questions about 2000 sea ray sundancer 380

[mizzou_shooter]

Hey guys,
New here with a few questions about a new purchase! We have always been bass boat and small boat people so this is a BIG step for us! Any help would be appreciated!

My dad is looking at a year 2000 sea ray sundancer 380 with twin 8.1 gas engines. It looks GREAT! Little things are not perfect but over all the carpet, furniture and everything looks to be well taken care of. It has 500 hours on it. The body looks GREAT! It also has satellite TV installed, a CRAZY huge stereo system with 3 large amps, GPS, and radar.
We signed a contract and will be closing next weekend with a final ride through and inspection.

A few questions for you:

--We are paying $85,000. This seems to be a VERY good deal if I am looking at other boats correctly. The boat started at 135,000 and he came down nicely. I know you can't tell without looking at the boat but does this seem to be a good deal?

--Is there anything we should look for on the final drive through and inspection? I know there are a ton of things to look at but if there are something’s that are specific to this model to look out for I would really appreciate it.

Thanks for looking and helping out! We really appreciate it!
Eric

 

[jpk33]

Eric - it's a great boat. Price is what the market will bring - what are similar size boats going for in your area? It seems to be a very good price (owner seeming willing to deal!). Does the boat have a generator (if so how many hours?). Did you have a marine/engine survey done? If so what items did the survey say need to be addressed? I am assuming that this boat was on the river or Lake of the Ozarks - I've seen a few whith similar stereo set-ups. How old and how many batteries on the boat - they may need to be replaced if 4-5 years old - 5 AGM batteries will be $1k+ (4 engine + 1 generator batt). The stereo will DRAW huge amps from the batteries (thats why the generator hours are important). Does the owner have maintainence records? When were the impellars last changed on the engines? There is a section here dedicated to the 380DA take a long read (lots of pages) but it will give you some insight into a great boat http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12200
Good luck and welcome aboard - there a lot of helpful people here who will answer your questions. - Jeff

 

[mizzou_shooter]

Thanks for the response Jeff!

Here are a few answers and a few more questions:

The boat has a generator with 400 some hours. It has a bad bearing that will be replaced before closing on the boat.

We will have the engine/boat survey done this weekend BEFORE closing. My dad wants to use the mechanic that works at the marina that we are buying the boat from. I'm nervous about using a mechanic that is on the payroll of the marina that is selling us the boat. The guy seems to be a straight shooter but you never know. Thoughts?

I'll have to check on the batteries. Good question!

I will get the maintenance records. What should I look out for?

I will check on the impeller. How often does it need to be changed?

I have looked at the great thread and it is VERY helpful.
Any other opinions are welcomed!
THANKS!
Eric

 

[RollerCoastr]

My dad wants to use the mechanic that works at the marina that we are buying the boat from.

NO!

 

[Southpaw II]

1. The 8.1 engines were introduced mid-to-late-year, 2001. These engines could have been installed due to some warranty issue. Ask your seller to hook their computer up to check the hrs. on the engines through the ECM. See if it agrees with the hr. display on the tach. Could not be a problem, but it would be nice to know the actual history here....if there is one.

2. Generator bearing? Sounds vague. Make sure your understand what's being replaced here. If you choose their mechanic, is there a warranty on his work? And, when they change this "bearing", how 'bout going ahead and changing the oil and the impeller in the generator.

3. In freshwater, change your impeller about every 100 hrs., or when you change the oil. If your boat gets winterized, change it every year, after it sets for the winter. These things seem to take a "set" when going unused for a while. If your boat stays in the water over the winter, and you heat the bilge, crank the boat every week or so.

Don

 

[Rum Runner]

My two cents, for what it's worth. I think your getting a great price...out here, on the West Coast, I don't think you even come close to that boat for less than 130,000.00. I agree with RollerCoastr, it's a mistake to use the Marina Mech. he's probably a good mech. but you need to use a certified surveyor. Someone who survey's boats all the time. These guys work for you, and they know what to look for. And then you should make sure, if you do get a vessel surveyor, he's qualified to do the engines. Make sure you check for moisture in the stringers. Check for water in the bilge before you take it out on your trial run and then again after you get back to the marina. And of course, keep in mind, if everything checks out and the deal goes through.....in no time at all you'll still find problems....but that goes with owning a boat. Good luck, hope it all works out. Post some pictures when you get a chance.