside. She has been uncovered since. The marina worker didn't know if they wanted to sell or what was going on. 11 years out of the water I can only imagine the gremlins living on her.




RollerCoastr said:
Let's call her "Aftica I" :smt001
Click to expand...

OH YEAH!!! I am keeping the name!!!
 
I am soooo following this thread! I love those big early 90s dancers.....pics, pics.
 
The 440 is a great boat with the 375 Cats. They seem to run OK with the Cummins, but they are slower. From a boat standpoint, great....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,247
Messages
1,429,262
Members
61,128
Latest member
greenworld
Back
Top