looking at used searay opinions needed

[eastern270]

Joined this forum just to get advice from previous and current owners of Searay Sundancer boats.

looking at a couple used searays.
1) 1994 290 sundancer. 454 bravo 3 500 hours
2) 1994 300 sundancer twin 260hp inboard v drives 700 hours.

Would like opinions on any known problems with either model. Both around same price. Leaning towards the 30 with twins for close quarter handling. Things to watch out for ? I know some mid 90's had problems with exhaust manifold gasket leaks resulting in major engine problems.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JimG]

The 454 B3 is an excellent package! but...
The additional room and twin V's is awesome!

Survey and sea trial is very important for either choice.

Good luck and welcome to CSR!

 

[Quint4]

Both great boats and appropriately powered. You in salt water ? If so lean toward the twins and v drives. I would rather have v drives in salt. Does either have a generator or A/C...that may help choose.

 

[eastern270]

Neither both has a generator and both have a/c. They will be used in salt water exclusively. Anyone have problems with v drive sundancers very unresponsive to the helm when motoring along ? My brothers 93 37' sundancer is very slow to turn when motoring along.

 

[JimG]

Neither both has a generator and both have a/c. They will be used in salt water exclusively. Anyone have problems with v drive sundancers very unresponsive to the helm when motoring along ? My brothers 93 37' sundancer is very slow to turn when motoring along.

V-drives for salt water... no question! :thumbsup:

"Unresponsive" What? Not at all... I can move out of my slip and park at the gas pump while never touching the steering wheel. :huh:

While on plane you have to use the rudders... but its fine!

 

[docofthebay]

A v-drive is going to turn slower at speed than an outdrive powered boat. The outdrive gives directional thrust therefore turns quickly whereas the vdrive uses rudder angle to turn. Any twin is going to greatly outhandle a single at slow or idle/dock speeds.
My previous boat was a 300 with twin 350s and alpha one outdrives. Very responsive to steering input especially at speed. Current boat is the 390 with straight inboards. Slow steering at speed but impressive close quarter handling using engine inputs to steer- not the wheel. The twin outdrives handled well around the dock as well but the boat pivot point was farther back. I'd go with the twins any day over the single

 

[Whitenights]

Steering wheel/rudders are not much help at slow speeds. I make sure my rudder is straight when coming down to idle speed, from then on turning is done with the engines.

V-drives are without a doubt the best way to go for a bigger boat, particularly if it is going to sit in the water.

 

[DustinL]

I agree on twin V-drives....and definatley if your going to operate in saltwater....plus if you loose one you still have one to run on. I run over size props on my v-drive and it performs great while at idle....as far as turning while running there is a little difference but not a great one...and welcome to CSR

 

[eastern270]

Thanks for the responses. How bout opinions on a 29 with 4.3L mercs with alpha drives.

 

[Sundancer]

All of your boat choices are great. One of the things I looked for was a straight shot from the transom door to the drivers seat. In other words, the transom door had to be on the port side. I've driven all of the boats mentioned and the 290 with twins was a nice boat to drive as well. I didn't get to load it down with a lot of weight, so I can't comment on that. It was a great boat, but I'd still lean towards inboards if planning on using it in saltwater. I use our 300 DA in both fresh and saltwater. Saltwater is only about one or two weeks a year. I wanted to get close to the beach and it HAD to be trailerable.

 

[eastern270]

Thanks again for the replies. I actually looked at the 290 over the weekend and immediately after going aboard knew it was going to be much to small for my family. So I was able to rule out a 290 with only a 30 mile drive to see it. I think I would rather go for a pre 1990 280' DA with the wider beam or step it to a 30 with the wider beam. The 9'8" beam on the 290' was just to cramped with just me looking at it.
Thanks again,
Sean

 

[Bernie Ludwig]

1989 Sea Ray 280 owner here. I repowered with new 357's that put out 350 hp to the prop each and i am thrilled with the results. The engins are overpowering for he boat but move her with ease. I only burned 15 gallons an hour between the two when going to Ac last year. The 1989 280 is the same boat as the 1990 30'. I would suggest taking a look at his year. you will not be disapointed. Good luck.