360 Dancer...anyone with any observations / exp.?

[Aerobaticflyer]

Looking at some examples of this model that's not currently produced. I like a lot of what I see on the boat but was wondering if any of you have any experiences with the model.

Especially interested in how well the 8.1's perform (range, power, efficiency) as most I see are gas not diesel. Also any peculiarities to the model I should be wary of?

It appears to have the beam width of a 380.

Thanks in advance.

 

[fwebster]

Great boats..........Sea Ray has figured out the mid sized Sundancer. We've had 2 diesel 360's here that have been problem children, but others in other places seem to be ok.

The one caution I'll give you is to consider your planned storage means careefully. This boat is too big to effectively store in a dry stack and handle with a forklif, unless the faqcility is designed for this size boat. Everyone in our area has to wet slip them. If you are going to have to handle the overhead of a wet slipped boat, then I would also look at the 380 and 420 a year or so older. They are a lot more boat for about the same capital outlay and same overhead expense.

 

[Bottom Line]

I really like the 360DA. I think would be the widest beam, I could probably fit in my slip...14'wide....and that is probably what attracts me to that size. I have driven a 360....the 8.1's, I thought, provided great power. Look in the Sport Yacht section...there is several 360DA owners making posts. Good luck with the hunt.

 

[my3sons]

I have little experience but a few observations. The 8.1's perform very well in this boat. the 21 degree deadrise is like the steepest in the sundancer series and gives it a great ride in the slop. the boat is comfortable and stable underway. It's a lot more than a 340 and somewhat less than a 380. It is 6" narrower than a 380 but the cabin in a 380 seems more than 6" wider than a 360. We liked both 380 and 360 when shopping, but realize the differences and would buy the first nice one to come along at our price. The 360 got the nod

 

[my3sons]

sorry, I got pulled away. Anyways... for what it is, it seems like a fine boat, you just have to feel them out and see what is the best fit for you. Starting tomorrow, We're cruising ours from connecticut to lake Erie. Then I'll have a little more experience with it, I'll let you know.

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I have driven a 340 and loved the power of the 8.1's and assume (dangerous thing to do) a 380 on the same engines would be under-powered (not H.O.'s). A 360 would, I think, be reasonably powered but I'll need to drive one. With 250 gallons of fuel I would hope a 175 mile range would be reasonable.

 

[Two Peas]

We moved up from a 280DA to the 360DA this month. We take delivery next week (hopefully), and are looking forward to the big increase in cockpit room, cabin room, helm functionality, and the increase in stability and range. With the V-drives and big props, I expect to see significant improvement on handling around the dock compared to the A-1s on the 280 (even though handling was nice with 2 screws on the 280).

We decided to spend more for the 360 than we would have on a comparably-aged 340 because of the significant increase in perceived size in the cabin and cockpit. The solid door on the front stateroom and the shower enclosure are big deals (even though the berth on the 340 seems a bit longer than on the 360).

Everyone with a 360 seems to report that with the 21 degree deadrise angle that the ride in chop and slop is very stable and smooth, and that the vessel has plenty of punch out of the hole.

I'm excited to find out myself over the summer...

3sons - how long will it take you to cruise home? We're debating cruising vs. transporting from Sarnia back to the Buffalo area...

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

We moved up from a 280DA to the 360DA this month. We take delivery next week (hopefully), and are looking forward to the big increase in cockpit room, cabin room, helm functionality, and the increase in stability and range. With the V-drives and big props, I expect to see significant improvement on handling around the dock compared to the A-1s on the 280 (even though handling was nice with 2 screws on the 280).

We decided to spend more for the 360 than we would have on a comparably-aged 340 because of the significant increase in perceived size in the cabin and cockpit. The solid door on the front stateroom and the shower enclosure are big deals (even though the berth on the 340 seems a bit longer than on the 360).

Everyone with a 360 seems to report that with the 21 degree deadrise angle that the ride in chop and slop is very stable and smooth, and that the vessel has plenty of punch out of the hole.

I'm excited to find out myself over the summer...

3sons - how long will it take you to cruise home? We're debating cruising vs. transporting from Sarnia back to the Buffalo area...

Sounds like you are doing pretty much what I am considering. Please let us know how the 360 works for you when you get a little time on it. Thanks!

 

[Two Peas]

Sea trial this week. If everything is shipshape, we'll take delivery on Friday.

3sons, how is the cruise home going?