Alone in 360 sundancer

[PMvdb395DA]

OK...here's another happy 360DA owner! Just joined the site so I could join the conversation.

I have a 2005 that I picked up in the spring of 2006. I have been very happy with it. This is my 7th boat, 4th Sea Ray. I'm a fairly experienced boater.

I've installed the Roskelley Olssen davit system and carry an AB 9.5' RIB with 15HP Yamaha. Works well, but you do feel the weight back there.

Question - has anyone installed a satellite TV receiver on their 360? I have the open array radar, so will need to get a dual mount bracket (or have one built). Also, I'm curious of any experiences people have with their SAT TV receivers? Good brands? Things to watch out for? Voices of experience?

I'm using this conversion to digital signals as the excuse I need to go ahead with the satellite route!

Thanks!

Hello Straykatts,

Welcome here at CSR!
Show some photo's from your 360.
I don't have a satellite receiver, but I know some members has.
I saw one built brackets, and there are some on the market.
Is there no place to put it on the side of the radar arch?

Here you see a dual bracket for a open array radar.

You can buy it here:

http://www.go2marine.com/category.do?no=13974

success Peter

 

[Straykatts]

Thanks for the thoughts, Peter.

Regarding mounting the sat receiver on the side of the arch, I've thought of that but ruled it out for a couple of reasons:
1.

 

[Straykatts]

Oops...hit the button too soon...

Ruled it out for a couple of reasons:
1. I would have to mount it far enough to the side that it would have to be on a pedestal itself, and the weight would require a fairly substantial, custom fabricated piece.
2. "Visual symmetry." Seems like having that globe off to the side would look funny.

I've received a quote from Scan Strut for a dual mount bracket. Then I'll need to remount my nav lights higher. Of course they sell yet another bracket for that. It's adding up to be a fair amount of cost. But I won't do it unless it is done right.

I'm kind of curious for any comments from readers with regard to the various manufacturers and models of the receivers. There are some that are rated for "open water" and some for "at anchor/dock only" for example. I certainly won't be watching any TV while underway, but if you're rocking a bit in the marina, or at anchor, do I need the "open water" model? I just don't have any experience whatsoever with these.

Regarding photos...I've finally figured out how to put a photo in my signature. If you're interested in anything specific let me know and I can see if I have something in my digital archives to send along.

 

[Bottom Line]

Hello,

Sorry for my late response.
We use the shower very much.
I am almost 6.8ft and weigh 130 kg, and it's big enough.
Everything around the acrylic doors stays perfect dry.
Also the construction is very strong and high.

Are you looking for a 360?

Peter.

Peter...thanks for the info. A couple of items we want on the next boat are a "real mattress" and a separate shower. In our 300DA...when the shower is used the entire head is wet. We have a very nice shower facility at our marina...but it would be much more convenient to use the one on the boat. We also really like out dock neighbors...and a 360DA would be about all I could get in my slip.

 

[BOZ]

For you 360DA owners....how do the showers work? The way the acrylic doors pull around...is there adequate room? Does the rest of the head stay dry?

Hi Jeff, haven't been on line lately. The shower works very well. The acrylic doors are very well constructed as Peter said. I used mine quite a bit with plenty of room. I wipe down the acrylic doors and shower curtain that goes across the head entrance and done! A lot better than drying the complete head like in my 260 sundancer. Marina showers are great if you can find nice facilities that are well maintained but in my mind nothing beats having your own ready to use shower. Hope that helps.

 

[BOZ]

Oops...hit the button too soon...

Ruled it out for a couple of reasons:
1. I would have to mount it far enough to the side that it would have to be on a pedestal itself, and the weight would require a fairly substantial, custom fabricated piece.
2. "Visual symmetry." Seems like having that globe off to the side would look funny.

I've received a quote from Scan Strut for a dual mount bracket. Then I'll need to remount my nav lights higher. Of course they sell yet another bracket for that. It's adding up to be a fair amount of cost. But I won't do it unless it is done right.

I'm kind of curious for any comments from readers with regard to the various manufacturers and models of the receivers. There are some that are rated for "open water" and some for "at anchor/dock only" for example. I certainly won't be watching any TV while underway, but if you're rocking a bit in the marina, or at anchor, do I need the "open water" model? I just don't have any experience whatsoever with these.

Regarding photos...I've finally figured out how to put a photo in my signature. If you're interested in anything specific let me know and I can see if I have something in my digital archives to send along.

I'd like to welcome you to CSR too. Great taste in a boat! I have not installed satellite TV on mine. As you could probably tell from the forum I am in the process of installing radar and some other "minor" items on my 360.

I would be interested in seeing any more detailed pictures of your open array radar installation on your radar arch if you have them.

Matt

 

[PMvdb395DA]

Look at this post.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showpost.php?p=29353&postcount=9

I didn't see Sheffield here lately, but you can see how the bracket looks on a 360.

Peter

 

[Bottom Line]

Hi Jeff, haven't been on line lately. The shower works very well. The acrylic doors are very well constructed as Peter said. I used mine quite a bit with plenty of room. I wipe down the acrylic doors and shower curtain that goes across the head entrance and done! A lot better than drying the complete head like in my 260 sundancer. Marina showers are great if you can find nice facilities that are well maintained but in my mind nothing beats having your own ready to use shower. Hope that helps.

