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

second this. Other folks around here cautioned me about our 410 with the 350hp 3126s and that it was underpowered. My boat does 6mph at idle, gets on plane effortlessly, and cruises efficiently and quietly at nearly all points in the rev range.

 

OK, one more for anyone else who might be researching. Attached is Sea Ray's detailed factory dimension diagram for the 97-00 400DA.

 

I cant remember if I posted this but new camper with new larger stainless struts, no back supports (great view out the back) is about $7k. The matching front that’s a little longer out towards the windshield (front windows are more vertical so don’t tend to leak). $5k.

All in $12k.

 

All great info. Thanks everyone. I don't put too much into what the THT group says when it comes to SeaRays. Granted, if I was shopping for a canyon fishing boat at 40' the 3116 would be too little engine but for how we use these Sea Rays its pretty much perfect. No one here is looking for a 35knt cruise to and from a 100nm trip to the canyons. Those days are over for me!

Best thing for me to do would be to walk away from the computer till February and then start the boat shopping process. Unfortunately I'm not wired that way. I have a tendency to hyperfocus and go all in. I'm sure you guys (and gals) have realized that by now. Can't help it...

 

I believe you to be 100% set on a diesel boat for your next move. But if you'd ever consider gas I have a dock neighbor with his 99 400 DA listed for sale up here in Michigan. Great running boat, 8.1 gassers. Brand new Westerbeke generator. Some decent updates here and there.

If you get REALLY desperate this winter let me know. It's inside heated...just waiting for spring sales to fire up...

 

Quote of $3500 to transport. Now that's more inline with what I was expecting. It's only a 375 mile haul.

Minor vent, texting with wife on Wednesday who said she would have her husband call with details. That was Wednesday....it's Saturday afternoon. If I was selling a boat I would have called back immediately. Still no call...

 

that seems inline with what I paid 2 years ago, about $10/mile

 

Good luck with the search.
I used a company based in Connecticut for the transport of my 400EC from Fallmouth, MA to Mystic, CT when I blew a motor near Martha's Vineyard 2 seasons ago. Pete or Cliff at Stonington Marine Transport. Cliff's number is 860-235-4186. Good people to work with.
I too removed everything from the arch (Radar, Sat Dome, antennas, etc.) but was able to leave the arch in place. I did not need to remove the props or rudders either.

 

Thanks for all the info. Things would be so much easier if it was spring, or even summer. Total PITA trying to coordinate things. Spoke to the owner today, there is a 55' boat blocking the his boat in the yard. Might not be able to sea trial till spring...or when the big boat is moved. Boat will be shrink wrapped this week and with my schedule it looks like the 3rd week in Dec is when I could go and see the boat in person.

 

I need another winter project like I need a hole in my head. Anyway, here it is.
I decided to make a jig that fit the shape of the arch. This was used to lay core material over in the correct shape.

I then glassed and gelcote the core. This will be sanded smooth, flat spots rounded Andre gelcoted

 

that’s going to be incredible. Does it replace the entire aft bimini?

Edit: in before the second post. Amazing!

 

Glass applied to core.



Part pulled off leading edge of arch attached to top not yet trimmed.



Final shape to top.



Top with external supports to stiffen it up for test fit on boat. More glass and core trim needs to be applied to the inside.



test fit on boat. It will appear thicker after inside trim/stiffening core is applied. Final edge thickness should be about 1 1/4


inside core being applied. I still have a long way to go. The outside still needs more sanding, shaping and gel cote.

 

For those of you with a camper canvas setup what do you do with the sides when not in use? Is there a good place to store them when removed? I can't imagine keeping it all up and functional during the summer months.

 

My wife has turned the aft head into a storage closet.

 

Ours roll in place, you can sort of see them here

 

Our sides flip up and snap, the remainder can be rolled up but we normally lay the panels flat on the aft berth when out for the day. It’s really nice to be able to flip up the sides easily without rolling to removing.

 

Kind of what I was thinking regarding the camper canvas setup. Do you always keep the aft portion up ro do you ever fold it forward? In summer shade is key but there are often days when it feels great to have the sun shining in, especially when running, etc.

 

All of the above. We keep all of the canvas in throughout the summer, to keep the rain, bugs, and critters out.

Our rear curtains roll up like @Strecker25. If it's warm, we will pull everything down except the top, and lay it flat up in the v berth. Use sheets between each layer of isinglass so you don't scratch the window.

If it's cooler, we may just roll up the rear and take out the front windows. Unless it's really bad out I always take the front windows out - I just want completely clear visibility.

The first couple of times it seems like a real pain, then you get use to it and it goes pretty fast.

 

Another newbie question but since SR rebadges hulls for different model years I'm curious if the 2002 380 is similar/exact hull as the 98/97 400. I am assuming its different. If so, major differences between the 2 hulls, layout, design, etc. Looks like the 380 also comes with Cat diesels as well.

Guess I am wondering if i should keep my search for a 98/99 400 or look at a 2002 380....This is what winter does to me.

 

The 97/98 400DA is 44'4" long. Based on the owner's manual, the 02 380 is 41' even, both including the swim platform. The beam on the 400 is 13' 10", and 13' even on the 380.

I posted the specs on the 400 in my post above, here's the link for the 380:
https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/owners-manuals-files/2002_380 Sundancer_380_Sundancer.pdf

You will see many of the other dimensions are different as well.