2002 Sundancer 300 versus 2005 Sundancer 300 - what should I buy????

[Aaronpav2001]

All,
I am in the process of buying a boat and I am torn between buying a 2002 Sundancer 300 or a 2005 300. Both lift kept relatively low hour boats. The 2002 shows a little more wear of course where the 05 is prestine. I am looking at a 12k difference in price. Is three years worth the 12k in terms of resale? Is there any difference in the style for those years? I spoke with a sea ray dealer on Saturday and he said go with the 02 because it was a much more desired boat and there was no difference except a fixed table in the cabin of the 05, which nobody likes. I think he is mistaken btw. I quickly realized he was offereing an 02 for purchase. Haha

Lastly this isn't my first boat and I realize I may be asking a silly question, but is there anything wrong with buying a boat site un seen and having a surveyor conduct the survey and sea trial for me? I am very familiar with the boat, but the two I am looking at are rather far away. Thanks all! And thanks for welcoming me to the forum.

 

[JC3]

Aaron, Welcome to the CSR. No silly questions for people trying to learn. When I came on this board Many, many years ago if it were not for some of the nicest
and most caring people I would have been lost! Some of the really experienced people I am sure will chime in. I have No EXPERIENCE with the models you are referencing
but I do know enough for me personally 1. I WOULD NEVER BUY A BOAT WITH OUT SEEING IT. 2. Go to the Sea Ray web site (archives) and compare models yourself.
Then google them (images) and look both models over very carefully. 3. Write down specs of both models, likes and dislikes after looking at MANY pictures and
4. Search this forum for post of both models. If you find a poster that seems very knowledgeable that owns the models in question PM them. Others much better than me will be along to help. Good luck, JC

 

[Ididntdoit]

Same boat.......I own an '05 - Early '02s had hatches instead of fixed ports for the small secondary overhead locations......the power packages evolved too....went from efi to mpi and generators changed from westerbeke to kohler......The "fixed table below" was an alternate cabin layout - it was like a "booth" and it lowered to make a dinette - Most '02-'07 300da's have the same removable table/pull out couch combo - interiors were more updated in an '05 compared to an '02 (wood cabin table, smooth instead of "gathered" ultraleather, neutral fabrics) - Bravo 3 drives were improved in '04. - I would compare power packages and drives as well as their hours and service histories in making the decision in which boat is the better value....12k on a 40-50k boat is a lot of money.......any more questions ask away.......I've owned mine for 10 years

 

[Stee6043]

One mans pristine is another mans barely sellable. No way would I spend this kind of coin site unseen. A dinghy - maybe.

I think you need to list a lot more details to get good feedback. Hours, propulsion, condition, options, etc....

 

[Brite Idea]

I wouldn't get so hung up on the 12k but as others have said compare the boats line by line. Both boats are over ten years old so they could equally share in levels of wear and need for maintenance. That being said I like the newer boat with it's MPI vs. EFI and also the updated Bravo III drive. How many hours on each? Have the manifolds and risers been changed? If so how long ago? You said you could see the difference in age by the amount of wear? Does that mean sun damage or lack of upkeep? I bought a boat without physically seeing it but I did have it looked at by my father before I bought it. The boat was in Florida and I live in NY. I will also add that if you're going for a boat of that age stick to freshwater boats if possible. Last have it surveyed of course but be sure to make sure they do the mechanical's. When I had my boat surveyed I received a nice ten page survey with pictures including him taking the boat for a ride but the page that listed the engines listed the specs and said they ran well. Good luck with your purchase. I think that is a great boat!
Rob

 

[Aaronpav2001]

Re: 2002 Sundancer 300 versus 2005 Sundancer 300 - what should I buy???? NOT the 2005

All,
First off thank you. I will be having a survey done. In my opinion and I am pretty anal (ok Im extremely anal, but both boats show very well in the pics). The 02 has 500 engine hours and 135 on the generator. The 05 had 378 engine hours and 300 generator hours. The one thing I don't love about the 02 is that the drives were painted, but the boat will be kept in fresh water so nobody will know, but me.

The broker for 05 just made my decision very easy for me as like every other conversation I've had he's talked down to me. Not to mention he tried to sell the boat to a higher bidder when we had a written contract not to mention cursing me out (for the second time). I am "a twisted individual for asking to many questions and appearing to waiver"

I am going to proceed with the survey on the 2002. The boat is very reasonably priced. Actually negotiated down to 32K, which I think is a great price so as long as we don't run into any major issues I will have myself a nice boat to enjoy for a couple of years.

 

[suss1173]

As others have stated, I wouldn't buy sight unseen. I would use the survey as a guide as to the overall condition and to help me decide if I want to invest getting on the airplane to finalize the deal.

I'd feel much better with detailed maintenance history and I'd put a premium on that history too. That's my .02.