Orientation assistance for my new 2008 Sundancer 380...

J

jtleto

New Member
Apr 8, 2013
2
Great Falls, VA
Boat Info
380 Sundancer 2008, Raymarine E120
Engines
Mercruisers 8.1 Horizon
Hello,

Last Friday I closed on a 2008 380! I have had smaller Sea Rays for years (open bows etc). I have read the 44 page manual and found it to be very high level.

Can anyone recommend a good way to get oriented with its systems, power panel, generator, head, power up procedures etc.

I will be keeping it in Annapolis Md.

Also what is the trick to getting the Power Hatch Lift to work, is there a safety mechanism keeping it from opening when I push the button?
 
As you pull into your slip, start screaming Oh Oh Oh!!! Everyone on your dock will come out to help :smt038 Honestly, once you birth her, your dock mates will be a world of knowledge. Pick wisely though.
 
jtleto said:
Hello,

Last Friday I closed on a 2008 380! I have had smaller Sea Rays for years (open bows etc). I have read the 44 page manual and found it to be very high level.

Can anyone recommend a good way to get oriented with its systems, power panel, generator, head, power up procedures etc.

I will be keeping it in Annapolis Md.

Also what is the trick to getting the Power Hatch Lift to work, is there a safety mechanism keeping it from opening when I push the button?
Click to expand...

Since you are in the DC area call Prince William and ask about their owners maintenance class. They run it once a month. I don't know if it's open to non PWM customers, but it's a fantastic course. I've taken it with each of my boats.

They go over the vital systems and things you can fix on your own. They also go over some tips for dealing with problems on the water.

Their maintenance staff are awesome.
 
WDCboater said:
Since you are in the DC area call Prince William and ask about their owners maintenance class. They run it once a month. I don't know if it's open to non PWM customers, but it's a fantastic course. I've taken it with each of my boats.

They go over the vital systems and things you can fix on your own. They also go over some tips for dealing with problems on the water.

Their maintenance staff are awesome.
Click to expand...
I can tell you with almost full certainty that if you didn't buy it from PWM, then PWM ain't going to give you the time of day.
 
If you can provide me with a good landline number, I will try and help. PM me if you would like to have a conversation......might want to have a sharp pencil and a cold drink ready.

R
 
jtleto said:
Hello,

Last Friday I closed on a 2008 380! I have had smaller Sea Rays for years (open bows etc). I have read the 44 page manual and found it to be very high level.

Can anyone recommend a good way to get oriented with its systems, power panel, generator, head, power up procedures etc.

I will be keeping it in Annapolis Md.

Also what is the trick to getting the Power Hatch Lift to work, is there a safety mechanism keeping it from opening when I push the button?
Click to expand...


Hey where in Annapolis. South river here. Congrats on the new boat.
 
This forum will be invaluable.

One idea might be to find a local captain who is familiar with your size Sea Ray's and hire him for the day to work with you on systems and their operation - or a half day.
 
FootballFan said:
This forum will be invaluable.

One idea might be to find a local captain who is familiar with your size Sea Ray's and hire him for the day to work with you on systems and their operation - or a half day.
Click to expand...


OK here is what I now know. PWM will indeed not give you the time of day if you do not buy from them, I confirmed that. But Clarks out of Shadyside were more then happen to help. A gentleman who works for them is going to help me move the boat to Chesapeake Harbor where will keep it He is going to spend the morning with me doing a full overview, and to boot the broker, Annapolis Yacht Company is covering bill. Good people all around.

You all have been very helpful!!!
 
J-
Technically, I can't offer much help with your boat. I can however offer you this;

1. Welcome to CSR. More knowledge here that you can imagine and these guys are eager to help.
2. Please do yourself a favor and take advantage of Rusty's offer. This guy has Sea Ray branded into his heart. He is a class act from the word go. Not to mention that he probably knows your boat inside & out, bow to stern.

again, welcome to CSR.
 
ZZ13 said:
I can tell you with almost full certainty that if you didn't buy it from PWM, then PWM ain't going to give you the time of day.
Click to expand...
Not entirely true from my experience. They won't service boats they didn't sell but they would love to sell you parts.
When I had my Stingray back in the early nineties I shreaded both belts and was stuck in the occoquan. I walked to PWM and Doug Phillips loaned me tools to fix my boat right there on the water. I also bought new belts from them. They didn't have to do that.

jtleto said:
OK here is what I now know. PWM will indeed not give you the time of day if you do not buy from them, I confirmed that. But Clarks out of Shadyside were more then happen to help. A gentleman who works for them is going to help me move the boat to Chesapeake Harbor where will keep it He is going to spend the morning with me doing a full overview, and to boot the broker, Annapolis Yacht Company is covering bill. Good people all around.

You all have been very helpful!!!
Click to expand...
I can you tell you a thing or two about Clark's Landing but I'm not trying to trash a dealer just because they had a bad egg working on there.

Zorba said:
Take Rusty up on his offer. He's the most knowledgeable guy your going to talk too...
Click to expand...
If he is offering to help you basically have Sea Ray privately helping you on their own time.
 
blaster said:
Not entirely true from my experience. They won't service boats they didn't sell but they would love to sell you parts.
When I had my Stingray back in the early nineties I shreaded both belts and was stuck in the occoquan. I walked to PWM and Doug Phillips loaned me tools to fix my boat right there on the water. I also bought new belts from them. They didn't have to do that.


I can you tell you a thing or two about Clark's Landing but I'm not trying to trash a dealer just because they had a bad egg working on there.


If he is offering to help you basically have Sea Ray privately helping you on their own time.
Click to expand...

PWM will take of their customers first, but if you're buying parts or service from them they will help. Doug is a great guy.

I agree with your assessment on Clark's. My 2010 350 actually was a Clark's boat that they sold to another customer. That customer had such a bad experience with Clark's Sea Ray took it back, gave them a new one from PWM's inventory and then PWM sold it to me as a used boat with 60 hours! There's more to the story, but short version is that Clark's has issues.

If Rusty is offering to help, that's a sure bet.
 
Sum Escape said:
Transom door needs to be open to allow ER hatch to open.
Click to expand...

Assuming it's the center door 38DA, it's the opposite from the 44, the door must be closed. :smt001

If you have any specific questions, there are several of us with 2006 and newer 38DA's and 390DA's that would love to field questions!
 
Last edited:
Brutus C Paw said:
Assuming it's the center door 38DA, it's the opposite from the 44, the door must be closed. :smt001

If you have any specific questions, there are several of us with 2006 and newer 38DA's and 390DA's that would love to field questions!
Click to expand...

Oops.... Sorry! Thanks for pointing out my error.
 
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