390 EC Value

[Kameroo]

Was wondering how the overall market is for the older (mid-80's) 390 ECs? Some of them are priced pretty high, but they don't seem to be moving, either. I'm sure the 454s and their thirst for fuel isn't helping them.

I have noticed that the '88s and up have the newer, brighter interiors.

We're getting ready to make the jump into a 390 EC (80's vintage), and noticed that there are a whole bunch to choose from.

 

[fwebster]

Older gas 390EC's either have been repowered or soon will need it, unless you are looking at a boat run in fresh water all its life. Part of the variability in prices is attributable to the age or absence of a repower.

You are right on fuel consumption....figure 34-38 gph at cruise and a slow boat at that....like 18-19 kts.

If I were shopping for a 390.........and they are great boats. We owned one for 10 years and would still have it if she had been diesel powered.......I would not consider any boat that was a 1988 or older. The seat based are plywood cabinets with the raw plywood edges only sealed with paint and covered with teak molding. Every older boat either has or will have to have the seats rebuilt due to rotting, which is a major project and is expensive. All the seat bases for 1989 and later boats were fiberglass modules that cannot rot.

390EC's are great roomy boats...........try to find a 1990 powered by 3208 Caterpillars and you will have a boat you will enjoy more, with a much higher resale value.

 

[daddy d]

just purchased a 1989, 390 express fresh water 720 hrs 454 ci gas in good condition with a good survey from the second owner, stored inside heated. newer raymarine & raydome C80 (4) down riggers and loads of fishing equipment, (no auto pilot), we replaced the cabin carpet, galley floor, all batteries, all of the interior and rear deck upholstrey is in execlent condition, It came with full canvas and screen zip in panels in fair condition, they will be replaced next season, bottom needs sanding and paint, minor repair to the swim platforn purchased for $32,000.00

 

[Pietro]

Older gas 390EC's either have been repowered or soon will need it, unless you are looking at a boat run in fresh water all its life. Part of the variability in prices is attributable to the age or absence of a repower.

You are right on fuel consumption....figure 34-38 gph at cruise and a slow boat at that....like 18-19 kts.

If I were shopping for a 390.........and they are great boats. We owned one for 10 years and would still have it if she had been diesel powered.......I would not consider any boat that was a 1988 or older. The seat based are plywood cabinets with the raw plywood edges only sealed with paint and covered with teak molding. Every older boat either has or will have to have the seats rebuilt due to rotting, which is a major project and is expensive. All the seat bases for 1989 and later boats were fiberglass modules that cannot rot.

390EC's are great roomy boats...........try to find a 1990 powered by 3208 Caterpillars and you will have a boat you will enjoy more, with a much higher resale value.

+1 :thumbsup: I agree with Frank on the seat bases and I would not like the older dark interior...

FYI, I cruise at 25 knots full load, consuming some 30 gph with the 3208!!!


daddy, we want pics!!! :grin:

 

[Quint4]

The current winner for posting to old threads.....although still a relevant thread!

 

[dantheman]

just purchased a 1989, 390 express fresh water 720 hrs 454 ci gas in good condition with a good survey from the second owner, stored inside heated. newer raymarine & raydome C80 (4) down riggers and loads of fishing equipment, (no auto pilot), we replaced the cabin carpet, galley floor, all batteries, all of the interior and rear deck upholstrey is in execlent condition, It came with full canvas and screen zip in panels in fair condition, they will be replaced next season, bottom needs sanding and paint, minor repair to the swim platforn purchased for $32,000.00

Sounds like you got a good deal, good upolstrey upstairs is huge, sorry to hear no auto-pilot tho, it's the last thing I would part with.. your motors probably have lots of life in them. I bought mine in 06 with about a thousand hours on them, have 1600 now and they run great, there also very good at sucking fuel, about 2 gallons per mile @18 mph, fwebster was pretty right on with the gph, wot, I can almost bury the gph gauge @28 and it goes up to 32.(that translates to 56 gph but i think there off by about 10%) the boat will almost hit 30 mph but it sounds like nascar by the time it gets there and i hate to do that. your gonna love that boat with all the room and especially the price. I've seen them from around 30k in ok shape to around 65k. :thumbsup: oh, by the way, if i stay under 9 or 10 mph, I'll get about a mile per gallon on a good day with a following sea..