Any tips on buying used boat (2004 390 DA)

[jff]

I am looking at a 2004 390 DA. Have never bought a used boat before, does anyone have any advice either general or specific to this make/model? Things I should be checking out, doing, looking for, etc.? I assume that everyone would recommend a survey and 'sea trial' (ie. taking the boat out to see how it runs), looking for any other suggestions.

Regards,
Jason

 

[Skip]

Gas or diesel? Options on the boat? Where do you plan to use the boat? There is a wealth of info on this board-just need to know more to help you out.

regards
Skip

 

[jff]

It's a gas boat. Used primarily on Lake Lanier in Georgia for recreational day outings (and the occasional overnight). It has a radar and hard top along with gps and smart craft. No cockpit TV, satellite, bowthruster or cockpit AC.

Regards,
Jason

 

[creik]

get a hull and engine survey from an independent source.
not an option, well worth your money. if you want detail of an example demonstrating the value of that investment, feel free to pm me.

 

[Robert Mead]

I just bought a used 2005 390 with diesels. Be very thourough with the inspections and follow thru with all recomendations from the marine surveyor. Don't be in a hurry to buy and look around for comparaible modles and pricing. It is a buyers market now. If you need some more information feel free to write back . Good luck
Bob

 

[osd9]

Search here for two issues that may be of concern for you....the manifolds and the fuel cooler/pump(?). FrankW put out a heads up on that genra of 8.1s.

 

[Skip]

The surveyor is critical. You want to find a surveyor who is a member of the society of accredited marine surveyors (SAMS) and who has been doing surveys for a while, with a good reputation for integrity and thoroughness.
http://www.marinesurvey.org/
You want somebody who is aggressive. Do not hire a surveyor who is affiliated with the selling dealer, broker, or current owner of the boat. You are purchasing the surveyor's time and expertise and it is incumbent on you to ensure the surveyor has your best interests in mind. Ditto a Mercrusier certified technician to do the mechanical survey. Due diligence is your responsibility alone. This is a big investment.
Do not take any promises, verbal guarantees, etc from any selling agency.
Everything goes in writing or it is meaningless.

This really can be a lot of fun. The research, pursuit, negotiation, purchase, haul out, and labor I invested personally to get my 420DA ready to run was a great experience. When I took delivery I ran her 150 NM down the Cheseapeake Bay and up the Potomac River. The last 4 hours were spent running in steep 3-5' chop and 30 knots of wind on the Bay and River. We ended the delivery run by helping rescue a 28' Bayliner that had lost power and been blown aground in wind.
That was two years ago. I remember every detail-but what I remember most was running the "new to me" 03 420DA through sloppy water that would have kept us in port in our old boat-

have fun with it

regards
Skip

 

[jff]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. If anyone has a surveyor they recommend in the Lake Lanier (Georgia) area please let me know.

Regards,
Jason

 

[rwvw415]

Good luck I bought a 2004 390 tow months ago and love it. A great boat.

 

[Asureyez]

Hi Jason:

Lake Lanier is pretty much a "Closed Loop" marine environment. Everyone in the business knows everyone in the business and they all do business with each other from time to time and that "Good Old Boy" network is important for the service providers.

If you can't find a SAMS surveyor on the lake, then by all means bring one in from Jacksonville, Mobile or Tampa. It would cost you some air fare, but if you're really committed to this boat ... its will be worth it. There is a special note of caution on boats in the SE US and its called Katrina & Wilma damaged boats. Many have been repaired, recommissioned and sold back into the market. Get as much help as possible to make sure this boat was never an insurance disaster and a surveyor can be very helpful in determining signs of serious repairs.

Do not skip having the engines surveyed and take the surveyor with you on sea trials.

Include engine oil analysis in the survey.