Need Opinion 1986-89 39' Express
- Thread starter d-man
- Start date
sprink56
New Member
- Oct 28, 2008
- 1,288
- Boat Info
- 1979 255 Liberator
- Engines
- twin Mercruiser 450 HP I/O on Bravo I Drives
Well Well...welcome to those of us who have fallen under the 390 EC "spell".:thumbsup:
Seriously...this is one of the most popular boats that Sea Ray ever produced. At the end of the run in '91, Sea Ray produced 1800+ copies of this model in the Sykes Creek, Florida facility...a record for boats of this size and class!!
You will hear many likes and dis-likes about the 390. I have had one and learned much about these boats before and during my ownership. Frank Webster on this board is probably the most knowledgeable connoisseur of this boat, having owned one for 10~12 years. I learned alot from Frank and I'm sure he will chime in when he sees this post..so I'll just hit the high spots.
The most developed version of this model were the '89 & '90 models. One of the major differences is that the cockpit seat bases were previously built from plywood and rotted terribly. They became molded fiberglass starting in '89.
Get a survey!!! The newest versions of this boat are 20 years old and neglect happens to multiply by the year. Look for leaks...especially around all cabin windows and beneath the windshield. Make certain that your surveyor goes over the boat you select with a moisture meeter. Rotten stringers are a problem with this model if the limber holes in the stringers were not sealed properly originally and maintained. Neglect in this area allows water intrusion into the stringer which is fatal to a 390 EC. Check to see if the fresh water tank leaks. You can tell by opening the floor hatch over the tank in the salon floor and locating the hold down brackets. These brackets are held to the floor by stainless wood screws. Back a screw or two out and see if the wood dust around the screw is dry or wet. If it's dry...you have a dry boat. If it's wet...the boat has been very wet...for a long time.
Remember that unless a system has been replaced it is 20 + years old and past it's service life. This holds true especially for items like A/C systems, water heaters, fresh water system pumps, etc.
These boats perform marginally well with carbureted gassers...a bit better with later MPI re-power. Both are gas hogs..30~50 GPH normal cruising. The 390 EC displaces 18K lbs and needs diesel torque to perform well. The diesel option of this boat came with 3208 CATs and does very well with those engines. Tobnpr on this forum has a diesel version currently for sale and I am sure would speak to you about his boats particulars.
OK 390 fans...pick it up where I left off:thumbsup:
John F
Seriously...this is one of the most popular boats that Sea Ray ever produced. At the end of the run in '91, Sea Ray produced 1800+ copies of this model in the Sykes Creek, Florida facility...a record for boats of this size and class!!
You will hear many likes and dis-likes about the 390. I have had one and learned much about these boats before and during my ownership. Frank Webster on this board is probably the most knowledgeable connoisseur of this boat, having owned one for 10~12 years. I learned alot from Frank and I'm sure he will chime in when he sees this post..so I'll just hit the high spots.
The most developed version of this model were the '89 & '90 models. One of the major differences is that the cockpit seat bases were previously built from plywood and rotted terribly. They became molded fiberglass starting in '89.
Get a survey!!! The newest versions of this boat are 20 years old and neglect happens to multiply by the year. Look for leaks...especially around all cabin windows and beneath the windshield. Make certain that your surveyor goes over the boat you select with a moisture meeter. Rotten stringers are a problem with this model if the limber holes in the stringers were not sealed properly originally and maintained. Neglect in this area allows water intrusion into the stringer which is fatal to a 390 EC. Check to see if the fresh water tank leaks. You can tell by opening the floor hatch over the tank in the salon floor and locating the hold down brackets. These brackets are held to the floor by stainless wood screws. Back a screw or two out and see if the wood dust around the screw is dry or wet. If it's dry...you have a dry boat. If it's wet...the boat has been very wet...for a long time.
Remember that unless a system has been replaced it is 20 + years old and past it's service life. This holds true especially for items like A/C systems, water heaters, fresh water system pumps, etc.
These boats perform marginally well with carbureted gassers...a bit better with later MPI re-power. Both are gas hogs..30~50 GPH normal cruising. The 390 EC displaces 18K lbs and needs diesel torque to perform well. The diesel option of this boat came with 3208 CATs and does very well with those engines. Tobnpr on this forum has a diesel version currently for sale and I am sure would speak to you about his boats particulars.
OK 390 fans...pick it up where I left off:thumbsup:
John F
Pietro
Active Member
Here I am!!! :thumbsup: Still in love after 17 years!!!
Why? She is solid, has beautiful classic lines, offers unsurpassed lay-out, performs well with 3208 and can handle the sea easily!
First I must say that I am learning a lot about my 390 here on CSR and this gave me more impulse in starting the restoration!
The 390 has a few faults but they are well know and can be fixed (just like my old FIAT 500:grin
. I have realized that my 1990 version is surely much better built that older ones. Very little leakage from the side windows and no from the windshield or the stanchions! Yes the freshwater tank soaked the floor... but there is no water in the stringers.
Never had a problem with the electrical circuits.
I have now the chance to perform a close inspection on every area of the boat and I must say it's well built with thick solid fiberglass and good hardware. My opinion is confirmed by the guys at the boatyard and they have great experience!
I would suggest this beauty to everybody, but as John stated is an old boat and requires a lot of love, so do not forget it :wink:
tobnpr
New Member
Can't add much to what John said above.
Mine has been TOTALLY redone- and she's ready to ship up north.
The 390 has more room, and a better layout, than any current or late model SR in it's size range IMO. Find one that's been restored, or a decent project boat, and you won't be disappointed.
Mine has been TOTALLY redone- and she's ready to ship up north
.The 390 has more room, and a better layout, than any current or late model SR in it's size range IMO. Find one that's been restored, or a decent project boat, and you won't be disappointed.
Ricochet
Active Member
All of the above information is good, we have owned ours for six years and love it, as far as lake michigan boating, it will handle most anything at the correct speed, I would try and stay 89 or 90 if possible, just be aware of issues on older ones.
sbw1
Well-Known Member
- Oct 10, 2006
- 8,191
- Boat Info
- This is listed in my signature
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- This is listed in my signature
Agree. I considered getting one of the earlier models years ago. There were some fairly significant issues with some of the earliest built boats. Lots of inconsistancies in build quality.
sprink56
New Member
- Oct 28, 2008
- 1,288
- Boat Info
- 1979 255 Liberator
- Engines
- twin Mercruiser 450 HP I/O on Bravo I Drives
When you narrow it down, share your findings/pics,etc. and we will gladly help you.
FYI...Tobnpr's diesel in the Tampa area is probably the best turn key example of a diesel 390EC on the market now. Definitely worthy of serious consideration.
Keep us up-dated,
John F
