380 Sundancer

[Bryank]

My quest for a 410 is becoming rather frustrating and I am considering expanding our search downward to a 380 Sundancer (MY 2000 - 2003). Looking at the boat on paper, it looks very similar to a 410, only smaller and without the truly private second stateroom/head. I am coming out of a 34' Formula (similar in layout to 340 Sundancer). What are your thoughts on the 380? It looks like it will offer a lot more space with the added benefit of v-drives, but do those of you who own a 380 feel that this is enough of a jump in space?

Thanks!

 

[RollerCoastr]

The 380DA cockpit feels considerably smaller than that of the 410DA, but there's less difference below, esp w/o guests. The absense of the aft head helps make up for the reduced beam. (the reduced length isn't very noticeable, IMO)

I'm confused by your comment about v-drives though... 340DA's, 380DA's and 410DA's all have v-drives.

 

[Bryank]

Thanks... My comments about v-drives was in reference to my current boat. My Formula has I/Os.

 

[RollerCoastr]

ah, ok. I'll keep a look-out for 410's and 380's for you too. Would you consider 410EC's and Formula 41PC's as well?

 

[Bryank]

Probably not... my wife doesn't like the EC set-up and the 41PC styling is a bit dated.

 

[RollerCoastr]

ok. I agree on the PC. Great boats, but SeaRays are better looking.

 

[quality time]

I can't speak for a 410 as I've never been on one. It depends on your usage and how many people will be on board most of the time. We're selling ours because it's too small for our family of 4 (2 small children) to live on every weekend. I have no complaints about the exterior space but the lack of a real 2nd stateroom is the downfall for us. We've had two dancers and the layout just doesn't work for us anymore.

If I had to do it over again, I would go for a 410 just because the $$ difference isn't much and bigger is always better. They perform equally well with CAT's, I can't speak for performance difference with gas.

 

[wvsundancer]

Have you looked at the 380 that is for sale on E-bay???

 

[Bryank]

Hmm... that's concerning. I have two kids as well (10 & 12 years) and our reason for upgrading is to give them more space. Sounds like the aft cabin doesn't cut it on the 380. I am probably going to go and check one out this weekend to confirm, but I appreciate the comments.