OFFICIAL 390/40 Motor Yacht Thread

Hi All,
I currently have a Cruisers 3170 Esprit.
Myself and the Admiral are looking to move up.
We have been looking at the SR 390/40 MY. We have looked at a few and really like the looks. We like the hardtop with less height/windage. Also big points for less canvas/eisenglass.
Heat/AC in the Helm/Cockpit, etc... much more comforts than what we have now.
What is new to me is the handling part like backing down into a slip, the overall handling of the MY vs my cruisers.
Any tips?
Also looking/comparing with the Cruisers 405/415. What I like about the Cruisers is the small peices of eisenglass above the windshield for air flow. Any thoughts on that compared to the fully enclosure of the Searay?
Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions?
Going to look at a Carver 396 next week just to compare.
This thread has a lot of good info. Hope to be adding to this soon.
Thanks,
I think you'll find that most any diesel boat will handle better than gas because of the greater torque provided. The 390/40 MY will be impacted by adverse winds around the dock but less so than an aft cabin with an upper bridge. I think you'd be hard pressed to find one without a bow thruster which will help. As to airflow, there is an electrically actuated window in the center of the windshield and opening side windows. With those and the side and aft doors open there is plenty of airflow on my boat. But, probably the majority of the time we operate with everything closed and enjoy the AC.
 
Though very new to the culture, I can offer a complete “thumbs up” to the 390MY!

Having nothing to compare it to, I find that it is (tho intimidating at first) easy and enjoyable to pilot. The backing into the slip, docking and steerage through Lock/Dams has gone very well overall with the rare OMG instances. I love the look and feel of this awesome boat and can’t wait till next season!

I would endorse this acquisition whole heartedly! Fin
 
I looked at a Carver MY in the same size range as the 40MY. Actually had a purchase offer on a Carver with Volvo diesels but bailed after a survey. Hard to find Volvo techs in my area but generally the Carver 41My was a nice lay out. I noticed when I stepped on the Carver, however it would give or tilt on my weight (200lbs) but the SR40MY hardly knew I stepped on it . Gave me the impression of being more substantial. All the fit and finish of the SR40 is very good. Well laid out and secured wiring and good access to bilge maintenance items. I liked the open aft cockpit of the Carver 41MY so will plan to get an extended swim platform for the SR 40MY, but the helm /cockpit are of the SR is quiet and like a Limo at sea. Diesel engine is the way to go for resale and electronics if older than 2005 my be subject to refit at significant expense. Good luck on the search.
 
Thanks for your replies. I have looked at a couple of 40 MY and the one we really liked had water in the bilge. The others didn't have much. Are there any issues on the 390/40 with water in the bilge?
 
Given that our boats are similar, what is the “engine sweetspot” for yours?

Fin
 
Bone dry on mine too. Check for tub rings showing long term water ingress. Clean water no rings maybe from recent maintenance on through hull filters.
 
Hi everyone. Took possession of my new (to me) 2004 390 Motor Yacht last week! First time owner with definite "deer in the headlights " looks but a SMILE that has yet to leave my mug. Great purchase experience with the previous owners and a very helpful group at the Marina. I'm having close friends with years of boating teach me the ins and outs.

Primary use this season is on the Mississippi River with shorter trips as I get up to speed on the boats functions and capabilities. This is a great forum with tons of information. Thank you guys!
Congratulations on your purchase. I also have the 2004 390 MY and just completed my second season with it. I have loved the room on the boat and spending weekends on it is a pleasure. Best wishes on your boat and be happy to help in any way I can. Rob
 
