Feedback on 43/47 Sundancer...

[Boatweiser]

Looking for feedback on 43/47 Sundancer.....
I am looking at purchasing a used 43 Sundancer from a friend in my marina. I love the Dancer series but we are also considering a Meridian 391. Given the NE freshwater climate we boat in I am concerned that the enclosed cockpit of the 43 DA is going to bother me. I am wondering if the windshield vents, side windows and retractable sun roof really provide fresh air to the cockpit. I drove a 41 Cantius and that boat has ZERO fresh air from its side windows and opening roof.

One thing that impressed us about the 391 was just how quiet the Meridian was. In doing research it appears that my 40 runs at 20 mph around 83db's, and a 43 DA is about the same. The 391 was high 60's. We never really noticed how much the noise on our DA bothered us until we took out the 391. I realize the bridge boat has the benefit of the helm being 8-10 further away from the motors. If we are running on the DA we turn the stereo off because you simply cannot hear it. We essentially have to yell at each other to have a conversation. Is the 43/47 going to be essentially the same?

 

[hottoddie]

The cockpit of most express boats will be louder than most bridge boats just because of the proximity of the seating areas to the engines. I notice that my my 390 is much quieter when the side and front windscreens are remove because it allows the soundwaves to escape. If I were you I would base my choice of which boat to buy based on it's function of express cockpit vs bridge. To me anyway I prefer the express type cockpit because it is more "social" and everyone is basically on one level when running the boat as well as one the dock or at anchor and I prefer that. The lack of seating in the cockpit of a bridge boat is a deal breaker for me. The one thing I do like about bridge boats is the view when underway. Unlike some people that like to ride down inside the salon of the bridge I hate being "inside" when underway but that"s just me. No right or wrong choice here it's a matter of preference.

 

[Steve Franklin]

Boatwieser. We have a 420 with the cummins and at 2000 to 2400 rpm you can carry on a conversation without any problem. Steve