97 400 Sundancer Waterline

[Capt Mark]

Hello fellow boaters. I'm looking at purchasing a '97 400 Sundancer and noticed that the waterline seems lower than my previous Sea Rays. As you can see from the photo there is only about 3/4" between the water level and the bottom of the exhaust ports on both sides starboard and port. Does anyone else have this condition that can comment? Also, the surveyor noticed that an area of the engine bulkhead towards the bilge has moisture.

Any comments from owners would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Steve S]

When full of fuel, my 400 sedan bridge with diesels sits lower than that. I think that is probably normal.

 

[Stee6043]

The diesels are known to sit a bit lower but that seems low even for a diesel. My 97 is a good 4" further out of the water it looks like? This is full fuel...but I do have the dainty gas engines.

 

[Carver370]

Totally normal for a diesel 400. With full fuel on my boat it sits about like that. With the dinghy on the back the exhaust outlets are half under.

 

[Stee6043]

Totally normal for a diesel 400. With full fuel on my boat it sits about like that. With the dinghy on the back the exhaust outlets are half under. View attachment 106731View attachment 106732

Well would ya look at that

I've got a diesel 400 slipped not far from me and I swear his exhaust is above water. I'll have to take a gander this weekend. Very interesting!

 

[Capt Mark]

Thanks so much for the quick replies. I love this forum. The boat was about 1/2 full of fuel with a dinghy on back and 4 guys standing in the cockpit and the bottom of the port is about 1/2 inch above salt water. I've always heard a boat will ride higher in salt water compared to fresh. Thanks again!!!

 

[Capt Mark]

When full of fuel, my 400 sedan bridge with diesels sits lower than that. I think that is probably normal.

Tha ks so much for your reply and help Steve S.

 

[Strecker25]

Interesting, we sit high but the 410 and 400 are not identical so maybe the ports are up a bit. This is full fuel but no water, the 410’s water tank is under the master berth. We have 250’ of chain in the locker as well. The water runs forward down the side decks from about the windshield on

 

[Capt Mark]

thanks. I have noticed the 410 is up higher on some others too. Anyone know if they are the same hulls?

 

[EKM]

I looked at some pics of my prior boat.....1997 400DA w 3116 and the waterline is the same as your picture.

 

[Capt Mark]

Thank you very much Ed.

 

[yobub]

'98 400 DA, diesel's, fuel tanks 3/4, fresh water, waterline is just below the exhaust.

 

[Steve S]

1999 400 DB with 7.4 Mercs

2000 400 DB with Diesels, full fuel and water.

 

[Z-Worthy]

When we sold our ‘97 400DA, a surveyor found moisture in the bulkhead forward of the engines. Buyer wanted core samples, we pulled them, came back dry, so bad reading. If you’re concerned, pull the cores.

 

[Capt Mark]

Thanks. Decided to pass on that boat.