390 MY or 40 MY

[Robf]

Curious if there are any 390 Motor Yacht owners on the forum and if I could get some thoughts on this boat. I have my 340 DA for sale with hopes to move up, and the 390 is on my short list. Any feedback would be appreciated. Looking specifically for handling characteristics.
Rob

 

[fwebster]

Big roomy boats, tend to roll in beam seas, with gas engines can be a challenge to handle in any wind, I wouldn't consider one without diesel engines due to handling and fuel burn.

 

[copb8tx]

My neighbor has a 390MY. What he says is:

Pros: Space, separate master, space.
Cons: Cockpit stays hot with windshield all the way to hardtop, hard to see out underway at night, swim platform is small and somewhat awkward to get to.

Would he buy it again if he knew what he knows now? Absolutely.

 

[480ces]

I’ve got one and it’s an ideal boat for us.

I agree Diesels are a must and the swim platform is small. I added an extended one from Swimplatforms.com but saw several with hydraulic platforms.

I may be biased but think the 2005 and 2006 are the best year.

It’s got the newer dash layout which is MUCH better for electronics mounting compared to 2003-2004.
2005 maintains the double couch layout below (this was an option in later years).
2005 has the 8.3 480CE’s which may smoke a little more when cold than the 5.9 425’s but power the boat better, are less expensive to repair and simpler to work on.

Things to watch in general.

The plumbing fittings used aren’t the greatest. Watch for leaks in the front bilge under the stairs (these are easily fixed). Don’t disconnect anything you don’t have to, it’ll probably leak on reassembly.
Windshield seals shrink. I have part numbers and a way to order direct from Taylor Made.
Make sure the aftercoolers have been serviced, especially if it’s a salt water boat!

I’m happy to answer any questions you have, I looked at about a half dozen of them and know them well.

I’d love to see some more owners on here and get a 390/40MY thread going!

 

[Robf]

Thank you for the responses. My concern, without having sea trialed one yet, is the view from the helm. Seems like you are driving a locomotive with the long bow and the closed in cockpit. Is there much air flow with the side windows open and rear canvas removed? Do the bow and stern thrusters help with the handling in wind? Sounds like there were many "ills" pointed out, but overall everyone still likes them regardless. Would that be a fair statement? I know my wife has fallen in love with the saloon and staterooms, but I am a little apprehensive from the operations end.
Rob

 

[480ces]

The helm seat is height adjustable, but I find even in its lowest position it’s high enough. I have no issues with visibility and love the fact you’re not split looking through the windshield or strata glass.

We've never had an airflow concern. With the side windows, vent and doors open and even two of the rear panels out there is great air flow while cruising or on anchor with a breeze. If there is zero wind and it’s too warm the cockpit AC keeps it comfortable.


With Diesels it's turning BIG props and is quite responsive around the dock. I don't have a stern thruster (it'd be nice) but haven't really found it necessary. It's without a doubt easier to dock than my previous boat (Formula 34PC w/ Bravo IIIs).

 

[alnav]

Rob, I'm a 40MY owner and also am very pleased with the boat. It's certainly not ideal for operating offshore but it doesn't look like you need to worry about that based on your location. I have the QSB 425 engines and can perform all the routine maintenance with ease.

As to visibility from the helm, you're actually several feet further up than in a similar-length Sun Dancer and almost as high as in a Sedan Bridge so sight lines should be much better than you're used to. There is a power center vent in the windshield that provides excellent air flow as well as the ability to better communicate with the bow when needed. As far as the cockpit being too hot, I would think that's only true for boats without cockpit AC. I would not consider a boat that doesn't have it. But, I haven't seen too many without it.

It's relatively minor but the only design flaw that's bothered me is the placement of the "optional" washer-dryer (most boats seem to have one) where it blocks access to the water manifold and heater. This makes it difficult to winterize or flush the heater. If you go for this boat recommend you get an accessible bypass and remote drain installed if there's not one already there.

 

[Robf]

All
Thank you for the input. I will certainly consider all comments when shopping. Now if I could just move my 340!
Rob

Rob, I'm a 40MY owner and also am very pleased with the boat. It's certainly not ideal for operating offshore but it doesn't look like you need to worry about that based on your location. I have the QSB 425 engines and can perform all the routine maintenance with ease.

