Need help with info on a purchase of a 99 460 sundancer

Steve500dancer

Steve500dancer

Member
Jul 13, 2009
868
Franklin Tennessee (Nashville area)
Boat Info
1996 500 sundancer
2001 340 sundancer sold
2001 270 Rinker sold
1996 240 sundancer sold
Engines
Twin 6v92 Detroit deisels
While I was looking for a 410 sundancer I came across a 99 460 sundancer that might be a great deal. I really need some help on figuring out what to look out for as well as some pricing on things that I know that the boat needs. Any help on this on any parts of this that anyone knows the costs of would be greatly appreciated.

The boat has about 475 hours and has the Cummings diesels, ultra-suade interior. (told this was a pretty big upgrade) has the hydraulic swim platform, Trackvision TV, new color Garmin and an extra pair of props.

The boat needs:

starboard engine is running hot when under high load. This tells me the risers, manifolds and heat exchangers all need replacing.

1- risers

2- manifolds

3- heat exchangers replaced or cleaned

4- full engine service

5- generator manifold replaced or cleaned

6- generator heat exchanger replaced or cleaned

7- generator fully serviced

8- she needs full canvas and isonglass (black)

9- clothes washer is missing

10-full buff wax and detail

11-full snap in carpet

12-engine compartment is pretty dirty and has the typical salt rust on some stuff and will need a full detail including prime and paint anything that has any rust on it.

I was also told That sea ray had some issues with the hull being an issue with moisture. I had this one checked top side and she seems dry except for around the anchor locker area. That area was showing a little moisture. Everything around all the hatches and port windows was good.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have some dececions to make and still have a survey to have done.

Thank you in advance
Steve
 
The "manifolds" you are referring to are actually aftercoolers and if you pull one of the pencil zincs, see what condition that are in and how much crud is built up inside it. Pulling the aftercoolers and heat exchanger isn't too tough and having them boiled out will cost close to a boat unit. Have a Cummins Tech run it through its paces and he will be able to tell you how strong the engines are. Also have the water pump checked and make sure the strainers are clean. Those engines need a lot of water running through them to keep them cool.

Good luck!
 
Also, canvas for that size of boat will cost upwards of $10K, forget the washer and replace it with a wine refer, in my area a real good detail job will cost at least $1K. D you do any of the engine work or do you hire it out? If you hire everything out you may be looking at another $10K in my estimation if you don't need to replace aftercoolers and heat exchangers.
 
Steve, I would stop right where you are and PM FrankW. Listen to him and follow his advice! I went thru some of the same stuff on a 450DA but
my engine room was spotless and was fairly maintained. I looked at a 400DA that had hull moisture on survey and i passed but they came back with a significant reduction in price. Knowing what i do now it was a steal and i should have probably bought it. It worked out great tho, as i got a 450DA that i love. PM Frank right now and let him guide you thru the buying process if he has time. Good luck, JC
 
Steve,
By all means get all the advice you can on this one but the 1999 460DA was the first year of production and had a few warts to be worked out. Watch things like hull moisture around the thru-hull intakes and hull sides around the air intakes and stanchions. The boat you are considering is probably available at a low price but it may be a situation of "you get what you pay for". Taking into account all the problems that both you and the surveyor see, you will still have to deal with other minor failures that will result from what sounds like a neglected boat.
I would guess that the starboard engine needs after cooler service and a new impeller at the very least. Maybe the boat is over propped as well. A dirty engine compartment says a lot IMHO.
James
 
Thanks guys, I sure appreciate the advice. I am going to PM Frank and see if he is willing to talk about Sea Ray problems..

Thanks
Steve
 
Steve,

I never received a PM, but thought I better let you know I'm traveling this week and have very spotty internet access. I know the 460DA and the Cummins engines you mentioned pretty well and can help you. I am reluctant to post a lot of problems with any boat folks are talking about because there are always several owners of that same boat on the site. I don't want to offend anyone nor do I want to get into an argument when somebody tries to defend a purchase decision he made. I am pro-Sea Ray because this is a Sea Ray dedicated site, but I deal in facts, even if it reflects badly on Sea Ray.

If you are at a purchase/offer decision point, then we probably need to talk by phone...........I'll PM you the number.

Frank
 
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Check for moisture in the core around the engine room hullside vents. On some of these Sea Ray did not seal the plastic vents and there was exposed balsa core around the holes that absorbed water. We have repaired these. It is not a small project.
I am a fan of that boat with those engines but the construction was not the best.
 
Steve,

Please follow the advice of FWEBSTER and if there are any concerns on the survey report, I will be happy to discuss the findings for your piece of mind. The boat is over ten years old but that means little to a well maintained vessel and of course it means a lot to one that has been neglected.

You are surrounded by great people on this site that will coach you through this, so please use them. I would take a couple of these site guy's opinions, over many of the surveyors I have met through the years.....

Contact me if needed sir.

Rusty
 
I spoke with Frank yesterday. What a great guy. Very knowladegable when it comes to these boats. He gave me some great advice on what to look for and what to expect from a 460 dancer. Pros and cons. I plan on following his advice to the letter. Now I am just playing the waiting game with the seller. Will he take my offer or tell me to pound sand.

It turns out that Frank only lives 45 minutes away from me. I. Hope I get the chance to re pay him for the advice with a nice dinner some night.

Best regards
Steve
 
Rusty, I sure appreciate the information and I will certainly give you a call if I have any questions. It is much appreciated.

Best regards
Steve
 
Steve i live in Brentwood TN and have personally put almost 3,000 hours on my 2001 460 sundancer. i have never had to clean or replace any of the items you mentioned. The first thing i woould check is if the water pumps have been rebuilt. if you would like to discuss contact me.
 
That would be great...where do you keep your boat Chichu. You probably have it sitting on a fresh water lake. This boat has been sitting in the Miamia salt and sun.

Steve
 
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