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Hi All,
I currently have a Cruisers 3170 Esprit.
Myself and the Admiral are looking to move up.
We have been looking at the SR 390/40 MY. We have looked at a few and really like the looks. We like the hardtop with less height/windage. Also big points for less canvas/eisenglass.
Heat/AC in the Helm/Cockpit, etc... much more comforts than what we have now.
What is new to me is the handling part like backing down into a slip, the overall handling of the MY vs my cruisers.
Any tips?
Also looking/comparing with the Cruisers 405/415. What I like about the Cruisers is the small peices of eisenglass above the windshield for air flow. Any thoughts on that compared to the fully enclosure of the Searay?
Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions?
Going to look at a Carver 396 next week just to compare.
This thread has a lot of good info. Hope to be adding to this soon.
Thanks,
I looked at both Cruisers 405 and the Sea Ray 390 when I purchased my 390. After two seasons I must be candid and say the one thing I do not like about the boat is the completely enclosed bridge. I personally enjoy the wind and sun but didn't think I would miss it as much as I do as the opening vent in the windshield and the minimally opening side windows dont give me the airflow I would prefer. Having said that, when inclement or cold weather is around, or extremely hot, the enclosed bridge is very nice with heat and AC. I have not had any issues with the 390 as far as handling but mine has both the bow and stern thrusters. The boat rides extremely smooth and with the substantial weight of the boat breaks through wakes with no problem or pounding. I found the 405 to be much noisier at the helm than the 390 and didn't seem to be as solid overall, but that could just be the one I tested. Rob
 
I would love to hear any suggestions or see photos on what you have done or added to your boat!
Fin
I didn't change a lot on the boat other than upgrading things that needed improvement due to wear. I replaced all the canvas on the boat as well as upgraded the Nav. lights to LED, upgraded the speakers to JL Audio, installed a new chartplotter in place of the old GPS, and added a grill. The only major change I made was to install a separate battery bank for the generator and completely isolate it from the starting/house batteries. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Rob
 
390/40 owners, I would be curious as to what you all use for dinghy davits. Does anyone have a larger dinghy with a rigid bottom and/or center console? I would like to have a dinghy that could be used as a separate boat, however, it appears that many dinghy systems will not work on the 390 due to the water tank in the rear of the boat or the short depth of the swim platform. I would be interested in solutions you may have come up with including pictures.
Rob
 
Hi all, Sold our 370 DA and are in the market for a 39/40 MY. I know the potential issues with the 480CE in regards to over-propping,cooling maintenance etc. But can't find much about the QSB 425. Anything specific to look for ? TY
 
Hi all, Sold our 370 DA and are in the market for a 39/40 MY. I know the potential issues with the 480CE in regards to over-propping,cooling maintenance etc. But can't find much about the QSB 425. Anything specific to look for ? TY
The QSB engines seem to be fairly clear of some of the horror stories heard about other engines. I think you want to check on the service history just like you would for any engine. There is a potential for major problems if aftercooler maintenance has not been done regularly or properly so I think that needs to be a focus. If you get to the purchase process on one, I would include an either an inspection by Cummins or a qualified engine surveyor.
 
Hi all, Sold our 370 DA and are in the market for a 39/40 MY. I know the potential issues with the 480CE in regards to over-propping,cooling maintenance etc. But can't find much about the QSB 425. Anything specific to look for ? TY
If you are considering gas engines in your future 390 as well as diesel, give me a shout. I have actually been considering going the trawler route but my 390 is pristine and freshwater with low hours.
Rob
 
390/40 owners, I would be curious as to what you all use for dinghy davits. Does anyone have a larger dinghy with a rigid bottom and/or center console? I would like to have a dinghy that could be used as a separate boat, however, it appears that many dinghy systems will not work on the 390 due to the water tank in the rear of the boat or the short depth of the swim platform. I would be interested in solutions you may have come up with including pictures.
Rob
Hi We have the dinghy caddie. It is made and sold in Midland, Ontario. We get a lot of inquiries.
 
Fin
I didn't change a lot on the boat other than upgrading things that needed improvement due to wear. I replaced all the canvas on the boat as well as upgraded the Nav. lights to LED, upgraded the speakers to JL Audio, installed a new chartplotter in place of the old GPS, and added a grill. The only major change I made was to install a separate battery bank for the generator and completely isolate it from the starting/house batteries. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Rob
Rob

What Grill did you get and where did you mount it?

Fin
 
Has anyone installed Seadek on the swim platform and steps of the 390 MY? Seadek does not have the template on file.

Thanks

Fin
 
Rob

What Grill did you get and where did you mount it?

Fin
Fin
I purchased the Magma Grill, round type, and mounted it on the swim platform grab handle on the port side of the boat.
Rob
 

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