Aluminum Fuel tanks and Stringers in classic sea rays

[twinscrewzz]

So will be looking at a 84 390 sedan bridge gasser and a 87 390 express with 3208 cats.
I'm looking for real world opinions of dock talk.
Are stringers on sea rays really a big concern on older boats?
Next are aluminum fuel tanks cause for concern for leaking?

thoughts
thanks
Mike

 

[hottoddie]

Stringers in ant older boats can be a concern. If the boat has been cared for and kept covered that increases the odds of stringers being intact. A common concern in any 390 is the water tank located under the salon floor that will leak and waterlog the foam under the subfloor and rot the stringers. I would expect the sedan bridge would be more likely to have rain water collect in the bilge and cause stringer problems. Of course the same thing can happen in an express if it has been left uncovered. I never leave my boat unless the canvas enclosure is secure. It also helps preserve the cockpit vinyl and keeps the boat cleaner.

As far as the fuel tanks, they are located outboard of the engines and are well protected from the elements. If the boat has gassers I would insist on a bilge fume detector. I would recommend Marine Technologies vs. Xintex. I've seen several Xintex unit give false alarms. I just replaced mine with a MI unit after 2 Xintex units drove me crazy.

 

[fwebster]

In the 2 boats you are considering, the 390EC with 3208's is a far superior boat from about all perspectives. I've never been on a mid 80'a DB that the bridge had not leaked water into the cabin. The gas bridge boat is going to be sluggish around the dock and will weathervane like crazy in the wind because it is a vert shallow draft boat. The diesel EC had bigger props and is much better handling and a good bit more efficient.

Both models has PVC pipe lining in the limber holes which is a significant source of water intrusion into the stringers. Be sure to get a competent hull surveyor to examine and check the stringers before you commit to either boat.

 

[twinscrewzz]

thanks for your input gents. Hull and engine survey is in the cards. I was under contract on a 37 hatteras with DD 671N 1of the engines has issues found during the engine survey. Yes costly but far cheaper than a $15K engine rebuild.

 

[twinscrewzz]

A little more information. Spoke with the 390DB owner today. I now have renewed interest. FW tank was replaced 8 years ago. He was not familiar with any issues with the stringers. Big Surprise. big blocks are MPI and 395 HP. I will need to get into that a bit more as they were installed by previous owner. I'm going to look at it Thursday. Looking at the 390EC he advised he replaced some areas forward of the bulkhead but that meant little to me other than there was a water intrusion issue from somewhere. Quote from owner.

"Forward of bulkhead I replaced with core bond,
Aft epoxied a couple spots. Probably some moisture aft."
thoughts?

 

[fwebster]

I would suggest that you narrow down your ownership criteria a bit more. For example, The gas powered DB is going to be slow and burn 32-34 GPH of $3.50/gal fuel. The 3208 powered EC will run 24-26 kts and burn about 16.0 GPH of $2.65/gl fuel. You can do the math, but if you are going to be putting out to the party cove and laying at anchor all day, the gas boat may be fine; but if you will run a lot of hours, probably not.

30+ year old boats can quickly turn into major projects........be sure you are working with a qualified surveyor and check his references if you suspect moisture in the stringers or deck on either boat.

 

[twinscrewzz]

I would suggest that you narrow down your ownership criteria a bit more. For example, The gas powered DB is going to be slow and burn 32-34 GPH of $3.50/gal fuel. The 3208 powered EC will run 24-26 kts and burn about 16.0 GPH of $2.65/gl fuel. You can do the math, but if you are going to be putting out to the party cove and laying at anchor all day, the gas boat may be fine; but if you will run a lot of hours, probably not.

30+ year old boats can quickly turn into major projects........be sure you are working with a qualified surveyor and check his references if you suspect moisture in the stringers or deck on either boat.

I'm not overly concerned with speed. I hear what you are saying on gas vs diesel. 16 GPH at 24kts seems a bit optimistic as does $2.65/gallon. Been doing some trip planning to get the boat home thinking a diesel boat. Not seeing many Marinas much under $3.00 for diesel. Of course I base that on a 78 37 hat with 671N's burning 25GPH at 15 kts.
Difference in acquisition cost is about $15K.and oil changes and maintenance far less on gas motors. Style of use. 26 miles from LA to Catalina and back with a week anchored and catching yellow tail and calico bass.:{)
I surely respect your opinion and have yet to do the math. Hull and engine survey are a given.

 

[hottoddie]

I notice your previous boat is 1989 340 SB. If so are you committed to a bridge boat. Seems like most know whether they want an express or bridge style boat when they start looking for their next boat. BTW there is no wrong choice only the right choice for each buyer. I would make that choice your priority rather than gas vs. diesel in a lightly used pleasure boat.

 

[twinscrewzz]

I notice your previous boat is 1989 340 SB. If so are you committed to a bridge boat. Seems like most know whether they want an express or bridge style boat when they start looking for their next boat. BTW there is no wrong choice only the right choice for each buyer. I would make that choice your priority rather than gas vs. diesel in a lightly used pleasure boat.

Sound advice. I'm torn between sedan bridge and EC Leaking flybridge concerns me. More fishing then cruising. I found a knowledgeable surveyor for sea rays. When I told him the 2 boats I was considering, both sea rays he advised the survey would start with stringers and bulk head and if found to be wet survey stops there and I can choose to proceed or pay the reduced cost and walk away. Should be a fun week.