As to visibility from the helm, you're actually several feet further up than in a similar-length Sun Dancer and almost as high as in a Sedan Bridge so sight lines should be much better than you're used to. There is a power center vent in the windshield that provides excellent air flow as well as the ability to better communicate with the bow when needed. As far as the cockpit being too hot, I would think that's only true for boats without cockpit AC. I would not consider a boat that doesn't have it. But, I haven't seen too many without it.

It's relatively minor but the only design flaw that's bothered me is the placement of the "optional" washer-dryer (most boats seem to have one) where it blocks access to the water manifold and heater. This makes it difficult to winterize or flush the heater. If you go for this boat recommend you get an accessible bypass and remote drain installed if there's not one already there.

 

[Rey Del Mar]

Hi all, I am looking for a 390 MY and very close to purchasing one, 2003 MY
466hp Cummings 480CE motors,
if there anything I need to know about this boat that would change my mind about buying one, I have looked at the silverton, Carver and Cruiser yacht, and hated them all, there is something about the searay ...
how does it handle in the ocean? vs a bay or a canel? is it very Aft heavy when cruising, what is your crusing speed.

 

[480ces]

We cruise 2000 RPM at 18kts, 2200 RPM at 20kts or 2400rpm at 24kts.

Be careful if you are shopping in Michigan,there are at least 2 on the market that sank!

The boats are solid, without below the waterline coring and a woodless stringer system.
Mine is a little aft heavy with the water tank full (100 gallons, right under the swimplatform) and picks up a knot or two with a touch of tabs. We also have an extended platform and tender back there though!

 

[RollerCoastr]

Be careful if you are shopping in Michigan,there are at least 2 on the market that sank!

I wondered about that! Last month I did a double-take when I saw a 390 sitting in or near a well where a 390 had gone down a few years ago. It struck me a as a strange co-incidence - and she's on the market now...

 

[alnav]

Hi all, I am looking for a 390 MY and very close to purchasing one, 2003 MY
466hp Cummings 480CE motors,
if there anything I need to know about this boat that would change my mind about buying one, I have looked at the silverton, Carver and Cruiser yacht, and hated them all, there is something about the searay ...
how does it handle in the ocean? vs a bay or a canel? is it very Aft heavy when cruising, what is your crusing speed.

I've owned Silverton and Cruisers MY's and like the Sea Ray MY much better, probably for the same reasons as you. Compared to other MYs with flying bridges, the Sea Ray will handle much better at sea but, as Frank said earlier in this thread, it will roll in a beam sea more than other Sea Ray models. It does naturally ride aft-down but not to the extent that forward visibility is impaired when trimmed out.

 

[katricol]

Warren, how do you order direct from taylor ?

 

[Robf]

Guys
Thanks for the responses. I had been distracted (lost my way!)looking at a 405 Cruisers Motor Yacht. After having an offer accepted, the boat failed the survey miserably! I now have an offer on a freshwater 2004 390 Motor Yacht and hope to go to survey next week! I will keep you all posted on the outcome!
Rob

 

[copb8tx]

What year was the Cruisers and what were the big failure points?

Oh, and we forgive you for your (almost) transgression.

 

[N3716E]

We have had ours for 2 years now and we love it so much it will be the last boat we own (and we plan to boat for many more years). I too recommend getting one with the diesels if you plan to travel at all. If your marina has floating docks you will be going up and down more stairs, but our marina has finger piers at the level of the side doors so we board at the helm level. We do not have a tender and after attaining 20 knots of speed we get better speed and fuel economy with our trim tabs all the way up (we did multiple direction runs at different rpms to determine projected speeds, fuel consumption, etc.) and don't feel as though we are "dragging" at all. It is great for entertaining as well as for two couples to be able to travel and have their own space. Also, we have a bow thruster, but this boat is so maneuverable with the diesels that I rarely use the thruster and back into my slip all of the time.

I too hope we can get a 390/40MY thread going. This forum has a wonderful wealth of information and it would be great to be able to get to those who know and love these motor yachts more directly when looking for information specific to them.

