410 Sundancer/Express Cruiser and 400 Sundancer/Express Cruiser **Official Thread**

I suggest you do what I did. Put the replacement between the engines near the air conditioner pump. You can even put a square piece of aluminum diamond plate on top of the water heater. It makes the perfect step when stepping into the engine room and moves 50+ pounds forward and center in your stern heavy sundancer.
 
'98 400 DA Cat 3116's. Westerbeke 7.6 BTD. Does anyone know whether you can get the generator out, or even just the back end off and out, without removing the starboard engine?

I've looked at it and taken some measurements but it doesn't seem like the full generator will come out without pulling the engine, and I can't figure out how to get to all the bolts for the back end without pulling the whole genny.
 
'98 400 DA Cat 3116's. Westerbeke 7.6 BTD. Does anyone know whether you can get the generator out, or even just the back end off and out, without removing the starboard engine?

I've looked at it and taken some measurements but it doesn't seem like the full generator will come out without pulling the engine, and I can't figure out how to get to all the bolts for the back end without pulling the whole genny.
Replaced my back end with a rebuilt unit when I first bought my 400DA with 3116 Cats. Pull out the exhaust tube and you should have the room. I was able to separate it from the motor. I don't remember exactly but didn't pull my engine and I don't remember it being a hard job. Its a 2 person job! My rebuilt unit came from Broward Armature in Ft Lauderdale. Easy core return too.
 
Replaced my back end with a rebuilt unit when I first bought my 400DA with 3116 Cats. Pull out the exhaust tube and you should have the room. I was able to separate it from the motor. I don't remember exactly but didn't pull my engine and I don't remember it being a hard job. Its a 2 person job! My rebuilt unit came from Broward Armature in Ft Lauderdale. Easy core return too.

Thanks @EKM. Broward is who I am planning to use as well.

Do you remember how you got to the back side bolts? I know I have to pull the exhaust, but couldn't figure out whether I have to try to pull that vertical wooden support beam that is forward of the generator to be able to reach behind to the bolts. It doesn't look like I have any room above or forward.

From the research I've done I believe the back end is 110 lbs and I know I have to support the engine while the back end is off, because the forward mounts are on the back end. I'm a little reluctant to just start taking everything apart without knowing that I can ultimately get it out.
 
'98 400 DA Cat 3116's. Westerbeke 7.6 BTD. Does anyone know whether you can get the generator out, or even just the back end off and out, without removing the starboard engine?

I've looked at it and taken some measurements but it doesn't seem like the full generator will come out without pulling the engine, and I can't figure out how to get to all the bolts for the back end without pulling the whole genny.
They replaced mine (400DA with 3116's) without pulling the engine. No doubt the engine's exhaust, water tube to gear cooler, floor support beam and other small items need to be pulled out of the way.
 
Thanks @EKM. Broward is who I am planning to use as well.

Do you remember how you got to the back side bolts? I know I have to pull the exhaust, but couldn't figure out whether I have to try to pull that vertical wooden support beam that is forward of the generator to be able to reach behind to the bolts. It doesn't look like I have any room above or forward.

From the research I've done I believe the back end is 110 lbs and I know I have to support the engine while the back end is off, because the forward mounts are on the back end. I'm a little reluctant to just start taking everything apart without knowing that I can ultimately get it out.

Rip into it...you will figure it out. I put a block under the motor to support it. I might have had to use a stubby wrench to get access in the back bolts. The hardest part is moving the 110# weight! Find strong help. You should get some plywood to put down on the top of the fiberglass and std motor so you have a place to rest the gen end before you put it in. Remove the std seat assembly. Sorry I don't recall the exact steps but it was probably a 6 hr project. I replaced one on a 460DA and that was a 2 hour change out....did it for a friend.
 
This is a silly question....but how often do you guys use your wipers? In 5 years of owning a Sea Ray the only times my wipers have been activated is when I accidentally hit the switches. No joke :)

When I bought my last boat I noticed the wipers weren't there. The arms, motors, etc were all missing. I asked the guy where they went? He said he never used them and the boat looked better with them off, so off they came! Definitely didn't expect that one.
 
Hello, We recently purchased a 2000 410 Dancer fitted with 3116's showing 950 hrs. Maiden voyage was 225 miles in Lake Michigan and the boat ran and handled beautifully. According to the factory tach's she was running steady at 2400 making 22kt's with full fuel and 1/2 water. I started will full tanks and stopped for fuel 169 miles into the trip just to be safe as the port fuel gauge was reading 1/4 and the starboard was reading just under 1/2. I took on 170 gallons of fuel load with both tanks being within 6 gallons of one another and I was running the genset the entire trip. From what I've read that seams about in line for this boat and engine package and I'm extremely pleased. We moved up from a pristine lift kept 2006 Formula 370ss which we loved but were sick of using that boat on our busy lake. I was constantly pulling the boat and trailering from our lake to Lake Michigan to avoid the crowds and find water we wanted to spend time on. Now we keep the 410 a 1 hour drive from our house so it feels like we are getting away when we are there and are loving slip life again. On a side note we are the fence about changing or keeping the name. Its definitely a conversation piece at the marina, lol.
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Awesome boat! I had a name we didnt like and changed to something that meant something to us. Worth a couple bottles of good champagne and a party!
 
Come on guys...this name is FAR better than the guy earlier in the year that intentionally picked Wet Dreams for his 40'+ Sea Ray. I'd take Big Pig over Wet Dreams any day, twice on Sundays. :)
 
Congrats, Nice boat. But that's not a good name for a diesel 400/410. Maybe Prius or something ...That name needs to go on a gasser 400/410 :D:D:D. Figured what the heck it's Friday the 13th, might as well stir the pot.;););)
 
Hello, We recently purchased a 2000 410 Dancer fitted with 3116's..... On a side note we are the fence about changing or keeping the name. Its definitely a conversation piece at the marina, lol.

I'd change the name without hesitation if it doesn't have any meaning for you. Simply have a denaming/renaming ceremony....congrats
 
Nice ride!! I’m in the process of picking up a 2002 410 EC, actually having the survey tomorrow. My maiden voyage will be bout 158 miles, will be running on 8.1 Mercruisers.. love the boat, best of luck!!!
 
Congrats, Nice boat. But that's not a good name for a diesel 400/410. Maybe Prius or something ...That name needs to go on a gasser 400/410 :D:D:D. Figured what the heck it's Friday the 13th, might as well stir the pot.;););)

Bazinga!

In literal terms here I think you're spot on. The gasser is the pig to the diesel that is the hog. Technically speaking you have to achieve a certain weight before transitioning from pig to hog. I'll happily keep my svelte 7.4s in the lower weight class. You can have your extra 1,000lbs of ballast :):) ha....
 

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