Comparing 48,50,55 Dancers

[sierraray]

I have had a 37 Express, 38 Dancer, and 41 Dancer. Now looking to move up to a larger Searay, looking at the 48 Dancer (05-06), 50 Dancer(05'ish), 55 Dancer (2003-4). These boats are in the same price range, with a low of mid/high 3's to mid/high 5's. Although I prefer the style of the 48, my question is in regard to offshore performance.
Does anyone have experience with these boats as far as Bahamas Crossings? Does the 55 Dancer with the 800 MANs trump the others for handling the seas when it gets a little rough (5-6 ft) ? Is the 50 a better choice than the 48, even with its more dated styling? Thanks for any advice.

 

[wetpaint]

Obviously bigger is better for comfortability in seas......Obviously bigger after your purchase is more expensive (storage, fuel, dock, maintenance, etc.).......

For me, and I have made the same mistake in my purchases....If you are going to end up at a 55, buy it now.....Why wait and take more depreciation hits......If the purchase is about the same......Just get the 55 if you can swing it financially........All great boats and think how lucky you are to be able to look at all 3 boats! Good luck!!

 

[katricol]

I like the older stye better, and for Bahama crossing bigger must be better

 

[sierraray]

thanks,everyone. I saw a 54/55 Dancer coming into the Boca Inlet at a good speed when it was really rough out, the guy new how to drive the boat and it looked like he just flattened out the seas with it. For the most part will be idling intracoastal/entertaining or sitting in Lake Boca, so won't be burning a lot of fuel except on the excursions. Seems that's a lot of boat for the money!

 

[Pietro]

Sierra, why are not you considering a 52DA?

I would die for that boat layout!

 

[RollerCoastr]

Sierra, why are not you considering a 52DA?

I would die for that boat layout!

He is! An '05 500DA is an '06 52DA I'm with you - great boat.

I think posterity will treat the 540DA/550DA very well. IMO, they have the best lines SeaRay has ever put together. The salon layouts are a little odd though. The 540 has a "tunnel" feel that they corrected in the 550, at the sacrifice of the galley layout (if you can call it that).

 

[sierraray]

Definately Considering that boat,but as the 50 DA. Of big consideration is an air-conditioned helm that I can close in for some cool air in the summer. The 50 looks a lot more robust to me that the 48 (now the 50)

 

[jff]

I agree with the other posts, in general and the more boat the more beam/bigger boat & props the better you can expect the ride to be (assuming similar type hulls, etc.). That said, given that all the boats you are looking at are generally in the same size range (it's not like you are asking about a 20 foot boat vs a 60 foot boat), I would suggest that what is more important for a Bahamas crossing is the weather. If there are 8 foot waves you won't be going in any of the boats you listed and you won't have a pleasant ride in any of them if you did.

We crossed over in our 2005 48DA and had an amazing ride, but of course that's due in part to the seas being basically flat both ways.

Personally, and this is just subjective, I prefer the newer Sea Ray look (on your original list on the 48 was the new look), I think the other boats look a bit dated by comparison. But to each his own, others obviously would disagree. I also strongly prefer the full enclosure windshield on the 48, although that also has pros/cons.

Sincerely,
Capt. Jason

 

[sierraray]

thanks, Capt Jason. BTW, your boat looks awesome. I think the look of the 48 is the direction they're going; more European/Italian design. I would not venture in 8 ft seas, nor do too many others, just look offshore when the winds are up, no one out there except the charter fishing boats bobbing around. I'm big on economy, would prefer a nice 25 mph cruise to save some fuel, I like the engines on the 48. So you are very pleased with the boat? Hydraulic lift?

 

[jff]

Thanks sierraray. Yes, I've been very pleased with the boat. Miss having a full 'U' shaped couch in the cockpit and the sump box has required more maintenance than I would like - but overall it's a very solid performing and very comfortable boat. Pivoting the Captains Helm around create a nice upper entertaining area, we often have 10+ people in the overall cockpit area and everyone has a seat. And yes, the hydraulic lift is a great option, personally for me it was a must-have. If you look closely in my signature picture you can see one of my jet skis on the back - great to be able to bring the ski wherever we go.

Sincerely,
Capt. Jason