Not that I know that much about them, but please feel free to ask any questions while you are evaluating which one to consider buying and good luck.

 

[Robf]

Bart, thanks for the forgiveness! The Cruisers was a 2005 405 Motor yacht, very similar in design to the 390. The Cruisers showed elevated moisture in numerous points in the hull and topsides. The boat seemed to "wallow" while accelerating, not at all smooth and very noisy and rattles. Not at all what I would expect. There were many repair issues such as hot water tank out, lights out, dirty bilges, shower sump not working, etc. The performance and moisture were my biggest concerns.
Rob

What year was the Cruisers and what were the big failure points?

Oh, and we forgive you for your (almost) transgression.

 

[Robf]

Earl, I agree we need to start a 390/40 thread! I hope all goes well and we have the survey scheduled next weekend. The 390 we are considering has the Mercruisers, not Diesel. We boat mostly on the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers and Diesel is scarce, if not impossible to find. I am hoping with our style of boating here that the gas engines will work okay. I understand the arguments for diesel with the weight of this boat, but hopefully with the large gassers, I will be okay. Is there anything about the boat you would change if you could? I too hope to be finding my last boat!
Rob

We have had ours for 2 years now and we love it so much it will be the last boat we own (and we plan to boat for many more years). I too recommend getting one with the diesels if you plan to travel at all. If your marina has floating docks you will be going up and down more stairs, but our marina has finger piers at the level of the side doors so we board at the helm level. We do not have a tender and after attaining 20 knots of speed we get better speed and fuel economy with our trim tabs all the way up (we did multiple direction runs at different rpms to determine projected speeds, fuel consumption, etc.) and don't feel as though we are "dragging" at all. It is great for entertaining as well as for two couples to be able to travel and have their own space. Also, we have a bow thruster, but this boat is so maneuverable with the diesels that I rarely use the thruster and back into my slip all of the time.

I too hope we can get a 390/40MY thread going. This forum has a wonderful wealth of information and it would be great to be able to get to those who know and love these motor yachts more directly when looking for information specific to them.

Not that I know that much about them, but please feel free to ask any questions while you are evaluating which one to consider buying and good luck.

 

[N3716E]

My biggest fear regarding the gas engines (besides being under powered and getting poor gas mileage) was the cost and process of replacing an engine on the boat. It's not like there is easy or good access. My Cummins mechanic indicates he has never had to replace a properly taken care of 480CE and he has many that he services with over 15,000 hours on them. I don't think we will come close to that in our lifetime with our boat (it has about 550 hours on it now).

There are two things we did that we believe helped with our boating experience. First, we changed the mattress in the stateroom to an RV Queen sized Comfortaire mattress (like the Sleep Number, just a different brand). It was no big deal and the pumps and lines are all located below the bed in the rudder access area. The second thing we did was install an electrical outlet and an antenna connection in the port door post of the helm level. We spend a lot of time on the top deck and wanted to be able to have a television in that area. Bottom line, we love the boat. I am living on it this summer as a test run for retirement. We have several trips planned including going up to Mackinaw Island for week in June as well as over to Chicago to watch the America's Cup races.

Again, good luck on your search and don't hesitate asking more questions.

 

[copb8tx]

Earl, I agree we need to start a 390/40 thread! I hope all goes well and we have the survey scheduled next weekend. The 390 we are considering has the Mercruisers, not Diesel. We boat mostly on the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers and Diesel is scarce, if not impossible to find. I am hoping with our style of boating here that the gas engines will work okay. I understand the arguments for diesel with the weight of this boat, but hopefully with the large gassers, I will be okay. Is there anything about the boat you would change if you could? I too hope to be finding my last boat!
Rob

My slip neighbor has a 2003 390 with 8.1's. Certainly not a rocket but it's adequate. We've cruised many times with 12-16 on board. We're lake boaters and don't go great distances so the fuel usage isn't really that big a factor. I have heard that engine replacement on these motor yacht models is a BEAR though so make sure those engines are really checked out. If this is a rest-of-your-life boat I'd consider finding a diesel boat for that reason alone.