Considering a 1989 30 DA

[Sundancer]

We're looking to move up to a larger boat. There is a 1989 30 Sundancer with twin 350's that we're going to look at on Friday. I think the boat is overpriced at $42,000 with a two year old triple axle trailer, so I need some ammunition to convince the owner he's a little high. What problem areas cropped on this particular boat? Does it have any handling quirks, weak spots or any issues I should examine or inspect? Anybody have any practical experience with this particular model? Would you own another one or run away?

Thanks for assistance!

 

[duman95]

I owned a 1990 280DA as our first boat. Not sure if the 30DA is similar I believe it is...

I love boats and loved this boat.

Greats:

BEAM BEAM BEAM makes for a comfy cabin
Comfortable cockpit and a folding aft bench seat
Nice ride except in a tight chop got a little pounding.
Decent engine room access ( I had the smaller 5.0L V8 with SS props) performance and gas consumption was really reasonable.
If the leaks are kept at bay it is a very wonderful boat.

I highly recommend a head bigger then the plumbed pump out head. It is just too small and required frequent pump outs.

Not so Great:
Lower bilge pump is irreplaceable unless you pull an engine. Check it I bet it does not work.
Leaks around the windows and around the bow rail stantions <sp>. Just look for brown spots or discoloration in the head liner. Ours leaked around the stubby bow rails also and unless you are ready to rip down the headliner to get at them the previous owner globbed caulk around the base. Open the hanging lockers and look for more stains.
Shower sump seems accesible until you try to work on it and find it is pretty tight.

 

[Sundancer]

Duman95:
We're headed out in an hour to take a look. Thanks for the tips! This is a little bigger than the 280, but not that much. It's a full 11 feet wide instead of 10' 6" on the 280's. We've been looking at 280's and this showed up in an ad. It sat for three years and was never run, so I have some concerns that the seals may have dried out and it may leak some oil. That should be evident just by looking in the bilge.

The bilge pump is a good point! You'd have to send in a small person to fix that or just have it flop around on the bilge floor! Neither are good solutions. I've seen some 280's with the leak where the stanchions are attached. Frustrating, but not a deal breaker. I'll check the size of the holding tank and look to see if there is room for a bigger tank. That's kind of a catch 22 because lengthening the time between pumpouts means it can get a little stinkier!! But still, even adding one day isn't going to make much difference in smell. If it's properly treated, the smell will take care of itself.

We're pretty dry on this side of Washington so the leaking windows don't seem to be much of a problem. My 250 has the long windows and they don't leak. I can see under the window frame and see light where the silicone is, but we don't have a leak problem, yet anyway! I'll check this boat out too though.

We're definitely outgrowing our boat and we need more space. This seems like a good layout and if it's well maintained should provide us with good service until the kids leave for college and maybe beyond.

 

[Still LauCo]

Agreed with all that has been said. I have a 96 300 that we love. Used to have the an 88 270 with twin 350's that was a great boat too.
It did have leak problems at the long windows as discussed. It also had a leak at the radar arch that took some work to get fixed. Those arches bolt on to the side of the boat, and can come loose. Try to wobble the arch with your hands. It will move, but if it is real sloppy, get the sides checked with a moisture meter where the arch bolts on. Good luck!

 

[Sundancer]

Well the test drive was amazing. It's a great boat! It runs good, systems all work, easy to manuever and handle. Corners better than my 250 and of course who can't help liking twin screws!!! Survey will occur next week and we'll take delivery next weekend. It's going to be a LONG week!

 

[Turtlesboat]

Good luck on the survey

 

[Csalt]

We have a 1990 280DA and really like the layout and performance.
We did look at a few around the same year that did have moisture problems in the stringers or transom...if you find a dry one its a great boat.
We did have a couple leaks, one hatch had to be re-bedded and the cockpit cover snaps in front of the windshield needed to be re-caulked...all dry now.
Hope your survey has good results.

 

[Sundancer]

I think the survey will reveal that there are very few problems. That's a good thing. I know there are some snaps that hold the cockpit cover on that are missing, but those can be replaced with a piece of wood dowel epoxied in and then the new snap drills into that. The arch is good and solid. The boat is just a joy to drive as well. No bad manners, goes where you point it, handles chop with ease and planes faster than my current boat. I'm really looking forward to jumping in and playing on the new boat! I just can't wait!

For those of you that HAVE this model, is the fabric above the fiberglass in the bathroom waterproof? Do you cover it when you shower or just sit down to shower? I'm a little worried, but I'm sure it's probably fine. It doesn't have any stains or marks on it so I'm guessing no one ever showered on board? The other REALLY nice feature is HOT water!! I know most of you probably have it, but it's a GREAT feature!