Matt...thanks for the info. Our marina has nice shower facilities...but it gets to be a pain to carry all of your "stuff" to the showers...and then at times, have to wait for one to open up.

Did you get your DTS issued resolved?

 

[BOZ]

Jeff,

Spoke to MM about the recall notice and they verified with Mercruiser that my boat does not fall in the dates for the recall. They need to hook up an analyzer to the smartcraft system to see what is going on so I will have to wait tilll spring. MM feels confident that if it is the same problem as the recall notice that mercruiser will cover it. If it is a sensor or something else it goes out of my pocket and into "my money pit" :smt009.

 

[Straykatts]

Matt - my radar installation is strictly a factory job, standard issue from Sea Ray. The dash display is in the regular spot on the dash that was made for it, but it is a tight fit (I'm sure the dash was designed for the older models from Raymarine, where the screen was more of a "portrait" orientation rather than "landscape"). So measure four times before you cut. For the unit on top of the radar arch, there is a pad there that fits it. My unit does have two pieces of the poly Starboard material in between the unit and the arch, which elevates the unit maybe 1.5 inches above the arch itself. SeaRay did this, not me. But I'm guessing that it was done to provide a little extra clearance to the canvas and to allow for the nav light pole to mount underneath.
The photo below is the best I can find. If you look close you'll see the standoffs between the unit and the arch, as well as where the nav light mounts. The other photo is not my boat, but it does show how tight the dash unit fits. Mine is in that same spot, with the autohelm below it. So, getting the cover on/off is a tight fit.

Peter - thanks for the link to Sheffield's setup. That is exactly what I'm thinking of, if I do go the satellite TV receiver route!

 

[mawyatt]

Matt - my radar installation is strictly a factory job, standard issue from Sea Ray. The dash display is in the regular spot on the dash that was made for it, but it is a tight fit (I'm sure the dash was designed for the older models from Raymarine, where the screen was more of a "portrait" orientation rather than "landscape"). So measure four times before you cut. For the unit on top of the radar arch, there is a pad there that fits it. My unit does have two pieces of the poly Starboard material in between the unit and the arch, which elevates the unit maybe 1.5 inches above the arch itself. SeaRay did this, not me. But I'm guessing that it was done to provide a little extra clearance to the canvas and to allow for the nav light pole to mount underneath.
The photo below is the best I can find. If you look close you'll see the standoffs between the unit and the arch, as well as where the nav light mounts. The other photo is not my boat, but it does show how tight the dash unit fits. Mine is in that same spot, with the autohelm below it. So, getting the cover on/off is a tight fit.
View attachment 4561View attachment 4562
Peter - thanks for the link to Sheffield's setup. That is exactly what I'm thinking of, if I do go the satellite TV receiver route!

Nice setup! Noticed the dinghy mount, can you provide info on this and how it works?

Thx

 

[Daryl]

I have been on my boat for the holidays so here is a late response to the ergonomics question. The 38 has seperate shower/head compartments and while some like this, it takes away a lot of interior space. So if you seldom stay on your boat for weeks at a time, the additional space on a 36 is a bonus. Also the 38 has a center transom door which changes the cockpit completely. The traditional side mount transom door on a 36 provides more usable space both in the cockpit and on the swim platform. Lastly the swim platform is lower to the water on a 36 which in my case makes it easier for entertaining when I backup to a beach front at Texoma. The 38 has an intergral swim platform that is the primary hull difference between the two boats. I am sure there are other differences but when you use a boat the way we do, these key areas make the 36 a better boat for me.

I am 6'3" 250# and I use the shower occasionally and have no clearance issues. The water stays within the door area and does not get the whole head area wet. I now have a house at the lake so we seldom shower on the boat except when we stay out for a couple of days.

 

[Pseudomind]

..Also the 38 has a center transom door which changes the cockpit completely...

Must be a different 38, as to space lost due to separate shower. It certainly cannot be much considering this is comparing a 36' to a 38' Just where does the two foot difference with the 38 go to, layout wise?

I think both are pretty nice, but my comment had to do with, paraphrasing here, "Just what ergonomic differences are there?" I do not consider a state room door from opening from the side versus the center being ergonomic.

Maybe I am wrong, but ergonomic to me, means seating, viewing angles, reaching for controls, lighting, etc.

:huh:

 

[PMvdb395DA]

Must be a different 38, as to space lost due to separate shower. It certainly cannot be much considering this is comparing a 36' to a 38' Just where does the two foot difference with the 38 go to, layout wise?

I think both are pretty nice, but my comment had to do with, paraphrasing here, "Just what ergonomic differences are there?" I do not consider a state room door from opening from the side versus the center being ergonomic.

Maybe I am wrong, but ergonomic to me, means seating, viewing angles, reaching for controls, lighting, etc.

:huh:

Yes because its the newer model 380 he means!
The 2008/2009 380DA model has a center transom door, and exact the same sizes as the 360DA.
But because this model has a separate shower and dual-entry head the ergonomic differences are there...

