Need input on future boat 38-40ish feet.

[marks737]

Hello fellow Sea Ray owners! We currently have a 2002 310 Sundancer and want to move up into the 38-40 ft. range also in a Sundancer not older than say 2005. I would greatly appreciate your input on which year and models would be the best. The big question seems to be gas or diesel. We boat in NJ and do lots short trips but want to start taking longer trips up the Hudson, Block Island, Connecticut etc...Would like a larger, heavier more Seaworthy boat. We do like the hard top Sundancer style.

Any input on experience with diesels as far as reliability, performance and cost to maintain would be helpful as well. Thanks!

 

[gerryb]

40 or 44 Sundancer would be the logical choice. Dollar-for-dollar both are great boats. Well built and reliable. The 40 was built from 2006 to 2010. The 44 went from 2006 thru 2008. In the 40, gas vs diesel always is the biggest debate. I'm in the camp of wondering why you would want to put a gas engine on a 20,000+ lb. boat if you didn't have to? Physics point to the better option.
I think the 44 is a very nice boat but not worth the extra $30+K for the way we boat (mostly just 2-3 people aboard).

 

[Zach312]

Either a 40 or 44 Sundancer would be great choices. We owned a 40 with QSB 425 Diesels. I am firmly in the camp that this boat (or 44) should have Diesel power. It seems the argument for gas is usually from the owner who isn't taking long trips and generally land lock. For example we have a dock mate who owns a 44 sundancer with 8.1 merc gas engines. They only put out to small island every weekend. In 5 years I have never seen the boat on plane. I guess in that case I get why the didn't buy the boat with diesel power. However I can never see myself using a boat like that so like gerryb I am strongly in favor of diesel power in this size.

A side note we liked our 40 enough that if financial circumstances changed we would buy the 40 again. If a second head is important then look for a 44.

Let me know if there are any specific questions and good luck with your search!