Vpittman
New Member
I am considering the purchase of an older 39' - 44' Sea Ray convertible for deep sea fishing an cruising off the Oregon coast. Would appreciate comments on durability, seaworthiness and fuel efficency of this type of boat.
Classic 39' - 44' Sea Ray Convertible
- Thread starter Vpittman
- Start date
- Oct 6, 2006
- 12,153
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA
- Engines
- 3116 Caterpillars
First, this is not the same boat. The 390EC hull was offered in the early years...like '84-'86...... with a deck house. This is a shallow draft boat which brings with it some problems in heavy seas and windy conditions. A gas powered one is way under powered so opt for a diesel if thais boat is your choice......I have seen them with both Caterpillar 3208's and with J & T converted Detroits.
The other boat is a 43'/44' Convertible depending upon which year you are dealing with. It is a completely different boat than the 39. Again, chose the diesel version. While not a speed demon, the 43/44 is a decent performer. They are better sea boats than the 39 due to the hull design and better COG but tend to have a little bit of a wet ride.
The 390 Sedans are rare; the 43/44's are more plentiful and the 43/44 will be more expensive because they are generally better regarded than the older design.
Hope that helps..............
The other boat is a 43'/44' Convertible depending upon which year you are dealing with. It is a completely different boat than the 39. Again, chose the diesel version. While not a speed demon, the 43/44 is a decent performer. They are better sea boats than the 39 due to the hull design and better COG but tend to have a little bit of a wet ride.
The 390 Sedans are rare; the 43/44's are more plentiful and the 43/44 will be more expensive because they are generally better regarded than the older design.
Hope that helps..............
Vpittman
New Member
Thankyou for the comments. I definitely believe that diesel is the only viable option. The 1983 to 1988, 39' to 44' Sea Ray Sedan/convertibles that I am looking at all seem to have the same beam and draft specifications, 13' 11" and 2' - 7" respectively. Why do you consider the 43'/44' to be a better sea boat?
We regularly fish in 6'-8' swell on the Oregon coast. 6' at 8-10 seconds is always fishable where 8' swell will usually cancel a fishing trip. Would you have a concern with any of these boats?
We regularly fish in 6'-8' swell on the Oregon coast. 6' at 8-10 seconds is always fishable where 8' swell will usually cancel a fishing trip. Would you have a concern with any of these boats?
- Oct 6, 2006
- 12,153
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA
- Engines
- 3116 Caterpillars
Why.......?
The longer boat has better weight distribution, whereas, the 390 has very deep prop pockets which limits the size prop it can swing so getting enough prop under the boat for diesels means more pitch instead of a larger wheel.
Eight foot seas is do-able in a 44 Convertible but it will be uncomfortable...in a 390 you will spend more time holding on than you do fishing.
I'm a Sea Ray fan and own one, but if I were buying a boat to regularly fish those conditions, I'd be shopping for a 43' Hatt or Betrram 46.....both are built like tanks.
The longer boat has better weight distribution, whereas, the 390 has very deep prop pockets which limits the size prop it can swing so getting enough prop under the boat for diesels means more pitch instead of a larger wheel.
Eight foot seas is do-able in a 44 Convertible but it will be uncomfortable...in a 390 you will spend more time holding on than you do fishing.
I'm a Sea Ray fan and own one, but if I were buying a boat to regularly fish those conditions, I'd be shopping for a 43' Hatt or Betrram 46.....both are built like tanks.
sbw1
Well-Known Member
- Oct 10, 2006
- 8,185
- Boat Info
- This is listed in my signature
- Engines
- This is listed in my signature
You should look at 42 Bert SFs as well. Also Blackfin from 36-40 feet. Both companies made some great fishing boats. They were designed for offshore fishing, have heavy, thick hulls and are worth restoring. I think you will enjoy the performance of both more than the SR. On other point about Bertrams. They are expensive to run and the older diesels really trash the bilge with dirt and oil unless they have been meticulously maintained. I've seen some with oil reservoirs for spare oil that allow you to add oil the crankcase after a run. The older boats have small spaces in the cabin area and are not all that livable. The SR may be somewhat better in that regard but does not offer the same quality.
