Buying 2001 380 (Maybe)

3

380dancer

New Member
Feb 14, 2009
11
Rochester NY
Hello Everyone,

I am a newbe to the site and am looking to purchase a 2001 380 from Florida. The boat has 8.1s engines with 375 hours. According to the broker all mercruiser upgrades were done about 1 month ago. I fly down to do the sea trial and survey on 3/9. I was wondering if anyone used the brokers surveyor or should I get my own. Survey costs are being estimated at 1000.00 including haul out. Also the broker indicates that Mercruiser techs did a full analysis of the motors inclusive of compression checks and I will get that report. I am on lake Ontario and am a little nervous about salt water boats, should I be?

Thanks for any input.
 
380dancer said:
Hello Everyone,

I am a newbe to the site and am looking to purchase a 2001 380 from Florida. The boat has 8.1s engines with 375 hours. According to the broker all mercruiser upgrades were done about 1 month ago. I fly down to do the sea trial and survey on 3/9. I was wondering if anyone used the brokers surveyor or should I get my own. Survey costs are being estimated at 1000.00 including haul out. Also the broker indicates that Mercruiser techs did a full analysis of the motors inclusive of compression checks and I will get that report. I am on lake Ontario and am a little nervous about salt water boats, should I be?

Thanks for any input.
Click to expand...

If you are nervous of salt water boats why are you looking in salt water? Last time I checked there were a bunch of 380 Sundancers on the Great Lakes.

41 to be exact.
 
380Dancer,

About a year ago I travelled to FL and bought a 2001 380DA. I can recommend a surveyor depending on the area. Be advised that this model originally came with the 7.4L motors, and the 8.1Ls were probably a warranty replacement. Same status for me...... I asked my broker to provide me with the names of 3 surveyors. I called each, and then decided. Feel free to PM me. Florida boats typically are cheaper than elsewhere, and there is a reason...the saltwater. You just have to shop.
 
Southpaw II said:
380Dancer,

About a year ago I travelled to FL and bought a 2001 380DA. I can recommend a surveyor depending on the area. Be advised that this model originally came with the 7.4L motors, and the 8.1Ls were probably a warranty replacement. Same status for me...... ......
Click to expand...

The 8.1s were a factory option on late model year 2001 380DAs.

Make sure that the manifolds and risers were updated as per FWs previous post.
 
They are telling me the updates were done 1 month ago........problem is I dont know what to look for ...im a complete novice with marine applications.
 
380, You are in the same shape i was in 3 years ago. Look at FrankW post on buying boats!
I didnt know port from parts or front from back. Frank and many CSR members walked me thru it. If you are serious then PM FrankW and follow his advice!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck, JC
 
I just completed the process you are about to begin and wiil close on my 2002 380 tomorrow. I would not make this type of investment without a complete survey on sea trial. An engine survey and oil analysis will indicate performance issues that would not otherwise be detected. Properly serviced boats operated in salt water are not necessarily problematic. The surveyor can check that manifolds and risers are operating at acceptable temperatures. Restrictions in either will elevate temps.

I would look into service records if available. Has the boat been used regularly or does it "sit". Boats are meant to be used ...how many engine/gen hours?? Good Luck
 
I would look into service records if available. Has the boat been used regularly or does it "sit". Boats are meant to be used ...how many engine/gen hours?? Good Luck[/quote]


According to the Broker the boat has 375 hours on it. I dont know the generator hours (cant believe I didnt ask!). All service records are allegedly waiting for me to review at Sea Trial as well as Engine analysis from Mercruiser techs done when upgrades completed 1 month ago.

I really appreciate the help.
 
Expensive things you should look out for:

1. Canvas will probably need replacement soon...cost $3,000 - $4,000.

2. Many of the refrigerators in the main cabin need have needed replacement - $1,000.

3. Make sure the boat has GPS and Radar. Even if you don't think you need it now, you will end up adding them later if they are not on the boat.

4. Ask when the batteries were last replaced....that could be expensive.
 
JC3 said:
380, You are in the same shape i was in 3 years ago. Look at FrankW post on buying boats!
I didnt know port from parts or front from back. Frank and many CSR members walked me thru it. If you are serious then PM FrankW and follow his advice!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck, JC
Click to expand...

+1 on Frank W. He guided me through my purchase and has a real passion for it. If there is something he doesn't know about the purchase of these boats then you don't need to know it. :thumbsup:
 
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