Looking at a used Sundancers

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RutgersAl

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Jun 16, 2020
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Hi. I’m a newbie looking at used Sundancers.
Aside from spark plugs what other things would you look at to decide whether a boat was worthy enough to spring for a survey/inspection? Here’s an example of boats I’m looking at. It’s a ‘97 Sundancer 330. Price seems right but little concerned about the investment needed in TLC, the seller refers to. Any ideas on what a generator and fridge could cost?

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/boa/d/stamford-1997-sea-ray-330-sundancer/7163755215.html
 
RutgersAl said:
Hi. I’m a newbie looking at used Sundancers.
Aside from spark plugs what other things would you look at to decide whether a boat was worthy enough to spring for a survey/inspection? Here’s an example of boats I’m looking at. It’s a ‘97 Sundancer 330. Price seems right but little concerned about the investment needed in TLC, the seller refers to. Any ideas on what a generator and fridge could cost?

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/boa/d/stamford-1997-sea-ray-330-sundancer/7163755215.html
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Having paid for some "failed" surveys, that's a great question. Seems like the guy is being upfront with what is needed. Fridge is a non-issue -- "easy" to replace. Generator, I would have to see it run (or not) -- that could be nothing, or a can of worms. The other thing I would do on boats like that is get a moisture meter and check the deck under the windshield, around the hatches and up by the windlass. I want a survey to confirm the condition not surprise me. That boat sounds like it has potential. Good luck.
 
Looks like a solid boat and the seller at least is upfront with the issues. I still think that unless you are particularly experienced at boat ownership and maintenance you would be remiss to buy a $30,000 plus boat with out a good survey. If the seller for some reason won't let it be surveyed prior to purchase then walk away. It seems he is reasonable, just leery of CL tire kickers and low-ballers. I say give it a whirl.
Carpe Diem
 
Golfman25 said:
Having paid for some "failed" surveys, that's a great question. Seems like the guy is being upfront with what is needed. Fridge is a non-issue -- "easy" to replace. Generator, I would have to see it run (or not) -- that could be nothing, or a can of worms. The other thing I would do on boats like that is get a moisture meter and check the deck under the windshield, around the hatches and up by the windlass. I want a survey to confirm the condition not surprise me. That boat sounds like it has potential. Good luck.
Click to expand...

thanks for the great advice. I will definitely get a moisture meter and check the areas you mentioned. It actually gives me comfort to see that he mentioned the issues up front.
 
Carpediem44DB said:
Looks like a solid boat and the seller at least is upfront with the issues. I still think that unless you are particularly experienced at boat ownership and maintenance you would be remiss to buy a $30,000 plus boat with out a good survey. If the seller for some reason won't let it be surveyed prior to purchase then walk away. It seems he is reasonable, just leery of CL tire kickers and low-ballers. I say give it a whirl.
Carpe Diem
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exactly. Being upfront with the issues gives me comfort. In fact once I find the right boat, I might even get two surveys, as long as the seller is willing. Otherwise, I’d walk.
 
Maybe I read that posting differently but I got the vibe that you'd be doing the seller a favor by inquiring about his boat. And if he paid $20k to have a 454 merc replaced??? Seems a little...or a lot...high.

There are many, many late 90's 330's out there. I'd prefer to deal with someone passionate about the boat, willing to field questions, etc. If a post says "no number, no response" I have a feeling he'll hate the 1,000 questions I'm going to ask him.

My two cents only, of course. But I'd skip that guy...
 
Stee6043 said:
Maybe I read that posting differently but I got the vibe that you'd be doing the seller a favor by inquiring about his boat. And if he paid $20k to have a 454 merc replaced??? Seems a little...or a lot...high.

There are many, many late 90's 330's out there. I'd prefer to deal with someone passionate about the boat, willing to field questions, etc. If a post says "no number, no response" I have a feeling he'll hate the 1,000 questions I'm going to ask him.

My two cents only, of course. But I'd skip that guy...
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Part of that is the craigslist scammers. You have to weed out the idiots somehow.
 
RutgersAl said:
exactly. Being upfront with the issues gives me comfort. In fact once I find the right boat, I might even get two surveys, as long as the seller is willing. Otherwise, I’d walk.
Click to expand...
Being up front is big. I had a survey done that when the pulled the boat the props where pretty badly dinged up. Since the boat hadn't been used all that much, I assume the SOB put it in that way. Then chooched me on an adjustment to get the props repaired. Survey uncovered several deferred maintenance issues -- such as non-working bilge pumps, really. By the time I added it up, I walked.

I can't really understand what sellers and in some respect brokers are trying to "hide." If it was me, I would do several things when selling. Get the RPM numbers on film. Show the buyer it will hit the numbers. Have it checked in the common areas for moisture. Then there are no surprises at survey/sea trial and you don't waste time on deals that collapse.
 
I take one look at the listing photos and get immediately suspicious. Anyone that can’t pick up all the shit laying around, close the cabinets, fold the blankets or make the berth up, at least for the pictures is a slob and most likely doesn’t take care of his stuff. Also, his arrogance just pisses me off and I think he would be hard to work with.

There are many other boats in that size and price range available in the NE. I would keep looking especially seeing how firm he is on his price. When buying a boat you want to try and not get emotional which is really hard since buying a boat is nothing but emotional.

Keep looking....the right boat for you is out there.
Shawn
 
RutgersAl said:
thanks for the great advice. I will definitely get a moisture meter and check the areas you mentioned. It actually gives me comfort to see that he mentioned the issues up front.
Click to expand...
He mentioned the obvious things you would know as soon as you went there. Boat sellers are often smiling liars. Its what is not obvious that he may not tell you about. "Needs TLC" is a HUGE red flag.

Take someone with you that knows boats and does not have the same urge to buy (any maybe miss things that might be obvious to someone else) and definitely get a survey and have a marine mechanic look at the engines/transmissions.
Add up the replacement cost for everything that does not work and use that in your negotiations. Boat parts and repairs are probably much much more than you think they are if you are not an experienced boat owner.
 
Don't know about this one... Interior looks to be beat up a bit. cabinet looks broken. A new Fridge is about $1500 - $1800 last time I checked, more if you are going to have someone do the work for you. the current Fridge need to be removed in pcs, no big deal. They do not make a direct replacement. may have to tweak the opening to get new one to fit. Would need to see pics of the vinyl,engine room and bilge. Survey for sure!
 
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