Your older 380 has a different interior.

So don't feel insulted..

Peter.

 

[Pseudomind]

....So don't feel insulted..

Peter.

Insulted? Hardly! What a strange comment to make?

I only wanted to know what the actual ergonomic differences were which were referred to in one of the post.

I did make an ergonomic dfference with my boat relative to how the RL CRC 80 is mounted.

:thumbsup:

 

[PMvdb395DA]

You have now reached all the 360 owners on this site. I purchased mine new and have been very happy with it since. I do not use a dingy so no help there. We boat on Lake Texoma and the 360 is a great size for this large lake. Hope you enjoy your new boat. By the way, the 360 is a better ergonomic design than the afore mentioned 380, IMO.

Just what ergonomic design features you referring to? I have looked at both (In fact just missed buying a 2004, 360 by only a couple of hours) and I do not see any particular difference.

Maybe I can make an ergonomic changes to mine? :huh:

Thought you where a Little insulted here... :huh:

Are you insulted now? :grin:

 

[BOZ]

Matt - my radar installation is strictly a factory job, standard issue from Sea Ray. The dash display is in the regular spot on the dash that was made for it, but it is a tight fit (I'm sure the dash was designed for the older models from Raymarine, where the screen was more of a "portrait" orientation rather than "landscape"). So measure four times before you cut. For the unit on top of the radar arch, there is a pad there that fits it. My unit does have two pieces of the poly Starboard material in between the unit and the arch, which elevates the unit maybe 1.5 inches above the arch itself. SeaRay did this, not me. But I'm guessing that it was done to provide a little extra clearance to the canvas and to allow for the nav light pole to mount underneath.
The photo below is the best I can find. If you look close you'll see the standoffs between the unit and the arch, as well as where the nav light mounts. The other photo is not my boat, but it does show how tight the dash unit fits. Mine is in that same spot, with the autohelm below it. So, getting the cover on/off is a tight fit.
View attachment 4561View attachment 4562
Peter - thanks for the link to Sheffield's setup. That is exactly what I'm thinking of, if I do go the satellite TV receiver route!

Thanks for the additional pics and help. I also seen on the parts manual that searay offers a shim for the open array radar mount. I assume this is what you are referring to. Thank you also for confirming the tight fit with an E80 cover. I guess its better than not fitting at all. I also noticed you have some additional cleats added to the transom. Was this for securing your dingy?

 

[Pseudomind]

Thought you where a Little insulted here... :huh:

Are you insulted now? :grin:

No I only get insulted when I have to bow and katow to some around here and my back is hurting. I believe it is just easier to get down and grovel (Does not hurt as much, unitl you have to get up )

Doesn't just about everyone here bow and katow before opening a few threads? Incantations help also...

ROTFLMAO

This is what I was referring to by making ergonomic differences. I made an offset using Starboard to angle my RL80 CRC more towards the helm. This made a big difference. I also replaced the RAYNAV 300 (On the far right) with a Ray Marine A50D. This may not be truly ergonomic, but it is a vast improvement to the RAYNAV 300.

 

[Straykatts]

Matt - yes, the two additional cleats on the transom are for securing the dingy. I have a Roskelly-Olsson davit system, which uses a 7:1 block/tackle to haul the dingy and motor up. I needed a strong anchor point, as high as I could get it. So I intalled those two cleats on top of the transom area. I backed up the fiberglass where I installed them with a fitted piece of high density plywood, fiberglass reinforcement, and also had two large pieces of 3/16 stainless steel backing plates made up, to sandwich it all together. I've hauled the dingy for two years now and no stress cracks or other problems. Maximum seas I've encountered with the dingy on the back were 4-6 footers on Lake Huron.

http://www.boatdavit.com/LT175%20-%20ST275%20info.htm

Above link to manufacturers web site. I have the ST275 model. I carry a 9.5 foot AB RIB with a 15HP 2 stroke Yamaha. Boat plus motor weigh in at 240 pounds or so. It's very easy for one person to haul up the dingy with the block tackle. There is room to walk between the dingy and the transom locker, but when you are ready to run you have to add some tie downs, which block that walking path.

Overall I'm happy with the arrangement. Being able to leave the motor on the dingy was an absolute criteria for me. I had heard of difficulties with the Hurley type davits, getting the dingy up out of the water.

The only setup I wish for instead, would be a hydraulic lift, but I can't justify the cost.

 

[BOZ]

No I only get insulted when I have to bow and katow to some around here and my back is hurting. I believe it is just easier to get down and grovel (Does not hurt as much, unitl you have to get up )

Doesn't just about everyone here bow and katow before opening a few threads? Incantations help also...

ROTFLMAO

This is what I was referring to by making ergonomic differences. I made an offset using Starboard to angle my RL80 CRC more towards the helm. This made a big difference. I also replaced the RAYNAV 300 (On the far right) with a Ray Marine A50D. This may not be truly ergonomic, but it is a vast improvement to the RAYNAV 300.

Very cool modification. I can definitely imagine the benefits of this as the panel is not exactly in the line of sight from the captains seat. Ahame that Sea Ray didn't realize this prior to us purchasing ours.