2010-2012 48/50 sundancer questions

[Zach312]

My wife and I have been looking for our next boat for a while now. We are targeting an 08-'12 48/50 sundancer. Due to low inventory we have started to consider 2010 and newer models a bit more. We have had a few additional questions. Originally we didn't want pods but most available boats right now have them.

1. How does this boat handle with pods vs v-drives.
2. We have heard horror stories about Zeus pods. Can any one speak to reliability, known issues, maintenance of the pods on this boat?
3. Is the sliding roof vents a significant improvement over the "pop up" vent system?
4. Opinions on the electrical grill? issues? maintenance concerns? I like the idea of not having to lug around a grill but don't want a bigger headache.

Thanks

 

[stfarris61]

Just my opinion and experience - the POD topic can be polarizing
1 - the difference between handling is incomparable - at cruise, the yacht handles like a speedboat since you are steering with thrust, not rudders. Same reaction at slow speeds and around dock...unmatched maneuverability.
2 - I have experienced no significant issues, mechanical or otherwise. I did have to replace one steering pressure sensor two years ago ~$500, including service call. Annual maintenance with Pod service is a bit more, but the fuel savings offsets it - like most mechanical systems, maintain as required.
3 - No issues or complaints with sliding roofs. Only wish I had the added sunshade on the very hot/sunny days.
4 - Love, love the built in Kenyan grill. They cook fantastic, clean-up is easy and Kenyan has a second-to-none customer service department. Dock neighbor with a 2007 48 liked mine so much he bought a free-standing one and "installed" it in cockpit above his fridge.

 

[fwebster]

When there are peculiar inventory situations in the used market, there are almost always reasons. The low inventory of older 48DA's is because this is a hugely popular model with no bad habits and with great performance/economy. The fact that most of the newer ones on the market are Zeus powered models is also telling.

 

[Zach312]

When there are peculiar inventory situations in the used market, there are almost always reasons. The low inventory of older 48DA's is because this is a hugely popular model with no bad habits and with great performance/economy. The fact that most of the newer ones on the market are Zeus powered models is also telling.

Frank,

Are you suggesting to steer clear of pod drives in this model? There are 6 09 and new boats available, all with pods. I don't know how many where sold as pod boats vs v drives.

I ask on other opinions on the pods as our first choice would be v-drive.

 

[bmac]

I don't know how accurate this is, so don't shoot the messenger. I was at my local Marine Max dealer the other day looking at an L650 Fly. They had an L590 Fly on the hard and I commented that I wasn't a fan of triple engines or QSC's in a boat that big. I asked him how much the annual pod service was (now mind you, this was a salesman who is know for hyperbole, but I don't know why he'd give me a high number). He said, quote "$1500" to which I responded "That's not bad for a triple" to which he said "That's for each one".....

 

[Rocket]

I looked at a few pod boats 48da 10' and 09 when I purchased back in 2014. I was actually told by my local MMax salesman that he didn't care for the POD drive on this boat, which he had run extensively. Being that there was about a $150k difference from an 07 to 09 at that time, I opted for the conventional V drive boat. My local cummins tech also advised me to stay away from these first gen Pods.

 

[JamesT]

My wife and I have been looking for our next boat for a while now. We are targeting an 08-'12 48/50 sundancer. Due to low inventory we have started to consider 2010 and newer models a bit more. We have had a few additional questions. Originally we didn't want pods but most available boats right now have them.

1. How does this boat handle with pods vs v-drives. My 470 with PODS handles like a jetski. Truly remarkable. When I make hard turns, I can see the horizon through my sliding windows on roof! You won't get that thrill without PODs. My 48DA friend was out with me on my 470 last week and he confirmed the 470's superior maneuverability.
2. We have heard horror stories about Zeus pods. Can any one speak to reliability, known issues, maintenance of the pods on this boat? I have not had any problem with mine. I'm a 2011 at 910 hours. My PM on the pods has only been to re-seal them to prevent sea water from leaking in. About a $3,000 job each side once every 5 years or so, only to be done by Cummins. It's not the cost of the POD maintenance that concerns me, it's how close you are to Cummins because only they can do Zeus work, whereas conventional shafts, rudders, cutlass bearings, etc. can be done anywhere by anyone skilled.
3. Is the sliding roof vents a significant improvement over the "pop up" vent system? I rarely open my sliding roof windows. They don't leak, by the way. I love to see the sky in both night and day. Particularly when I'm in my cabin, looking up into the cockpit, it's beautiful to look up and see those big windows. I have shades on mine so on a hot day, the sun won't beat in on me.
4. Opinions on the electrical grill? issues? maintenance concerns? I like the idea of not having to lug around a grill but don't want a bigger headache. The grill is FREAKING awesome. I have had zero maintenance issues and use it all the time. Fish, chicken, filet mignon, burgers, dogs, you name it. My friends with a 48 DA don't have the grill and their highpoint of their season is anchoring out with us, throwing back drinks, and watching me flip burgers on that grill. The only thing you have to do is empty the grease out underneath. Five second job. I would not buy a 470/48 without the grill.

Thanks

All of the above said, there are two things about the 48 that I prefer over my 470. 1) The helm chair rotates 90 degrees in the 48. Love that! 2) The 48 has a washer/dryer combo. My friends have had their 48 for 3 years and have never used it once but I would. Just two weeks ago I lived on my 470 for a week and needed to do some shorts, shirts, etc. and had to go to a laundromat.